Major Household Problems

Water in the Wrong Places

• Water in the basement, puddling along the foundation, condensing on walls, and leaking from the roof are all signs of a major household problem. One of the most important home maintenance functions is to keep the water in, around and above your house where it’s supposed to be and nowhere else. Fix any broken shingles or roof leaks as soon as you notice them. Make sure your gutters are properly installed and clear of all debris. Direct all downspouts away from your house. Inspect the visible portions of your plumbing frequently and insulate your pipes against freezing. Make sure your attic has adequate venting to avoid moisture build-up and ice dams in the winter. These steps alone will prevent many major water problems.

Foundation Problems

• While small, hairline cracks might be normal and no cause for alarm, they might also be the first signs of foundation problems. Monitor cracks you see closely. If they start to get bigger, or if your basement wall begins to bulge, you probably have a bad foundation. Other ways to tell are uneven floors, or doors that won't shut or shut all by themselves. Take note of windows that used to open fine but now get stuck. Foundation problems can be hard to spot from the inside if your basement's finished. Look outside for uneven walls, cracks or bulges. They might be telltale signs of bigger, hidden problems. It's always best to catch foundation problems early, when the cost to fix them is relatively low.

Roof Repairs

• If there's a problem with your roof, it's almost guaranteed to get worse over time. A leak caused by loose shingles and a rotted roofing deck board will expand, perhaps causing damage to rafters, unsightly stains in your ceiling, and even a caved-in ceiling. If you think you have an old roof that needs to be replaced, get several bids and let the contractors know you're bidding the job. You're more likely to get their best price up front if they know they have competition.

Insects

• There's a reason mortgage companies require a pest inspection before giving you a loan. Termites and carpenter ants can damage a house so severely that it has to be torn down. While that's an extreme case, it has happened. At the very least, you're looking at expensive pest control treatments. Have your house sprayed for pests every year. Keep firewood and other wood stored away from your home, preferably in the far corner of your yard. Know what a termite or carpenter ant looks like and keep a diligent eye out for the pests. Stop them before they cost you money.

Radon

• Radon tests are another common test that mortgage companies ask for before lending money for a house. Radon is an invisible, cancer-causing, radioactive gas. It comes from radioactive decay found in nearly all soils. It moves into your home through cracks in floors and walls and gets trapped inside your home. The build-up of radon is what causes health problems. While other major household problems involve your home’s structure, radon impacts your health. If your home hasn’t been tested for radon, it would be a good idea to get it tested. If you have a radon problem, there are contractors who can handle getting the problem fixed.