7 Things Home Owners Shouldn’t Avoid

Homeowners often pay attention to the cosmetic issues with their homes because they can see these. However, what homeowners can’t see will result in troublesome and costly repairs. We have assembled a list of problems that may exist in your home, and if they do, then addressing these immediately is essential.

Pest Damage

Pest infestations can cause a lot of damage. Rodents and termites are particularly destructive, and rodents will bring germs into your home. It doesn’t take long for termites to cause expensive structural damage. Hire a certified and licensed pest control expert to protect your home.

Water Pipes That Leak 

A slow leak can be very costly. More importantly, water will damage anything it contacts. Water can weaken structural components and cause toxic black mold to grow which is a serious health hazard. Check the walls and the ceilings for wet spots. If you suspect you have a leak, you can call a plumber, or you can shut off all of the faucets and then keep an eye on the water meter to see if it continues to show the use of water.

Damaged Shingles And Rotting Roof Decking

Damaged shingles will allow water to leak into the home resulting in serious structural damage. Check the attic for signs of water leaks. Hire a professional roofer to inspect your roof and the sealants around the openings. Roof decking that has been damaged by water should be replaced because this condition will allow water to get into the home.

Broken Garage Door

A broken garage door is a major safety risk. A garage door that does not open correctly may indicate a problem with the tracks or the springs. A qualified garage door technician should be hired to make repairs and adjustments; homeowners should not attempt to make these repairs.

Frayed Wires

Frayed or otherwise damaged wires are the most frequent cause of house fires. Avoid overloading the outlets with multiple plugs, and avoid using long extension cords. It would be an excellent idea to hire an electrician to add outlets.

Make Sure The Landscaping Will Flow Water Away From The Foundation

When the landscaping does cause water to flow away from the foundation, then the water will find a way to get into the foundation. Hydrostatic pressure will begin to force the water through the foundation walls. The result will be water accumulating in the basement and a weakening of the foundation.

Fix Sagging Gutters

Water will run down the side of the home when the gutters have pulled away from their mounting points. This condition will result in damage to the home and the foundation.

 

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Home Resolution Tips for 2016

The beginning of the New Year always seems like a good time to renew our efforts to improve further our homes. Now is a good time to get rid of the stuff you haven’t used in a long time and probably won’t be using in the future. It is much easier to get organized if you only need to organize the stuff you need.

Get Organized
A good way to start is to pick a room and go through the drawers and the closets to find anything that you can discard. It is easy to accumulate clothes that you no longer wear, but a charity can put these to good use for people who do not have enough clothes. While you are going from room to room, look for ways to stash items that you use, but that look more like clutter. By clearing clutter, your home will look bigger, cleaner and brighter.

Check Your Home’s Gutters
Gutters are often overlooked because homeowners do not look up very often, but the unseen part of gutters can become a dangerous problem. Leaves and other debris can fill up the gutters and prevent the water from draining properly. The consequences of improper drainage are problems that can affect the structure of the home. Roofing material will rot and the water will eat away at the soffit and the facia. Water will overflow the gutters and travel down the side of the home causing foundation problems. The weight of the wet eaves and the debris can cause the gutters to fall away from the home.

Make The Cleaning Process Easier And More Efficient
Cleaning the home can be a time-consuming and tedious process, but it doesn’t have to be this way. The first step in making the process better is to organize all of the cleaning supplies in one carry-all container that can be carried from one room to another. You will not have to stop to find something that you need. Plan to do one room each day, and if you have to do all of the cleaning on the weekend, enlist the entire family by giving each person a task. Using this method, you can accomplish a lot in one hour.

Put Some Thought Into The Entry Way
The entry way is the space that welcomes the family home. It should be a space that sets the tone for the rest of the home. Add some pictures and other decor items that will represent your personality. A storage bench for hats and gloves is a useful addition to the space. Install coat hooks for the family and guests. A mirror will give the illusion of extra space.

For more information regarding real estate tips, visit Kathy McCarthy’s website or Facebook page!

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