Ctrl Alt Design
When it comes to home maintenance, some issues are more prevalent than others. Being aware of common home defects can help homeowners identify potential problems early, potentially saving thousands in repair costs down the line. This blog post outlines the five most common home defects, provides tips on how to spot them, and suggests ways to fix these issues effectively. WR Surveying are here to help you identify these common house issues.
Roof issues can lead to water damage inside the home and can be costly to repair if not caught early.
How to Spot: Look for missing, loose, or damaged shingles or tiles, signs of water leakage on ceilings, and blocked or damaged gutters.
How to Fix: Minor issues like replacing a few shingles can be a DIY job for those comfortable with heights, but extensive damages often require professional repair. Regularly cleaning your gutters can prevent water buildup and reduce the risk of roof problems.
Old or poorly installed windows and doors can lead to energy inefficiencies, making your home less comfortable and more expensive to heat or cool.
How to Spot: Check for drafts, condensation inside double-glazed units, or decaying frames.
How to Fix: Sealing drafts and repairing frames can sometimes be a temporary fix, but replacing old windows and doors with energy-efficient models is often a more cost-effective solution in the long run.
Damp and mold are common in many homes and can pose significant health risks if not addressed promptly. Causes include leaking pipes, rising damp from the ground, and moisture trapped within the house due to poor ventilation.
How to Spot: Look for discolored patches on walls, peeling wallpaper, a musty smell, or black specks on bathroom or kitchen surfaces.
Faulty wiring can lead to serious safety hazards, including electrical fires. This is particularly a risk in older homes that haven't been updated to handle modern electrical loads.
How to Spot: Frequent circuit breaker trips, flickering lights, buzzing sounds from outlets, or a burning smell are all red flags.
Foundation problems can threaten the structural integrity of the entire building and can be very expensive to repair.
How to Spot: Cracks in walls, especially around doors and windows, uneven floors, and doors that fail to close properly are indicative of potential foundation issues.
