Taking care of your home by scheduling routine maintenance and repairs can not only save you time and money, but it can also help protect your family, preserve your home’s value, and provide peace of mind. Here’s how to tell when your home needs repairs, from wiring problems and plumbing issues to thermostat and AC repair.
Review your property records.
To find the history of a property, start with real estate sites like Trulia, which provide property sitemaps with details about the property. Meanwhile, the Multiple Listing Database (MLS), which is only accessible by real estate agents, provides zoning and ownership information.
If you’re deciding whether or not to buy a home, a property report is a great way to uncover important details about the property’s history. Property reports typically include information about the estimated property value, sales history, and market comparison. If your dream home is valued lower than other homes in the neighborhood, this may be an indicator that significant repairs are needed.
Schedule a home inspection.
If you’re planning to sell your home, working with a professional home inspector can help you determine what repairs are needed before putting your home on the market. Most homebuyers won’t commit to purchasing a home until after there’s been a thorough inspection by a professional home inspector, and a professional home inspection can help put prospective homeowners at ease.
Some common problems your home inspector might find include ground sloping, foundation problems, plumbing issues, mold, and water damage. While sellers aren’t required to make home repairs, it’s important to keep in mind that buyers can walk away from the contract without facing the consequences.
Take note of your home’s airflow.
Even if your HVAC system seems to be working effectively, your air conditioner could be giving you signs that repairs may be needed. Poor airflow is one of the most common signs that your air conditioner isn’t working effectively or that a blockage is preventing air from circulating through your home’s ductwork. In some cases, a clogged air filter, broken AC motor, or a more serious problem might be blamed for the lack of airflow.
If low airflow is an issue in your home, it’s important to schedule routine maintenance to ensure your HVAC system works properly. Working with an experienced air conditioner repair technician can not only save you money, but it can help keep your family healthy by promoting airflow, preventing mold growth, and maintaining a comfortable home temperature.
Watch out for flickering lights.
In most cases, flickering lights indicate a power surge, which can indicate bigger problems within your home. Power surges don’t always come from catastrophic events or extreme weather—more than likely, your home’s appliances are using up more energy than your electrical system can handle.
Because power surges take a significant toll on your appliances and electrical fixtures, flickering lights may be a sign that it’s time to upgrade your home’s wiring system. If you’re experiencing frequent light flickering, call a professional electrician as soon as possible to determine whether or not your home has a wiring problem.
Listen for rattling pipes.
Besides the sound of rushing water, your pipes should make minimal noise. But if you hear a rattling noise in your pipes, especially after you shut off a water valve, you might have a “water hammer.” Water hammers occur when the flow of water suddenly stops or changes direction, creating a banging noise, which leads to pipe rattling.
In older houses, flooded air chambers in your plumbing system can lead to potential problems such as rattling pipes. Meanwhile, rattling noises, poor water pressure, and unpleasant odor are often obvious signs of poorly secured pipes.
Whether you’re searching for your dream home or putting your home on the market, keeping an eye out for potential problems can help you save time and money, prevent health problems, and avoid bigger problems down the road.
