Wednesday, July 1, 2009

The 10 Most Common Home Defects

My advice for Homeowners on Planning Ahead for Repairs

Although some homeowners don’t like to admit it, no house is perfect. Even the best built and maintained homes will always have items in less than perfect condition. In order to help homeowners start planning ahead for repairs, here is a list of the 10 most common home defects that frequently arise.

Many homeowners are unfamiliar with common problems a house can develop. Being aware of these home defects now can not only save in expensive repairs in the future, but also adds to the value of the home if the house should be put up for sale.”

10 Most Common Home Defects

Poor Drainage- Improper drainage can lead to water intrusion in the basement of homes and even severely compromised foundations.

Failing or Aging Heating and Cooling Systems- Older heating and cooling systems require maintenance and may be energy inefficient. There is also the risk that they can emit dangerous carbon monoxide fumes that are harmful to the family.

Environmental Hazards- Older homes may contain lead-based paint, high levels of carbon monoxide, radon, toxic molds, and even asbestos.

Inadequate Ventilation- This occurs when moisture accumulates in homes which damages interior walls and structural elements.

Improper Maintenance- Taking poor care of your household appliances can create consequences. Simple actions like cleaning out the lint trap in the clothes dryer can help prevent a fire.

Plumbing Problems- The pipes under your sink can be made of incompatible materials that lead to dripping faucets, leaking fixtures, and slow drains.

Roof Problems- The roof of your home may contain old or damaged shingles and improper flashing due to rain. The overall structure of the roof may be affected because of improperly installed collar ties and ridge beam supports.

No Permit- Many homes do not have permits for finished basements, deck additions, and hot tub and pool additions. This can lead to unnecessary fines when putting the house up for sale.

Electrical Safety Issues- A home with an out-of-date or insufficient electrical system can lead to fires and electric shock. Examples of other electrical safety hazards are ungrounded outlets, lack of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI), aluminum wiring, and faulty wiring conditions in electrical panels or elsewhere in a building. These are potentially hazardous defects and not to be taken lightly.

Rotted Wood- Wood placed around areas that are frequently wet can begin to rot. Wood around bathtubs, showers, and toilets are especially defective. The exterior of the home, including the outside trim of the house, decks, and roof eaves, should also be checked regularly for signs of rotting.

Knowing the top 10 most common house defects can help you prepare to put your home on the market. Check these areas of the home often to prevent damage and provide repairs when needed.

Call your local handyman and take a kid fishing.

2 comments:

Liquid Roof said...

Thanks for the post, this is really what i was looking for, actually i am going to repair my house and looking for some tips that can be helpful for the house, your all ideas are very good i will definitely try it, i want to repair my roofs as well but i dont have much information about the roof coating products, can you suggest me some good coatings for that.

Liquid Rubber said...

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