Homeowners: Beware of Common Home Problems

Here are some tips I want to share with you about common home problems to be aware of when you are buying, selling or just maintaining your home. It addresses issues such as Rotted Wood, Inadequate Ventilation, Amateur Repairs, Poor Drainage, Controlling Water, Loose or Missing Hand Rails, Roof Problems and Storm Damage. If you need help with addressing any of these problems, feel free to contact me. I have a portfolio of service professionals who I have worked with over the years.

Homeowners: Beware of Common Home Problems

RISMEDIA, June 7, 2010—Whether you are buying, selling or simply maintaining a home, beware of these common problems that can cause headaches for years to come.

Rotted Wood
Wood that’s exposed to moisture rots over time. Inspect wood in the kitchen and the bathroom, including a tub surround, toilet seat, countertop, and flooring. These spots are especially vulnerable to moisture and should be protected with a special paint or finish. Don’t forget to check the exterior of the home, including the deck, eaves, and trim for signs of rotting.

Inadequate Ventilation
If a home doesn’t have proper ventilation, moisture cannot evaporate and will inevitably cause problems. Make sure the attic is properly ventilated to ensure that the roof has a long and functional life. Proper attic ventilation allows the intense heat of the sun to escape from the attic space and promote evaporation of moisture that would otherwise damage interior walls and structural elements.

Amateur Repairs
The longer a person has lived in their home, the more likely you’ll find household repairs done by the homeowner or another amateur. Often these repairs- most commonly seen in the areas of plumbing and electrical- don’t follow building codes and are likely to fail or cause more damage down the road.

Poor Drainage
Inadequate drainage around the exterior of a home leads to water intrusion in basements, garages, and crawl spaces. This can compromise the foundation of a home and create mold problems.

Controlling Water
Water intrusion can be one of the most destructive and expensive problems. Check for well-maintained gutters, downspouts and proper grading around the foundation to direct water away from the home.

Loose or Missing Hand Rails
Over time, railings inside and outside the home can become loose or go missing. Unstable or insecure railings aren’t safe. Examine a home’s porch, deck and stair railings and landings to make sure they’re up to code.

Roof Problems
Roofing can contain old or damaged shingles or improper flashing. Should you buy a home with roof concerns, do not ignore it. Repair the roofing in order to prevent costly damage.

Storm Damage
No part of this country is impervious to storm damage. Damage from a past hurricane, tornado, or flood can plague a home for years. Inspect the roofing, siding, exterior railings for wind and water damage and defective repairs. Also, inspect the drywall for water intrusion that could create potential mold problems.

For more information, visit www.hometeaminspection.com.

Copyright© 2010 RISMedia, The Leader in Real Estate Information Systems, All Rights Reserved. This material may not be republished without permission from RISMedia.

* This monthly newsletter is brought to you by your Top 5 in Real Estate Network® Member Agent and is intended as educational information only.

RISMedia’s Top 5 Real Estate Network® is a network created by, for, and of “leading real estate professionals” who are dedicated to providing “leading real estate information to consumers.” The RISMedia Top 5 in Real Estate Network is backed by the commitment and resources of RISMedia. Top 5 was created to fill a profound void in how high-impact consumer relevant information was presented by leading real estate industry members to increasingly sophisticated, discerning, and demanding consumers, in order to both sustain and elevate the ongoing viability and appeal of the industry’s leading professionals. For more information, visit www.top5inrealestate.com.

Gail Lilley Zawacki, Realtor
Coldwell Banker Real Estate
472 Riverside Avenue
Westport, CT 06880
203-856-9949
Gail@SouthernCT.com