A new home is a new start, but there's always an abundance of teething problems that, if we don't face up to them sooner rather than later, can snowball further down the line. It's always worth bearing in mind the common issues new homeowners face, so if you are in the process of purchasing a property or you've taken the next step in your life, it's worth bearing in mind some of the most common hidden problems:
Household Pests
There's many pests that can pose problems. While there's ants that can be a nuisance, we can certainly find ways to get rid of them, but it's the bigger issues like cockroaches, bed bugs, rodents, and termites that can be particularly problematic! There's always pest control specialists like Terminix who can help you, but you also need to be vigilant and examine whether your home is unwittingly inviting all of these. For example, mice and rats can enter through very small openings; therefore, you should check for potential entry points, particularly if you're in an older property with older sewer systems. Cockroaches can be found behind kitchen appliances and in cracks and crevices, which thrive in warm, humid environments, so keep your eyes peeled!
Structural Issues
There's an abundance of structural issues that can prove to be complicated. Dampness is one of the most common, which can result in mold growth, structural damage, and even health problems. Be sure to look for the signs of wide or fine cracks appearing on walls or ceilings, which are potentially the signs of thermal expansion, settling, or the aforementioned dampness. Additionally, roofing issues can often be overlooked and can result in significant damage if not addressed quickly.
There's an abundance of structural issues that can prove to be complicated. Dampness is one of the most common, which can result in mold growth, structural damage, and even health problems. Be sure to look for the signs of wide or fine cracks appearing on walls or ceilings, which are potentially the signs of thermal expansion, settling, or the aforementioned dampness. Additionally, roofing issues can often be overlooked and can result in significant damage if not addressed quickly.
Health and Safety Issues
In addition to plumbing and drainage problems, where hidden leaks can cause water damage and mold growth, there's electrical issues like old wiring, which can be a safety hazard that could cause electrical shocks, burns, or fires. If you move into an older property and the previous owner was someone who passed away in the home due to old age, it's vital to get an electrician to inspect the wiring. For any home built prior to 1918 in the United States, exposure to asbestos can result in several serious health conditions that may not appear until 20 to 50 years after exposure. All forms of asbestos are considered carcinogenic, so you need to be incredibly vigilant.
In addition to plumbing and drainage problems, where hidden leaks can cause water damage and mold growth, there's electrical issues like old wiring, which can be a safety hazard that could cause electrical shocks, burns, or fires. If you move into an older property and the previous owner was someone who passed away in the home due to old age, it's vital to get an electrician to inspect the wiring. For any home built prior to 1918 in the United States, exposure to asbestos can result in several serious health conditions that may not appear until 20 to 50 years after exposure. All forms of asbestos are considered carcinogenic, so you need to be incredibly vigilant.
Financial Surprises
The final point doesn't relate to the home in a structural sense, but financial surprises can catch first-time buyers off guard, for example, closing costs, property taxes, and private mortgage insurance (PMI). Before a house can feel like home, so many of us need to be aware of the financial factors. New homeowners may forget to factor in all of the utilities they are responsible for; therefore, being vigilant but also prepared is a winning combination that can ensure you settle into a new home as quickly as possible.
By being aware of these issues, new homeowners can avoid all of the stress of the unexpected!
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