Home Ownership Can Feel Like a Roller Coaster Ride

Home ownership can be a roller coaster ride. When you’re adding beautiful home décor, new furniture, and trendy paint colors to your interior you are riding the peak. When repair issues arise, however, you may find yourself feeling like you’re at the bottom of the hill. Just remember, the overall ride is exhilarating and satisfying. Just be very careful you don’t ignore the home repair projects that come up even though they are not fun.

Neglecting home maintenance will cost you in the long run. When small issues pop up, fix them and don’t let them become bigger issues. When repairs that require immediate attendance. pop up, get the job done. There are several types of home repair and maintenance that cannot be ignored.

Foundation repair

Most home are generally built with either a concrete or pier and beam foundation. Depending on where you live, the ground upon which your home is built will expand and contract with the seasons. In extreme cases, this will cause foundation issues. Doors that no longer close properly without sticking to the frame is the first sign of foundation movement. Now, that’s not to say that you will definitely need to make repairs. A home may shift slight in colder months and then correct in warmer. That’s not necessarily a cause for alarm.

Finding larges cracks in the brick around the house or in the drywall in the interior is more of a cause for alarm. Big gaps in windows and doors is also troubling. These are times you’ll want to call in a foundation repair company. A professional company will give you an overall evaluation of your home and what might need to be done to get it back right. A structural engineer can also give you an evaluation and let you know if you need to call in the experts for repair. 

Land erosion

If you live in an area that is experiencing land erosion that is causing actual land sinking it’s likely to be a larger problem that simple foundation repair. Choose a company that specializes in hydraulic slab jacking or adding piers. This simply must not be ignored. The value of your home will plummet if it has unrepaired foundation damage. More importantly, you could be living in a house that is falling down around you. For the safety of your family and your investment, take care of this situation quickly. It’s not a bad idea to check with your insurance company also. Foundation repair is not typically covered but it’s worth making sure.

Remember an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Be sure you’re taking care of your foundation throughout the year. Don’t let it dry out in the summer or let water sit against it in the wetter months.

Prevent water damage

Pay attention to your roof. The elements can cause damage in small areas that won’t require an entire roof replacement. But those small areas of damage can cause big damage to your home. A leaky roof can cause damage to ceilings, walls, and flooring. Mold can be a hidden enemy. If you notice discoloration in ceilings or walls, it’s possible that your house has experienced errant water from some source.

Leaky windows can also cause expensive damage. Even small leaks around windows can damage wood window seals and cause swelling and discoloration. Window repairs can be something a homeowner can handle if it’s just a matter of re-caulking and sealing. If your windows are old single pane windows you’ll need to decide if you want to repair or replace them.