Dealing with those annoying critters and peeling paint? Don't procrastinate on taking care of these issues that could signal bigger problems at home.

Mold

Sometimes you might come across mold in areas that tend to get wet, like the kitchen or bathroom - that's pretty normal. But if you spot it somewhere unusual, like on the walls in your living room, it's best to get it checked out by a professional. You'll want to find an independent inspector who's certified by either the American Board of Industrial Hygiene or the American Council for Accredited Certification. They'll be able to tell you if you can handle the mold cleanup on your own or if you'll need to hire a remediation company to take care of it. Better to be safe than sorry!

Critters

According to Steve Gladstone, the owner of Stonehollow Fine Home Inspection in Stamford, Conn, if you spot ants scurrying on your countertops or mouse droppings in your HVAC grilles, it means that there are openings in your house that need to be closed. To address this issue, take a look at places like exhaust vents, condensate lines, pipes, ducts, utility access panels, and garage doors for any obvious gaps, signs of chewing or nesting, or ripped screening. If you're unsure about what you're seeing or don't feel confident in solving the problem on your own, it's best to call a professional exterminator. Particularly, be cautious of mouse and bird droppings as they can pose health risks.

A Sagging or Warped Floor

If you notice your floor starting to sag, it could be due to natural settling, according to Steve Gladstone from Stonehollow Fine Home Inspection. But don't just assume it's no big deal without checking out your basement or crawlspace. If it's a bathroom or kitchen, a leaking toilet or sink might have caused water to seep in and rot the subfloor. This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed right away. Another possibility is that a structural support has been removed, in which case you may need additional repairs or bracing. It's best to call a home inspector or engineer for their expert advice.

Standing Water in the Yard

Have you ever noticed that after it rains, your yard turns into a little lake that takes forever to dry up? Yeah, that's a sign of poor drainage. It can happen because of heavy soil or if the land around your home isn't properly graded. The worst part is that if this happens near your foundation, it can cause some serious moisture problems in your basement or crawlspace. Sounds like a nightmare, right?
But don't worry, there's a solution! You can either install a French drain or re-grade your property. These methods can usually fix the whole poor drainage issue. If you're interested in learning how to do it yourself, we've got a handy guide on how to install a French drain. It's a great way to tackle the problem head-on and avoid any basement or crawlspace nightmares.

Missing or Damaged Roof Shingles

It's super important to make sure you check out your roof on a regular basis. If you notice any signs of damage, even if they're small, it's best to take care of them ASAP. If moisture manages to seep through to the wood underneath the shingles, the repairs can get pretty pricey, pretty fast. You might be able to handle some roof problems on your own if you're a handy person. For instructions on fixing structural damage, you can check out DIYNetwork.com. They've got you covered!

Scary Sounds From the HVAC

So here's the deal with your heating and air conditioning system. It's totally normal for it to make some noises every now and then, nothing to worry about. But if you start hearing banging, thumping, or squealing sounds, that's not a good sign. Those loud and kinda weird noises could mean there's something wrong with the belts, blower motor, or compressor. You definitely wanna get your HVAC technician on the case ASAP to figure out what's going on. Oh, and don't forget about your twice-yearly checkup! It's important to keep things running smoothly, ya know?

Plants Encroaching on Your Roof or Walls

Did you know that having shrubs and trees too close to your house can cause some serious problems? For instance, when the wind blows, they can damage your siding and trap moisture, not to mention the debris that can clog up your gutters. I spoke with Steve Gladstone from Stonehollow Fine Home Inspection, and he recommends keeping a distance of at least three feet between your house and shrubs, as well as air conditioning units, so that you can easily walk behind them and ensure proper airflow. And when it comes to trees, it's best to avoid having them rubbing against your house altogether. When the sun can't do its job of drying your home, it can lead to more frequent repainting due to the buildup of mold and pollen. So, make sure to prune your shrubs and trees regularly to keep your house clear and prevent these issues.

Here's the deal with climbing vines like ivy. While they can totally add some beautiful touches to your home, they can also cause some damage. The thing is, they can splinter wood siding and even weaken the mortar between your bricks. Yikes! But don't worry, there's a solution. If you already have some ivy crawling up your house, it's a good idea to trim it back. Make sure it stays away from your windows, gutters, and trim. That way, you can keep your home looking great without any potential problems. Now, if you're dead set on having a climbing vine, consider going for a twining vine. These types of vines wrap around a trellis or another nearby structure instead of using tendrils or rootlets to cling to your house's surface. That way, you get the beauty of a climbing vine without the risk of damage. Pretty cool, right?
So, take care of those vines and keep your home in tip-top shape. Happy gardening!

Smelly or Gurgling Drains

Hey there! If you're noticing any funky smells or weird noises coming from your bathroom sink drain, you might want to look into it, according to Frank Lesh, the owner of Home Sweet Home Inspection Company in Indian Head Park, Illinois. Sometimes, that gurgling sound you hear could be caused by a blockage in the drain that you can easily get rid of by using a snake or plunger.
Now, if your sink is giving off an unpleasant odor but you don't use it often, it's possible that the water in the U-shaped pipe underneath has dried out. And when that happens, it allows methane gas to escape into the room. To fix this issue, you can try pouring about a quart of water down the drain and then airing out the room for a couple of hours. If the smell disappears, Frank Lesh suggests a simple trick: just pour a teaspoon of vegetable oil down the drain. This will prevent the water from evaporating and should take care of the problem.

However, if you've tried these solutions and the smells or noises persist, it's best to call a plumber to take a look at your vent pipe. It's possible that it has become blocked by debris or even nesting animals. So, it's better to have a professional investigate and fix the issue for you.

Condensation on Basement Pipes

Protecting Your Basement from Dripping and Mold Growth
If you've noticed dripping or sweating pipes in your basement or crawlspace, you're likely dealing with the insulating effect of the ground causing warm, moist air to condense on surfaces. Not only is this issue annoying, but it also increases the humidity level in your house and creates a conducive environment for mold growth. Thankfully, with a few simple measures, you can reduce this problem and maintain a dry and mold-free basement.

Close Exterior Vents
To start tackling the issue, it's essential to ensure that all vents leading to the outside are closed. By sealing these vents, you can prevent warm, humid air from infiltrating your basement, subsequently minimizing the chances of condensation and dripping. Carefully inspect the exterior vents and make sure they are tightly closed and properly sealed to prevent any air leakage.

Foam Pipe Insulation
Another effective measure is to add foam insulation to the accessible parts of your pipes. Foam pipe insulation acts as a barrier, preventing the warmth from the air in the basement from reaching the colder surfaces of the pipes and causing condensation. By adding this insulation, you can significantly reduce the level of dripping while maintaining the temperature of your pipes.
Start by identifying the pipes that are most prone to condensation. Inspect the exposed sections of these pipes and ensure they are clean and dry before adding insulation. Foam pipe insulation is typically available in pre-slit tubes that you can easily wrap around the pipes. Select the appropriate size for your pipes and secure the insulation in place using adhesive or tape.
By employing this simple insulation technique, you can minimize condensation on your pipes, resulting in less dripping and reduced chances of mold growth.
Additionally, it's important to regularly monitor the humidity levels in your basement. Consider investing in a dehumidifier to maintain an optimal level of humidity and prevent excessive moisture from accumulating. Remember to empty the dehumidifier's collection bin regularly to ensure it functions efficiently.

Remember, addressing dripping and condensation in your basement is crucial not only for your comfort but also for preventing potential mold issues. By closing exterior vents and insulating accessible pipes with foam pipe insulation, you can significantly alleviate the problem. Taking these proactive steps will help ensure a cool, dry, and mold-free basement, allowing you to fully utilize this space in your home.

A Sagging Roofline

Here's the deal: if you come across a sagging roofline in an older home, it's probably not a biggie, but it's worth investigating, ya know? According to Steve Gladstone from Stonehollow Fine Home Inspection, sometimes it's just that the materials have dried out. However, it could also be a sign of a more serious issue like broken stuff, rotting sheathing, or a loose connection. If that's the case, you might need to bring in the professionals to fix it up.

To stay on top of things, it's a good idea to regularly check out your attic area. By doing that, you'll be able to catch any new problems that pop up right away. Better safe than sorry, am I right?

Dripping Faucets

Leaking faucets might not seem like a big deal, but trust me, they can waste a whole lot of water. Listen, don't just sit back and wait until you see or hear a drip – be proactive and check those cabinets under your sinks every now and then to make sure nothing's leaking. And hey, don't forget to keep an eye on those kitchen spray wands too, because they can leak all the way down the tubing and under the cabinet without you even noticing! If you're up for it, you can even try fixing it yourself. Just head on over to DIYNetwork.com and learn how. Good luck!

Poorly Built Decks

If your deck feels like it's wobbling or shaking too much when you walk on it, don't wait around and hope for the best. According to Steve Gladstone from Stonehollow Fine Home Inspection, throwing a big family party on the deck isn't the smartest way to test its stability. Instead, take a look at how the deck is attached to your house. It should be anchored with lag bolts or screw bolts to a strong ledgerboard, not secured with regular nails into the siding or plywood. Fixing this yourself shouldn't cost you much.
You might also want to consider upgrading your deck posts. Switching out those 4" x 4" posts for sturdier 6" x 6" or 8" x 8" ones can handle a heavier load. To further minimize movement, you can add an angle brace under the deck, as long as your deck was constructed according to building codes.
However, if fixing the deck is beyond your expertise, or it's time to replace the whole thing, it's best to call a reputable contractor. Don't make the mistake of trying to save money by hiring cheap labor for this job—it's an investment in your safety and the long-term value of your property.

Shaky Stair Railings

If you've noticed that your stair railing is a bit wobbly, it's important not to ignore it, especially if there are kids running around the house. According to Frank Lesh from Home Sweet Home Inspection Company, a sturdy stair railing should be able to withstand about 200 pounds of force. While a slight movement is normal, if the railing shakes at the slightest touch, it's definitely an issue.
If you're dealing with a short railing, you might be able to tighten it yourself by securing its attachment to the wall. However, if you have a longer railing or one with a balcony, it's a good idea to call in the professionals for help. They'll have the expertise needed to make sure your railing is secure and safe.

Asbestos

If your house is over 50 years old and you've got a radiator or steam heat in the basement, there's a chance you might have asbestos pipe insulation. It kinda looks like a plaster cast wrapped around the pipes. But here's the deal: if you're not sure what kind of insulation it is, don't touch it! Get it checked out pronto by a licensed asbestos abatement contractor. Trust me, this isn't a do-it-yourself project – not under any circumstances.

Peeling Paint (Inside or Out)

If you see the paint peeling off the outside of your house, it's important to know that the sun and water can actually damage the wood underneath. So, what you need to do is scrape off all the peeling paint until you reach the bare wood. After that, you should prime the area and let the primer dry before applying new paint.

Now, when it comes to painting, it's best to do it at the right time of day. Wait until the sun has faded away from the area you're painting because the sun can make the paint material evaporate too quickly. This will give you a better finish and prevent any issues in the long run.

On the other hand, if you notice the paint peeling inside your house in rough squares, like the skin of an alligator, it might be a sign that there is lead-based paint underneath. This is a serious issue, especially if the area affected is large, or if you have small children who are more vulnerable to lead poisoning. In this case, it's essential to consult a professional about the proper removal of the paint to ensure the safety of your family.