Buying a home is likely the costliest purchase you will ever make. It stands to reason that you want it to stay in good shape and last a lifetime. Luckily, there are several things you can do to take action before problems arise.
Cracks in the Foundation
If you see a crack in the foundation of your home, stop what you are doing and inspect it immediately. This is one of those do not wait moments, as even small cracks can lead to issues. A crack in the foundation may be the result of excessive damage from water, tree roots growing into the foundation itself, or significant shifting of the structure that can signal even more significant problems.
Whenever you encounter a foundational crack, you should contact the experts to discuss the issue and schedule foundation repairs as needed. The professionals will come to your home to assess the issue and then discuss a plan to remedy it. Always ask questions to ensure you understand the root cause of the cracks, how they will be fixed, and what you can do to prevent them in the future.
Tree Roots Growing Above the Ground
If you have well-established trees with the potential for the roots to pop up above ground, you should take care to walk a wide circumference around the tree at routine intervals. If you notice the ground is uneven or bumpy, get down on the ground to determine whether the rough earth is due to the tree roots emerging through the soil.
Follow the roots and assess how close to your sidewalks, driveway, and home they might be. If they appear to be encroaching upon any of these things, take a proactive approach and cut them back. Always conduct research before doing so to ensure you are following the proper technique and care for the health of the tree. Your local Ag Extension office can help with this information.
The task of lopping off the tree roots before they cause damage to your foundation or walkways is not a one-and-done situation. Be mindful and pay attention to the area as you mow your lawn each week, rake leaves in the fall, and inspect the yard after the snow thaws.
Dripping Faucets
A dripping faucet is annoying, to be sure, but it can be a sign of significant damage. If there is no damage yet, there may be some in the future due to lack of attention. The drips might be the result of old and worn parts within your plumbing components or corrosion that is causing parts to deteriorate or loosen. Any of these things are reasons to fix the problem before it gets worse.
If you have the skill set to make the repair yourself, you can easily find new parts at your local hardware store. Watching an online tutorial is helpful if you are a novice or need a refresher on how to make the repair. Should the problem be significant or the damage too great, always contact a licensed plumber to mitigate the potential for more damage both now and in the future.
Regardless of the age of your home, check local building codes and standards. This will help you understand the current best practices for what materials should be used when you replace old parts or whether permits are needed for repairs. It is unlikely that a permit is needed for a leaky faucet repair, but if the job is much larger, such as a whole-house plumbing overhaul, you may need a permit.
Final Words
Always be a responsible homeowner by conducting routine home maintenance and inspections in and around your home. By taking extra time to observe the way the building changes and shifts over time, you will notice problems as soon as they crop up or even before they set in and become difficult situations that are harder to fix as time passes. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and this relates well to homeownership.
Watch this video for tips on what to maintain in your home to prevent further damage as time passes.
With these helpful tips in mind, stay vigilant and pay attention to how your home changes with the weather and as seasons pass. As soon as you notice a crack, spot, or leaking faucets, it is time to take action. Be a responsible homeowner and assess the situation yourself, or call a professional right away if the problem is too big to handle on your own. You will be glad you did.
