Signs of a Poorly Maintained Home

Signs of a Poorly Maintained Home

This week’s post will wrap up our May National Moving Month series (find all the posts here). You might think that it’s obvious whether a home is well-maintained, and in many cases, it is. But did you know that over half of current homeowners neglect their property maintenance? Neglecting routine maintenance can lead to big problems down the road, such as safety concerns or major repairs. Read on for our list of major red flags to look for when you’re purchasing (or looking to sell) your home.

-Cracks in the walls, ceilings, or floors: Cracks can indicate structural problems and lead to big issues like water damage, mold, or pest infestation. If you notice any cracks in your home, you’ll want to get those taken care of so that potential buyers can have peace of mind knowing that they won’t cause any future problems. If you see cracks in a home you’re looking at buying, you’ll definitely want to address the situation with your real estate agent about any repairs.

-Steps and railings: It’s easy to skip that squeaky step or ignore the loose railing, but uneven steps or broken steps can be a big red flag that a home isn’t cared for well. Whether it’s outdoor stairs on decks or porches, or steps inside leading to a second level or down to the basement, poorly maintained steps and railings are big safety concerns. You’ll want to check for cracked, split, or rotting boards on steps. Rough wood on outdoor railings or railings that feel loose are also a cause for concern. You’ll want to make sure these issues are fixed before putting your home on the market, and talk to your real estate agent if you notice these issues while looking for a new home.

-Uneven floors: Warped, uneven, sagging floors can also be a red flag for a deeper issue. Uneven floors can be a sign of the foundation settling, or indicate more dangerous issues like structural or water damage or poor construction. Don’t wait on getting to the root cause if you spot uneven floors, or you may be in for some expensive repairs later.

-Leaky plumbing: Do you have a leaky tub or faucet? It might just seem annoying right now, but if leaks are left unattended, they can cause water damage and other nightmares like mold and rot.

-Electrical issues: If you’ve noticed any broken outlets in your home, get them repaired before putting your home on the market. Loose wiring is a safety concern, and be especially careful if you’ve noticed any arcing, overheating, or short-circuiting. Make sure there are no exposed electrical wires or overloaded outlets, either.

-Roof damage: This one’s pretty obvious, but roof issues can lead to a lot of other problems in your home. Broken or damaged shingles, clogged gutters, and other problems can lead to water damage, ventilation issues, structural problems, and more.

-Neglected HVAC systems: This is another big red flag if the heating and cooling systems have not been maintained. Dirty filters restrict airflow and can create fire hazards. Regular checks and cleanings will keep your air conditioner, furnace, and ductwork performing at their best.

-Peeling paint and stains: This may seem like a cosmetic issue, but as we mentioned last week, chipped or peeling paint can be indicators of moisture problems, pest issues, or other structural problems.

-Pests and Landscaping: Other red flags of maintenance are signs of pest infestation and overgrown landscaping. Keep an eye out for droppings, nests, or signs that pests have gnawed on things like wires or cords. Lawns, gardens, or landscaping that is overgrown or unkempt can be signs that the home isn’t maintained as well as you may hope.

Buying or selling a home comes with a lot of considerations. If you have repair issues after buying or selling your home, Hunter Handyman Services is here to help. Give us a call at (815) 780-7884 for more information or a free estimate.