Faulty wiring, leaky pipes, mold, and foundation issues are all too common.
That newly renovated dream home or fixer upper investment property you just purchased may come with a surprise or two: poor drainage, sagging floors, electrical or plumbing issues, and more. Therefore, it's important to plan for the unexpected and there's no better way to prevent these problems in the first place than with proactive seasonal maintenance. Here are expert tips from David Steckel, home expert at Thumbtack, a website that connects homeowners with local professionals.
Wiring Issues
Bring in a licensed electrician to test and make sure that the one issue is not endemic to the home. "It is rare to have one problem that is not part of a larger problem, though sometimes people can short a wire or damage a switch or plug, and in many cases, there are problems further up the chain that an electrician can problem solve," says Steckel. For instance, if you keep tripping a breaker, they might have originally installed the lighting and power on the same breaker and an electrician can perform tests.
Wood Rot
It takes a long period of consistent moisture for wood to rot. "If you have rotten wood in the shower, it's probably a leak in the base, damaged caulking or maybe a gap in the glass or curtain," says Steckel. "If your window sills are rotting in one area, they're probably all rotting. At this point, it might be too late to repair and you'll have to replace them." In an ideal world, you'll have reviewed the exterior of your home in the spring looking for this type of damage and booked a painter to seal the exposed wood before the next fall.
Pipe Rust or Breakage
Water damage can lead to other problems so it's best to get ahead of it by calling a plumber. Consider using Thumbtack as a place to source a wide range of service professionals across every county in the United States. "These professionals can help you determine the extent of the breakage, rust, or leak and the best course of action," advises Steckel.
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