Home is where the heart is, and everyone wants to have peace of mind that their home is secure and in good condition. However, it is easy to miss signs of problems or forget to pay attention to more hidden areas of your house. To make sure the structure of your home is sturdy, and no uninvited pests are lurking in the shadows, remember to check on these 5 areas of your home every few months to avoid any nasty surprises!
Basement
Basements feature in horror stories regularly, and as a kid, you might have been nervous about going down the steps into the dark space under your house. Whether you’re still scared or not, make sure you’re inspecting your basement at least once a month for signs of damp, rot or pests. As it’s such a quiet and usually undisturbed part of the home, it’s an ideal place for mice, rats, or other creatures to decide to nest. If this issue isn’t resolved quickly, you might find your home becomes infested with these unsavory characters.
Attic
Another spooky part of the house where creepy crawlies like to live in your attic. However, it’s not just these pests that you need to look out for up there. In a lot of homes, your property’s air ducts are located here, and it’s important that you check up on them once in a while to make sure they’re working properly and there’s no damage. Companies like Attic Projects are air duct specialists, and if you think there might be issues, call out the professionals to take a closer look.
Windows
Having good windows installed will help with your home’s insulation and could reduce your energy bills. When you moved in, your windows may have been in good shape, but keep an eye out for cold drafts, condensation, or mold around the frames as this could be an indication that they need repairing or replacement. It’s better to get these done sooner rather than later to avoid further issues with damp, which could spread into the brickwork and plaster.
Roof
If you have inspected your attic, there should have been some indication of the condition of your roof. For example, if you could see spots or patches of light coming through from the outside, clearly some holes or tears need to be replaced. Other ways you can check your roof for damage is by going outside, crossing the street (or getting to a good vantage point) and looking at it from there. If you notice the roof is dipping in the middle, or some of the shingles are missing or out of place, it’s time to call a roofer.
Plumbing/Gas/Electrics
Finally, the other hidden parts of your home structure include the plumbing system, electrical wiring, and gas pipes. All of these things can cause serious damage (or even death when it comes to electrical faults or gas leaks), and you must carry out regular checks to make sure everything is working properly.
Make sure your home is safe and sound to live in, don’t ignore these key areas that are out of sight.