7 Signs to Identify Potential Problems in Your New Home

Learning how to identify early signs of problems in your new home is a vital part of preventive home maintenance. When you know how to identify signs and repair the damages early enough, you can save a lot of money associated with expensive home repairs.

The longer you wait, the more severe the damage and the more expensive the repairing cost. If you don’t pay attention to potential problems in your roof, floor, and even basement, the minor cracks or leaks can lead to serious structural problems that could compromise the value of your new home. Here is how you can spot potential issues in your new home

How to Identify Roof Leakage

Performing an indoor inspection can help you discover signs of roof leakage. Look for moisture stains on your ceiling. A leaking roof will most likely have brown, gray, or even yellow stains. Check the paint on walls and ceiling. Peeling paint is an indication of a possible leaking roof.

A leaking roof can cause dampness and damage to your rafters in the attic. Inspect the attic for any such damages. Also, rotten wood and mildew are signs of a leaking roof.

Detecting Foundation Problems in Your New Home

Homeowners can spot signs of problems in their foundation and take the necessary steps to stop any further damage. The foundation of your home supports the home’s structure, including the walls, windows, and roof making it a very critical part of your home. Here are some signs you should look out for:

1. Check your Windows and Doors

Stubborn windows and doors might not mean anything serious, but if you struggle to open and close a few windows, there could be a deeper problem. An unstable foundation can shift and distort the window and door frames, making them tougher to open and close. You might also notice crooked doors due to foundation movement, which usually occurs when the soil expands or contracts.

2. Inspect Sagging Floors and Ceiling

Look for any signs of warped floors and ceilings, which is a telltale sign that the home’s foundation has issues. When the foundation shifts, it can cause the house to settle unevenly in some spots causing the floors and ceiling to sag.

3. Investigate Musty Smell and Mold

The odor of musty smell in your basement can be caused by leaking walls, which might need a plumbing solution, but it can also mean water is seeping in through the cracks caused by foundation problems.

You might even notice the presence of bugs like centipedes and roaches that are attracted to the moisture and enter through cracks. Recurring molds in your basement corners is also another sign to watch out for.

4. Bowed Walls

Inspect the exterior or interior walls of your new home for any signs of the walls bowing. A shifting foundation might be causing your walls to bow. Other causes can be hydraulic pressure or poor drainage

5. Lookout for Cracks on Walls and Floors

When you see cracks on your floor and walls, it’s a sign that your foundation could be having issues. If the cracks on your floor and walls are wider than an eighth of an inch, horizontal, or appear to be at an angle of 45 degrees, you should consider calling a professional. The problem may be a foundation issue.

However, not all cracks are a sign of foundation problems. Some might be due to drywall and underlying wood as they expand.

Basement Leaks and Flooring Issues

When your basement walls and floor are wet, it’s an indication of leaks that can even get worse with time. This can cause moisture problems, mildew, damp and humid air, which could be a sign that the foundation is causing all the issues.

In addition to inspecting your home, carrying the right insurance coverage can help protect you from a sudden loss. Contact us today to learn more about insuring your home.