As a homeowner, you will naturally want your property to be in the best possible condition at all times. Your home, after all, is your pride and joy, and you and your family need it to be safe, sound, and completely secure.
Unfortunately, properties can - and do - develop potentially serious issues, which means that homeowners have to be vigilant to these concerns and conduct thorough inspections of their properties regularly. Inspections, however, are only beneficial if you know the signs that there may be a concerning problem developing with your home. Below, we have focused on three signs that may indicate there is a potential problem in your home, starting with…
PROBLEM: Discoloration of electrical outlets
Power outlets can often show signs that may suggest that there is an electrical or wiring fault in your home. You may notice that an outlet appears to be discolored or charred, exposed electrical insulation materials or see soot accumulating on the outer plate of the outlet or on the surrounding wall. In addition, the affected outlet may appear to be buzzing, or may spark whenever you try to insert a plug. Given the dangers electricity can pose, avoid investigating the potential cause of the issue yourself: instead, contact a professional electrician and arrange for the underlying cause to be rectified.
PROBLEM: Cracks in the walls
Firstly, it’s important to note that not all wall cracks are a concern: if the crack is predominantly superficial in nature and appears to just be in the drywall, then it may simply be the result of natural shrinkage. However, large jagged or horizontal cracks in the wall itself rather than just the surface can be a serious cause for concern, and could indicate that there is a structural problem with the foundations of your home. If you see these types of cracks, then contacting a company who can thoroughly assess the issue, provide a quote foundation repair cost, and then complete the repairs is always the best course of action.
PROBLEM: A sudden increase in your water bill
Unless there is a very obvious influencing factor (for example, you have recently installed a new irrigation system in your garden, or you have been using a power washer regularly), then an increase in your home water bills can be a sign of an issue with your plumbing - with the number one suspect being a leak. Upon receipt of a large bill, check all internal plumbing to see if you can identify a leak; if you can, then fix it as soon as possible, either with a DIY remedy (for smaller leaks) or with the help of a professional plumber. However, some leaks may not immediately be identifiable- it’s possible to have a large leak and not even be able to see it, so if your water bill continues to remain high, call either a plumber or your water company for further assistance.
In conclusion
If you notice any of the above signs in your home, then following the suggested action can help to ensure the issue is addressed quickly and effectively.
