Guide To Home Improvement - Serious Home Repairs You Can't Afford to Ignore

When a homeowner sees the price tag of serious home improvements, it might be tempting to put off home upgrading and repairs. But there are some home repairs you simply cannot ignore.

Red Flags for Immediate Home Repair
If you see any of these problems in your home, it's time to for home repairs--the sooner, the better.

Inspect your roof and siding. Look for missing or damaged shingles; these can be easily replaced. Small cracks in the siding can be fixed with caulk. If your roof leaks when it rains, find the source of the leak and repair it as soon as possible.
Soggy Ground at Your Septic Tank? You could have an overfilled tank. The next problem could be sewage backing up into your house--so get that home repair done, fast!
Look for Termites and Ants. Termites can cause serious damage in just a few years. Carpenter ants are a sign of rotting wood. Inspect for termites annually. If you find carpenter ants, follow them to the source of the wood, and make the necessary home repairs.
Water Too Close to ? Channel all water away from the base of your home by keeping gutters clean and downspouts free of debris. Water against your house can lead to many problems, including...
Mold and Mildew. Check for mildew and mold under carpets, along baseboards, and behind cover plates, such as those around your electrical outlets. Treat the problem, and then eliminate the source.
Shaky Foundations. If your foundation has cracks in it that are more than 3/16 of an inch wide, they should be monitored closely. If the cracks become any bigger, you might have a problem.
Cracks Around Doors and Windows. Cracks at these points in your home could indicate an uneven settling. If your home has them, it's time to call a professional to take a look.

Home Repairs are Serious Business

No amount of home improvement or home upgrades will matter if serious home repairs are ignored. If you remedy these home repair situations right now, you may be able to avoid a very hefty price tag later.

About the Author:

Shannon Dauphin is a freelance writer based near Nashville, Tennessee. Her house was built in 1901, so home repair and renovation have become her hobbies.

Source(s):

5 Home Repairs You Shouldn't Ignore Jun 01, 2009