Potentially Dangerous Issues Many Homeowners Overlook

Home ownership can be one big headache. So many things can go wrong at any given moment. Homeowners often overlook or miss certain things because they occur gradually and don’t really cause immediate problems. A yearly home inspection helps ensure that your home is structurally safe, everything is working as intended and you haven’t had any unwanted guests move in – like termites or other bugs.

Here are a few things homeowners often overlook or simply miss during a regular inspection:

Plumbing Vent Flashing

Standard asphalt shingles generally last for about 20 years. Most homeowners keep an eye on the condition of their shingles, but don’t really go onto the roof to look at flashing around the plumbing vent. This particular item lasts about half as long as shingles and may crack or break without the homeowner knowing.

The purpose of plumbing vent flashing, like chimney flashing, is to prevent water from damaging your roof or the structure of your home. Damaged plumbing vent flashing causes leaks which can make unsightly water rings on your ceiling, and cause structural damage if left unattended.

Dryer Ducts

Laundry is a perpetual cycle of washing, drying, and wearing. The process becomes so mundane and monotonous that people often forget to check their dryer vent for lint buildup. This particular item is potentially very dangerous, because dryer lint is extremely combustible. A clean dryer vent also increases the efficiency of the dryer, effectively lowering your energy bills.

Guttering

A quick walk-around allows homeowners to evaluate whether their gutters are working properly. Properly working gutters drain rain water away from the structure of the home and all surrounding landscaping. If your gutters become filled with leaves or other debris, they allow water to penetrate exterior walls and the foundation that supports the weight of the home.

Termites and Other Pests

Termites aren’t exactly something you notice on a random walk around the house. Most homeowners don’t realize they have a termite infestation until they discover a swarm. By then it’s too late to avoid them and time to discuss treatment options.

Mold

Mold that forms in the bathroom, on the shower curtain, or on over-ripe foods in the kitchen are easy to spot and treat. Mold that forms in the attic, crawl space or hidden corners of the house aren’t as obvious and are easily missed.

Appliances

We don’t usually give our appliances a second thought as long as they’re working properly, right? That’s why minor problems are often overlooked or missed entirely. Older appliances put a lot of stress on electrical systems and may lead to a house fire under certain conditions.

The Importance of a Yearly Inspection

A lot of homeowners see a yearly home inspection as just another expense to try to avoid. Homeowners have the ability to walk around their home with a checklist they printed off the internet and mark things off as they see them. The problem with this inspection method is – things usually get overlooked, avoided, or “fixed” just enough to suffice. Over time, these “fixes” become big problems that could have been avoided had the proper measures been taken in the beginning.

Don’t let accidentally overlooked items become hazardous or impede your ability to sell your home when the time comes. Schedule an inspection once a year, or once every other year so you have a running record of inspections and maintenance. After all, two sets of eyes are better than one, especially where your home is concerned.