7 Ticking Time Bombs in Your House—and What to Do Next

A small crack in the brick veneer on the exterior of their home is no big deal, right? Not always. What looks like it can be solved with a cosmetic fix can sometimes indicate a deeper problem with moving foundation. Hire a structural engineer immediately to evaluate your home's foundation. If caught early, a repair might only cost a few thousand, but if it's too late you're looking at one of the most expensive home repair jobs possible with a whopping $50,000 price tag.

Related:  Home Foundation Inspection

Many rural homeowners rely on septic tanks for their sewage systems, which operate by breaking down solids and liquefying them. That liquid then goes out into the lines and is dispersed into the surrounding ground. While extremely useful, these tanks are also highly susceptible to clogs from other materials, like cigarette butts and food waste. Save your self the cost of digging up your yard to repair the whole system and opt for a cheaper maintenance alternative: regularly pumping the tank. Do this every 3 to 5 years, checking for signs of clogs and leaks routinely between inspections.

Homes built prior to World War II didn't have to meet the same requirements for power that are now a standard in home construction of recent years. With all of this generation's high-tech amenities, older wiring just can't handle today's electrical demands. Sockets and switches can wear out, breakers grow less reliable as they age, and heavy use of extension cords could lead to a fire. Squelch worry about these larger problems with a thorough electrical system inspection every 20 years. If your home doesn't meet the code, you'll want to replace the entire electrical system to avoid a major fire hazard.

Building a deck is sure to boost the value to your home—but if you don't keep up with maintenance, your that piece of curb appeal could unexpectedly fall apart. While deck maintenance runs roughly $100 a year, the average cost of replacing it from the ground up is closer to $10,000. Save big bucks by simply keeping it clean, re-securing any nails, and reapplying sealant as needed. A full inspection at least once a year will help you determine what work looks necessary and catch any early signs of rot. 

Related:  Building a Basic Deck

If you have the money to hire a handyman for every household woe, go ahead. But if you want to hang on to your cash and exercise some self-sufficiency, check out these clever products that solve a million and one little problems around the house. Go now!