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

A can appear completely fine from the front while still crumbling elsewhere. That's why most people end up making the tragic mistake of waiting until they see water leaking through the ceiling to identify roofing issues. Water usually enters the attic first, so regularly inspect for stains around the chimney and vents. To be on the safe side, have your roof inspected every five years.

Related:  Should You Replace or Repair Your Roof?

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.

When it comes to maintenance and repair, the out-of-the-way and untraveled crawl space is one of the most overlooked areas of the home. But because the crawl space is like the window into the belly of your home, it could also hold the key to revealing any number of problems before they get bigger and expand to other areas: weakening floors, termite damage, and even issues with your heating and cooling ducts. Grab a flashlight and routinely take a peek at this often ignored storage spot; even call in a home inspector, if you're looking for a second opinion.

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

You can’t control when a home disaster will strike, but you can be ready for it. Regular maintenance checks will give you an idea of how major systems are functioning and if they need any repairs.

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