Arizona Tribune - 3 Home Repairs You Can't Afford to Put Off

Cracking or shifting foundation

Problems with your home's foundation are often easy to overlook. The signs aren't always as obvious as a leaky ceiling or a moldy wall. However, as small foundational issues worsen, they may compromise your home's structural integrity. For example, a small crack might cost several hundred dollars to repair. But if you put it off, rain and the weight of your house could turn it into a larger break, which could cost $15,000 or more to repair.¹

Cracks aren't the only foundational issue you may have to contend with. If your foundation has shifted or your home has sunken into the ground, contractors may have to underpin your house with steel or concrete piers. The most severe cases may even call for a full foundation lift, which might cost you $20,000.²

Minor foundation issues can be tricky to spot. You may want to check on your foundation's health a couple of times each year. Contact an inspector if you notice the following red flags:³

• Warped floors: While uneven flooring is common in older homes, a stark drop or sudden warping may point to a deeper issue.

• Cracked walls: Cracked or missing bricks and large faults that zigzag vertically or horizontally along your home could signal severe, dangerous foundation problems.

• Walls pulling away: If it looks like the walls of your home are pulling away from the main house, your foundation might be so damaged that the structure is at risk of collapsing.

• Deteriorating wood: If any wood in your home shows signs of rot from excess moisture or damage from termites, an inspector should check the wood around the foundation and make sure the structure is still stable.

Roof repairs

A leaky roof is often more than just a rainy-day nuisance. Roof issues may lead to extensive water damage and mold, compromising the building's stability. Prolonged moisture that enters through small cracks might lead to sagging or strain the structure's foundation. In extreme cases, your ceiling may even cave in, putting your family's lives at risk.

To identify roof issues early, look for the following signs:

• Leaks: Even little leaks may result in substantial water damage.

• Cracks: Look for small, unexplained faults in your ceiling that go deeper than the paint.

• Missing or damaged shingles: Shingles protect your roof from the elements and should be replaced quickly.

• Unexplained water stains: Water stains on your ceiling and along the top of your walls may point to unseen roof issues.

Electrical issues

Flickering lights, faulty outlets and tripped circuit breakers may seem like everyday inconveniences. But malfunctions in your appliances or wiring may pose a serious threat to your safety. Fire departments respond to an average of about 46,000 residential electrical fires a year.⁴ Addressing small issues right away helps protect you and your loved ones from catastrophe.

Even less dangerous electrical issues could still cost you. Problems like overloaded circuits, bad wiring or loose connections may increase energy consumption (and your utility bill) or burn out your devices.

If you notice any of the following warning signs, it may be time to contact an electrician:⁵

• Circuit breaker frequently tripping: Occasionally tripping a breaker by plugging too many devices in one spot is normal, but if you find yourself resetting it multiple times a week, you may have a wiring issue.

• Hot devices: If any of your light fixtures or appliances get too hot, they may become fire hazards.

• Flickering lights: If your lights keep flickering in and out after you've replaced the bulb, there may be an underlying issue.

• Strange smells: Burning or foul odors around your electrical devices might point to potential electrical fire. If you notice any strange smells, you should turn off the power and contact an electrician.

Don't let a nuisance become a disaster

A home repair that you haven't planned for may seem like a major blow to your budget, especially if you already have several monthly bills. In that case, you might consider using a debt consolidation loan to streamline your monthly debts into one predictable payment, making it easier to budget for repairs. Use a debt consolidation loan calculator to find an option that may work for you.

Spending a thousand dollars today to fix foundational, roofing or electrical problems may save you tens of thousands of dollars in the future. More importantly, addressing nuisances like cracked walls or leaky ceilings may protect your family from disasters.

Contact Information:

Name: Nagarameshwar J.
Email: [email protected]
Job Title: Director

SOURCE: OneMain Financial

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

Ch.P.Lewis--AT