Homeowners are well advised to conduct regular checks around their homes. By keeping their eyes peeled, they have a better chance at preventing a small leak from becoming major water damage, an improperly sealed window from turning into a significant mold issue, and so on.

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Here are some general tips for keeping your home in good shape and minimizing repairs as much as possible over time.

 

Roof
Starting at the top, the roof is a critical part of your home, and one you may not look at very often. Check your roof for curling, cracked or missing shingles and for signs of overall wear. It is well worth the investment to make small repairs as needed to avoid most costly damage down the road.

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Water
The main reason for ensuring your roof is in good shape is to avoid water leaks into your home. A light brown or sunken spot in your ceilings can be a telltale sign. As can a musty, moldy smell. Ceilings, walls and floors with water damage can be soft or spongy to the touch. And you may even hear dripping if plumbing is the source of your leak.

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Appliances
You may not realize that a refrigerator can cause you more grief than warm food, but if the appliance springs a leak, it often goes unnoticed while it wreaks havoc in your home. Check to make sure all of your large appliances are in good working order, and properly maintain them with routine cleaning and filter replacement.

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Insects and Rodents
The appearance of ants and insects as well as rodents is always unwelcome. But it can also mean damage to your home, especially from termites and burrowing rodents. Regularly do a deep clean of your floors and carpets, and check outdoors for any openings into your exterior brick, walls and roof. Call a professional if you suspect you have a pest problem.

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Foundation
Foundation issues could be the result of poor drainage around your home, intense dry and moist seasons over time, or just plain faulty home construction. While there are not a lot of quick fixes, noticing it sooner rather than later is still beneficial. A telling foundation issue is a cracking or separation in the bricks on which your home rests and in your basement. A lesser-known sign of damage is when door and window frames become out of alignment. Your basement door no longer closes and you notice a crack forming in a basement window? It might mean your foundation is shifting, and that’s never good news.

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While these are just a few tips and not a comprehensive checklist, think of it as a friendly reminder you to keep your eyes peeled for potential home repair needs that shouldn’t wait. Remember that contractors, remodelers and inspection professionals have the expertise to help you address critical home issues that rear their ugly head.

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Contact the Builders Association of Central PA to find the most trusted professionals to help you with your home repair and remodeling needs.