Buying a home is enormously stressful. It takes months of worry, waiting for the surveys and legal documents to come back. Then there is the anxiety surrounding the mortgage. Will they money go through? Even when all this is done, and you’ve moved in, there can still be problems lurking that nobody knew about.
Subsidence
When your home was surveyed as part of your mortgage application, only historical subsidence was considered. Maps would have been examined to determine if the property was built over any mining works. Beyond this, you have bought your property in good faith. Excessive rainfall, seismic activity, or faulty foundations can cause damage to a home. A structural engineer will need to assess your home and determine the repair works needed. Be wary - not all insurances cover this kind of problem.
Asbestos
Usually, asbestos is identified in the survey. However, it’s not always possible to see that part of your home was built with asbestos. Older properties may have had asbestos added by previous owners. Garage and shed roofs are sometimes made from asbestos too. That doesn’t mean it is harmful right now. But if there is damage, your home could be making you very ill. You should consult with asbestos surveyors to determine what needs to be done. You might not have insurance coverage for these works.
Mould
Persistent mould patches aren’t just annoying to clean. They might be responsible for making your children or vulnerable adults ill. A lack of fresh air can cause moisture to be trapped in your home. Mildew and mould are usually treated with bleach to kill the spores completely. You might use a dehumidifier to dry out the room. Central heating can help too. Use extractor fans whenever you cook or use the bath and shower. Choose special bathroom or kitchen paint to reduce problems. Finally, double check guttering and roofing are intact and not allowing rainwater to penetrate.
Woodworm
Roof struts are most vulnerable to these pests. Of course, if a roof strut rotted through, your house would be severely damaged. It’s rare for this to become a problem, but if it does, it’s urgent that have it treated. Small pin holes are the first sign of a problem. It’s unlikely you’ll spot any dust. This type of pest can easily move from one piece of wood to another, so you may need to treat all the floorboards in that area too. Keep furniture away from problems.
The Stink That Won’t Quit
Most of us get a whiff of an odour that is far from pleasant. Often it can be tracked down to the bin or the sink. Emptying the bin and using a sink cleaner usually gets rid of the problem. But if you’re struggling to track it down, and it’s getting worse, chances are you have a rotting animal or bird somewhere in your home. Cats can sometimes bring in a ‘playmate’ and then lose interest. Check behind the sofa. Birds can fall down chimneys and perish. Ask a chimney sweep to clear it out. A cowl can prevent this happening again.
Home ownership can be wrought with problems. Have you struggled with your house recently?