4 Ways to Spot Water Damage in Your Home

Whether you are looking to purchase a new home or simply want to inspect your own, understanding how to spot water damage is critical to preventing bigger issues from occurring. Understandably, this can be difficult for someone who may have never attempted to look for water damage or even know what may be causing it. Thus the following includes four ways to spot water damage within your home.

Check the Common Spots First

Even if you have never attempted to look for water damage, there are a few spots that are very obvious to most homeowners where water can cause issues. That is why it is so important to begin the process within these areas first. These areas include your basement/attic (if applicable), all your bathrooms and kitchen. Although not always the case, these areas will often provide you with the first signs of trouble.

Unexplained Humidity

Is your home suddenly feeling a little humid? This may be a sign that there is water damage somewhere within your home. You should begin chasing the area where the humidity is the strongest to get a good idea of where the water is sitting.

Soft Spots

Contrary to popular belief, not all damage from water is going to be visible to the naked eye. Sometimes, the water leaks will be so small that they do not cause any visual damage to the paint or wallpaper but rather slowly begin to soften your walls. If you suspect that you may have water damage somewhere within your walls, you may begin pressing gently against them to figure out where exactly the issue is located.

Detection of Mold

One of the most obvious signs of water damage is the sudden appearance of mold. Mold can look dark black or greenish in color and will thrive where water and oxygen are abundant. However, it must be noted that small amounts of mold within your bathroom is not uncommon, and thus further examination of this room must be conducted before water damage is officially labeled as the issue.

Damage from water can be extremely damaging to not only the home but your health and those within it. That is why it is so important to conduct these tests every few months or when issues such as a foul smell appear out of nowhere. You may also seek the services of a professional to ensure that a thorough inspection is done.

4 Common Repairs a Home Needs Before You Rent It Out

There's no doubt about it; today, people are quickly choosing to head into single-family homes rather than apartments. This has caused a huge demand and one that you should be ready for if you are someone looking for tenants. The following includes four of the most common repairs a home needs before renting it out to new tenants. 

Plumbing 

Plumbing is not only one of the most complicated things to deal with but one of the most expensive. That is why it is one of the most important things to check out first within a rental. Other than the complicated and expensive process, not checking the pipes and water supply before bringing in tenants can also lead to legal problems where your tenants can legally get out of paying you rent. This is because not providing a livable home can be considered a breach of contract. 

Removing & Preventing Pests

If the home that you are considering renting out has not had tenants in a while, you may end up having to deal with pest removal. Pests love to huddle around areas where they are not disturbed, and a home with no previous tenants is a perfect spot. That is why it is highly recommended to bring in a professional exterminator to look within your walls, floors, and ceiling and eliminate any critters that may have set up shop within the home. 

Electrical Issues 

No matter if your property has been sitting vacant for months or you just had tenants move out, you must always ensure that all the electrical devices and wiring are in working order. Electrical repairs can be very complicated, and thus, bringing in a professional electrician is highly recommended for this step of the renting process. Things that they should be investigating include all the condition of wall outlets, the home breaker box, and other parts of the home, such as the garage door opener. 

Furnace & HVAC Repairs

One of the most important things for a tenant include the home's comfortability. That is why it is paramount that you ensure that the home's furnace or HVAC system is in working order. Fortunately, it is rather easy to investigate this home component as any issues are often very noticeable. For example, you must lookout for a lack of power coming from the vents, loud noises, odd smells, and debris around the HVAC system outside the home as signs that there is something wrong. 

As you can see from the information above, there are several items that need to be taken care of before renting out a home to new tenants. That is why it is highly recommended to take the information above and begin applying it to your particular property.

Services to Think About Hiring if Your Home Is Getting Old

As a homeowner, it is imperative to take proper care of your home for sustainability and ensure it’s in top-notch condition. However, sometimes you may lose track of time and before you know it, your house is dilapidated. How you maintain your home speaks depths about your sense of responsibility.

It is essential to keep an eye out, especially if your home is about that old money. Fixtures may start falling off, or your paint may begin flaking, making your home look unattractive. Taking proper care of your old house means an intensive and thorough makeover.

That said, it would be best to hire some services to help you keep your old home in proper condition. Here are some essential services that you may consider.

Roofing Services

Your roof is one of the most integral parts of your house as it protects you from harsh external elements. Your roof may start caving in, or you may realize that some shingles are missing. You may also notice some water stains on your ceiling, which indicates a leaking roof.

The roof’s paint may also wear out after some time which is a call for necessary action. Consider hiring roofing services to examine your roof and determine whether you need a few repairs or roof replacement. Go through some roofing companies and check out their portfolios to know what to expect from them.

The roofing company will tell you what your roof needs and help execute the required actions. They may also recommend a new roof design that offers sustainability and durability to keep you and your property safe.

Electrical Services

Your home may also have an outdated electrical system which may cause frequent power interruptions or, even worse, a fire outbreak. Consider hiring an electrical company to update your electrical system and replace any obsolete electrical components. This way, you can reduce your energy bills and comply with various safety measures.

Gutter and Drain Cleaning

Your gutter or drains may get clogged with debris making it hard to drain stormwater. Consequently, your roof may be damaged, and the compound may flood. Call for gutter or drain cleaning services to reduce water damage and prolong the lifespan of your roof or home in general.

Home Remodeling Services

You may feel that renovation can’t solve all the problems with your house. Thus, you may decide on a complete makeover and tear down your walls to give your home a new look. Home remodeling services will come in handy when you need to change your entire configuration leaving your home looking and feeling new.

Know what your home needs before hiring any services. This way, you can know which services to prioritize and help in planning your budget. Consult various professionals and heed their advice for a viable and durable home.

Guest Post - Real Estate Investing: The 5 Factors of a 'Good' Location

Any experienced realtor will tell you that location is the most important thing about a real estate property. You may find a beautiful house that has ample amenities, but if it is in a dangerous neighborhood, you may have trouble reselling it in the future.

In this article, we explain the essential elements of a good location.

1. Centrality

The location of your home determines its price. For example, highly developed urban areas do not have a lot of room for additional growth. Unsurprisingly, property prices are higher when compared to the cities that have more room to expand.

One such example is the North Carolina real estate market that is thriving amid the Coronavirus pandemic. It has seen an overall 6% rise from 2019 to 2020. The average price of real estate properties is above $214,000. The prices on the Raleigh housing market have grown 2% since the beginning of COVID-19.

2. The Neighborhood

Whether peaceful or hectic, choosing the right neighborhood for you is a matter of personal choice. However, there are a few essential features every neighborhood should have in common, including:

• Accessibility – Look for a neighborhood in the vicinity of the city’s major transit routes and that more than one point of entry. It should also be near roads and public transportation, so you can commute to work easier. 

• Appearance – You can judge the safety and popularity of the neighborhood by its visual appeal. Quality landscaping, lots of trees, renovated community spaces, and nearby parks are desirable. 

• Amenities, such as grocery stores, restaurants, shops, and schools are essential. Consider the quality of schools and their distance from the house, as well.

• House safety is essential, no matter if you live alone or have a large family. Choose a community that has a low crime rate and that seems inviting. Make sure the neighborhood is populated, which indicates the popularity of the community.

3. Development

Do your research and learn whether any commercial or residential developments are planned in the future. Make sure there are plans for new schools, hospitals, museums, public transportation, and so forth. Amenities increase the value of the real estate property over time. 

4. Lot Location

Once you choose your desired neighborhood, it is time to inspect the lot location. It may directly impact the price of your real estate property. For example, if the house is situated on a busy road, you will probably purchase it for a lower price. However, remember that it may be more challenging to sell it in the future, irrespective of its design and curb appeal. 

The choice of the lot also depends on your family’s needs and preferences. For instance, homes near grocery stores, gas stations, community centers, or churches usually have a large amount of parking traffic. 

On the other hand, a house in a peaceful area with an astonishing view may be more expensive. However, its value will also be higher in the future when it comes time to sell it. 

5. The Quality of the House

Now that you have taken the steps mentioned above, it is time to narrow down your list and focus on the homes that meet your requirements. For example, say you have cherry-picked two houses that align with your standards. One is older and needs upgrades and repairs but has a lot of amenities and a growing community. The other is new and in impressive shape but its lot is significantly smaller. If the prices of the houses are similar, you may struggle to choose the right one. 

To make the right choice, observe houses as an investment in the long run. In that case, the first, less attractive house may be the right solution for you. For starters, its lot is bigger, better situated and, therefore, worthier. Also, any upgrades you make over time will increase the value of the house when reselling it.

The Location of the Property is Essential

The facts mentioned above teach you that the location of the real estate property is not subjective. There are several criteria to keep in mind when making investments, including the lot size, centrality of the home, amenities, plans for expansion, etc. 

Consider hiring an experienced real estate professional to help you make the right decision and purchase a home that may translate into a profitable investment in the future.

What factors did you consider when you were purchasing a home? Please, share your thoughts and experiences with us!

Author Bio:

Eve Anderson is a marketing specialist turned blogger. Interested in sports and exciting travel destinations. Love to share content that can inform people.