We love our cosy flat. It has taken a while to get it just how we like it, but we’re finally getting close. The kitchen is the masterpiece, and the rest is catching up! As much as we enjoy the DIY and decorating side of the things, we always keep my eye on the flat itself. There are certain structural things around the home that worry us. We’re sure that every homeowner is the same. Structural trouble is expensive and time-consuming to fix. So, we’re always on the lookout for those first worrying signs. Here are some of the big ones that you should look out for.

Plumbing and leaks

We’re pretty handy when it comes to DIY. We’re more than happy to get stuck into a big project and we’re pretty nifty with an electric drill! However, there are some things my boyfriend and I just won’t touch. One of those areas is plumbing. I myself don’t mind tightening a loose tap or pipe. But, I won’t go any further. You just never know what damage you’ll cause. Leaks can cause flooding and they can destroy the electrics if they get in. That’s why I always check the pipes for signs of damage, and I catch leaks quickly!

Foundations

It’s not always easy to tell when the foundations are in trouble. The biggest giveaway is subsidence. That’s when the house starts to sink! You might notice slightly wonky angles or lines on the house. You may spot uneven levels or growing damp in the lower parts of the flat. It’s especially common in older homes, so beware! If you think you might have a problem, speak to your local foundation repair pros for advice.

Roof trouble

A lot of structural problems in the home start in the roof. It’s the first sign that the house is starting to lose its strength. In our flat, we share a roof, so it’s not the easiest job! But we still make a habit of checking it every now and then. The biggest tell-tale sign of trouble is sagging. It’s especially important if you have a house with roof tiles. Look out for damaged tiles, eroded concrete, and general bad condition.

Damp

Damp and mold is the most common issue in the home, and happens in almost all older properties. There are lots of different causes of damp. Simply drying your clothes inside can cause the spread of mold. Condensation on your windows is another big factor. The most worrying sign is damp growing on the walls as a result of poor building quality. If moisture is getting in through the soil or brickwork, you might have a big job on your hands. Keeping these problems at bay is key to making your house a home!

Wiring

Much like plumbing, we don’t touch the electric wiring. One wrong move and it could end in disaster! But we do make a habit of checking the fuse box and making sure all the circuits are working correctly. It’s just good sense.

Thanks for reading, and I hope you find some useful advice here!