Speak to any homeowner and they’ll tell you that they have a snag list; a list of things that need doing around the house but that aren’t necessarily a priority. This can range from fixing a squeaky door and re-painting the front door to putting up a shelf and re-grouting the bathroom tiles. These are not serious issues and more annoyances than anything, but not all snag list items fall into this category.
Here are five snag list issues you need to pay attention to immediately if you spot them in your home. If you fail to act quickly, you could find yourself with a much bigger, more expensive problem to try and fix. Likewise, if you notice any of these symptoms in a house you’re thinking about buying, heed caution.
Non-Closing Doors
The primary function of doors is to open and close effectively. When they fail to do this one job, it’s a pretty good sign that something is wrong, especially if the door was able to fulfill its duty previously. In new houses, a door that sticks or that gets jammed could be due to natural settlement. As the foundations settle into the ground, there will naturally be a shift in parts of the house.
That being said, if your house is older and has had sufficient time to settle but has only just started encountering issues with the doors closing, there may be a problem with the foundations of your house. As minor as an un-closing door seems, it could be a sign of a much, much bigger problem, so make sure you get it checked out as soon as possible.
Flickering Lights
Electricity is a wonderful invention, but when it goes wrong, it can be deadly. For this reason, if you have a flickering light, make sure you take it seriously. The first step is to check the bulb and make sure it isn’t reaching the end of its life and that it’s not loose. If this isn’t the case, you likely have a wiring issue.
Prevent a fire and call in an electrician to diagnose the problem and fix it quickly.
Wet Walls
One of the most common issues homeowners face is damp. It comes in many different forms and there are lots of different signs, but some types are more serious than others. If you have black mold around your windows, doors and in the kitchen or bathroom, this is likely condensation and can be fixed by opening windows and installing extractor fans.
If you have a wet wall, however, this is a sign of penetrating damp which can point towards an issue with your walls, roof or guttering. The issue should be investigated immediately to prevent further problems.
Cracked Walls
Hairline cracks are normal in houses, especially in new homes where the property is in the process of settling. That being said, if you notice cracks on the outside of your house, or if you see cracks that are bigger than a hairline, this could be a sign of subsidence which is essentially a worst-case scenario for homeowners. Don’t be tempted to fill in the cracks or wallpaper over them, get them inspected as soon as possible to be on the safe side!
Skirting Board Holes
Houses attract all manner of animals and pests, including mice and flies, but one pest you absolutely do not want in your home is woodworm. These tiny little insects can wreak havoc with your timber frames, door frames and skirting boards, not to mention your furniture. Sometimes they’re little more than a nuisance, but if they get into your beams or timber frame, they can drastically reduce the structural integrity of the wood. This could be pricey and dangerous, so make sure you keep an eye out for holes and call pest control if you see them.
Summary
Hopefully this article has raised awareness and pushed you into sorting your snag list. They might not be a big issue, but it’s best to safe than sorry.