When it comes to maintaining a home, most people think of painting or cleaning moss off the roof. But there are other things around the house that can negatively impact the house too. Here are 6 quick things to look for:
- Trees. Trees can affect the house in many ways. If in contact with the house, they can cause damage. They can act as a bridge for rodents into the home or attic. If large trees are near the foundation, roots can cause significant damage to the foundation or driveway.
- Tree Stumps. The main issue here is that they attract wood destroying organisms. The can be infested with wood rot, termites and other wood destroying insects. If too close to the house, there is a higher likelihood that these unwanted pests can come into your home.
- Damaged Sidewalks and driveways. This are often times the first thing you see when you pull up to your house. Trees and settling can cause major damage and can cost thousands to repair or replace. The cracks can also cause tripping hazards which could be a liability to you.
- Grading Around the Foundation. Water is lazy and finds the quickest and easiest path. If the grading around your house slopes towards the house, there is a high likelihood that water will infiltrate your crawlspace. This can cause a whole host of issues including wood rot of structural components, attract vermin, create a musty smell in the home; the list goes on.
- Piles of Yard Debris/Firewood. Bottom line here is that these attract pests. Did your mom ever say to you that your room looked like a rat’s nest? Rats love to take shelter in piles of debris. They also attract wood destroying organisms as well as spiders.
- Driveway Dividers/Road Ties. These are common in our area. As a general rule, home inspectors look down upon any wood that is in direct contact with soil, mulch and even concrete. These have a tendency to collect moisture and transfer it into contacting wood components, causing a conducive condition for Wood Destroying Organisms.
There is much more to maintaining a home than a little occasional paint. With a proactive approach, and eliminating any of these conditions, you will most likely maximize the life of your investment.
