Avoiding Mold, Sewage & Other Gross Home Fails

 The U.S. Census reports that Americans spent an average of $272,900 for a new home in 2010. That's a pretty penny, and as a new homeowner, you want to protect your pretty investment. Therefore, watch out for three key home repairs that if left unfixed, can affect the safety and comfort of your new house.



Mold

It's more than a fungus that grows on forgotten leftovers in the back of the fridge. Mold can grow and multiply on almost any damp surface of your home. When left untreated, it can make you sick and destroy your home. Prevent mold by reducing moisture with some suggestions from the Environmental Protection Agency.

  • Turn a fan on in the bathroom and kitchen to remove excess moisture.
  • Run and regularly empty a dehumidifier if the humidity levels in your home are higher than 60 percent.
  • Fix any leaking pipes immediately.

If your preventative measures don't work and mold begins to grow, wipe the area off with a mixture of 1/2 cup bleach, 1 quart water and a small amount of detergent. Hire a professional mold remediation company if your removal methods don't work or if you suspect the mold is taking over your home. While removing a mold infestation can run from $500 for a small surface to $30,000 for extensive removal, according to Si-Restoration.com, a professional company employs safe removal methods. These methods can get you back into your house as soon as possible.

Foundation Problems

Cracks, bows and settling in the foundation threaten your home's safety. With a weak foundation, the rest of your home's structure weakens. Signs of a compromised foundation include doors that don't close properly, cracks in the walls or water in the basement. Repair costs vary based on the type of soil, the foundation's condition, and the season, but Concrete Network reports that typical foundation repairs range from $250 to $30,000.

You can't prevent foundation problems if the home was improperly built, but you can take proactive steps to protect a solid foundation. Primarily, ensure excess water can't accumulate around your home and degrade any foundation. Attach rain gutters and downspouts, install a French drain and grade the yard to protect your home's foundation from future problems. If the job is too complex, and you want to do a whole remodeling of your home anyway, you can look into hiring a service like a TenList remodeling contractor to take on the job.

Sewer Backups

An occasional clog in the toilet is manageable, but a backed up sewer is a disgusting mess and a major expense. Prevent backups when you dispose of cooking grease. Throw disposable diapers and sanitary napkins in the trash can instead of down the drain. Plant trees and shrubs away from sewer lines, and install a back-flow valve on low drains in your basement. If you do experience a backup, call a professional company to evaluate the clogged lines, remove obstructions and sanitize the area.

How to Finance Home Repairs

Funding home repairs requires cash--often amounts that extend outside your monthly budget. However, further damage could occur if you try to wait and save up for the repair, which will cost more in the long run. To help float your budget until the next payday, applying for a short-term loan from a reputable provider can possibly provide the money you need to make the repair ASAP. You can also do some advance planning and keep a tight rein on your budget with money management apps like EasyMoney. The app helps you track expenses and save the money you need to make these three key home repairs and others that are needed to ensure your new home stays safe and healthy.

The information in this article is provided for education and informational purposes only, without any express or implied warranty of any kind, including warranties of accuracy, completeness or fitness for any particular purpose. The information in this article is not intended to be and does not constitute financial or any other advice. The information in this article is general in nature and is not specific to you the user or anyone else.

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