10 Major Safety Issues to Look Out For In Your Home

Many of us know to get a home inspection when buying or even selling a house. But when is the last time you took a look at your current living situation and did your own checks to make sure everything is safe and sound? If we’ve learned anything by watching Home Inspector Joe, it’s that there are common home inspection problems that can be avoided. Here are a few safety issues to look out for in your home, based on our learnings from the show.

Watch Home Inspector Joe beginning Sunday, January 23 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on HGTV Canada. It is also available on the Global TV App and on STACKTV with Amazon Prime Video Channels. HGTV Canada is available through all major TV service providers.

Home Inspector Joe checking heater in basement

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Be On the Lookout for HVAC Problems

HVAC is actually a broad one, as it covers heating, ventilation and air conditioning. As we’ve seen on the show, it’s also something that can routinely fail a home inspection. To make sure that your home is in tip-top shape, be on the lookout for any cracks in your ducts, loose electrical connections, or the smell of gas. If you have a gas fireplace ensure that you have it checked by a professional at least once a year, and be sure to keep up on servicing for gas appliances as well.

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Routinely Check For Structural Issues

The earlier you can catch a structural issue, the more likely you’ll be able to fix it in a timely (and hopefully more cost-efficient) manner. If you notice wood rot, cracks in the walls, or sagging floors, you may want to call in a pro to see what can-and should-be done to ensure your home is 100 per cent safe.

Home Inspector Joe inspecting a crawl space

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Factor in Foundational Issues, Too

If structural issues are a headache, foundational issues can be a migraine-especially if they’re not caught and addressed early. If you have cracks on the exterior of your home or notice strange happenings like cabinets separating from the walls, or doors and windows that no longer line up or shut properly, it’s time to call in a pro like Joe to check out the issues even further so that they can advise you on what to do next.

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Repair Any Roof Damage

As we’ve seen so many times, roofs are such an important part of the home-not only do they keep out water and moisture and help to regulate temperature, but they’re integral to a home’s structure. To keep yours in fine working order be sure to regularly check it for missing or damaged shingles, as well as water damage and decay. It’s also important to address any sagging or weak spots, and if you have a roof that’s more than 15 years old, consider replacing it altogether.

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Look Out For Drainage Problems

Water is great for the body, but not so much for the home. That’s why one of the things Joe and other inspectors will always look for when going through a home is drainage problems. You can do that yourself as well, by regularly checking gutters and noting any weird yard floods, mould growth, or leaks in the basement.

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Remedy Mould, Stat

Speaking of mould, that’s another thing you’ll want to address straightway if you want to keep your home safe from those potentially toxic spores. While you can’t always see mould, you can sometimes notice a musty smell that has developed in your home, which you may want to get checked out. Meanwhile, be on the lookout for any standing water or physical mould, and be sure to remedy those as soon as possible.

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Plan to Fix Plumbing Problems

Keep any potential plumbing problems at bay by routinely looking for any obvious problems, like exposed pipes or mildew and stains, as well as lesser-known indicators like low water pressure or an unexplained jump in your water bill. If you notice something is wonky, be sure to call a plumber.

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Get a Jump on Any Electrical Issues

It’s never a good (or safe) idea to tackle electrical issues yourself, but there are several indicators that you should be on the lookout for when it comes to ensuring your home is safe and sound. Call a pro in for help if you notice faulty or exposed wiring, if you have an outdated panel or overloaded breakers, or if you notice any outlets that have stopped working

Watch: Popcorn Ceiling Removal with Ben Napier

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Rid Your Home of Pesky Rodents or Bugs

Critters aren’t exacted the most beloved neighbours, given that they tend to cause health problems (allergies, asthma, respiratory disease). They can also wreak havoc on any wood, wiring or pipes that come in their way, which means you’ll want to get rid of them, pronto. Watch for droppings, noises in the walls, any nesting materials, holes or swarming, not to mention swollen floors or ceilings when checking to see if these animals and insects are a problem in your home.

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Ensure Alarms and Detectors Are Fully Functioning

This last tip is one of the most obvious ones, but it’s something not everyone does: check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure that they’re fully functioning. It’s a good idea to do so at least once a week, and if you have any detectors that are older than 10 years old, it’s time to get a new one.