Every house has its unique history; there’s a memory on every wall and a story in every room. New or old, they serve as spaces we occupy or grow in, and as time goes on, they aren’t just brick and mortar. They become homes in which our hearts reside. Like most things, they can fall apart if not taken care of. The state or condition of your home is very telling of the value you place on it. The signs of neglect aren’t always visible, but there are ways to identify them before it’s too late, including the signs listed below.
1. An unwelcoming entrance
The entrance of your home is the main feature you and others come into contact with daily. If your front door looks old and washed out, your porch is squeaky, and your doormat gives off major unwelcoming vibes, your home needs your attention. Top that with a barely visible and dusty-looking mailbox and a front yard covered with weeds and dry leaves. It’s a sign to get some work done.
2. Clutter and more clutter
Do you feel overwhelmed when you step into your home? There may be too much clutter. Research shows that clutter is bad for the brain and can cause stress. Hoarding things that aren’t valuable or functional makes your home look untidy. Too many items also make your space appear smaller, and there is hardly any room for other important things. Pests are everywhere, but if you spot an increase in unwanted pests running around, engage in a decluttering exercise. You can always start small so you don’t feel overwhelmed or, if you are struck by a sudden burst of motivation, hire a dumpster from someone like these Winston Salem dumpster rental experts and tackle every single room in one go. It will be well worth it for a neater, more minimalistic space that you can really enjoy once again.
3. Dirt and debris
Swipe your finger across your counters and look closely at your furniture. Do you see dirt everywhere, and is your home one cobweb short of looking like an abandoned house? Dirt marks and debris are not a pretty sight. Is garbage spilling over? If you can’t remember the last time you deep cleaned or pressure washed anything, your home may eventually appear neglected. When you open your cabinets, check whether they’re clean or infested with pests. If roaches have invaded it, it’s time to call in for professional help.
4. Natural lighting and fresh air
A sure sign of neglect is when your home begins to feel dark and stale due to a lack of natural fresh air and good lighting. Poor lighting can make your home look lifeless, so replace your light bulbs with new ones. Additionally, if your windows are old, dirty, or are gathering dust and blocking natural air and lighting, your home will gradually look unattractive from the outside. In that case, a good home window replacement company can install and replace the windows and make your house feel and look brand new in no time.
5. Peels and cracks
Cracks in the walls and old paint peeling are signs of damage you are probably overlooking. Leaving your wallpaper water stained and your walls untreated could eventually cost you a fortune. Your cracked pavement and creaking floorboards are also warning signs that your home needs maintenance. It’s also advisable to keep you and your home safe by throwing out broken tiles and sinks.
6. Fix what is broken
Consistently fixing broken things is an essential part of maintaining a home. Why not start by taking a tour and noting what is wrong? Something is bound to break, and fixing it on time is important. If your door knobs are falling off or your tap is leaking, and you don’t fix them as soon as possible, you might gradually devalue your home. Or if your windows are letting in draughts and your energy bills sky high, you may want to take a look at Windows Westchester and consider installing new energy-efficient windows in your home. Additionally, it would help if you dealt with moisture buildup from leaky roofs, as it can lead to mold and mildew accumulating in your home. Lastly, inspect your appliances and systems often to ensure they are working properly.
7. Backyard appeal
Backyards can be a great hangout spot if taken care of. It could also be your home’s best feature, especially for your family. Think of all the family cookouts that cannot happen because of the overgrown trees and bushes you see as you look through your window. The summer’s heat can also dehydrate your lawn, so get a proper sprinkler to prevent wilting. If your pool also needs some cleaning, it’s time to call the pool guy.
Keeping up with the condition of your home while juggling other responsibilities is not easy. However, you can save time and money by keeping your eyes on these signs. You will be able to enjoy and keep your home in good shape for a long time.
