Top 10 trouble zones

#1 (Tub & Shower)

Symptoms: Failed caulking, grout, or soft flooring

Risks: Rooted flooring, structural damage

Costs: $5,000+

Recommended Action:

Inspect caulking and crawl area; re-caulk, grout, and seal as needed

#2 (Roof)

Symptoms: Curled or missing shingles, roof debris, or moss

Risks: Roof leaks; water damage to floors, walls

Costs: $15,000+

Recommended Action:

Inspect and clean roof, flashing, and skylights; remove debris quarterly

#3 (Gutters & Downspouts)

Symptoms: Debris, leaky seams, or inadequate drainage

Risks: Damage to foundation, siding, gutters, and eaves

Costs: $1,000-$75,000

Recommended Action:

Inspect and clean gutters, downspouts, and drainage quarterly

#4 (Water Heater)

Symptoms: Rust, dirty water, leaks, or lack of heat

Risks: Water heater bursts, house floods, and floor damage

Costs: $5,000-$15,000

Recommended Action:

Inspect, clean, and flush water heater annually; replace anode rod

#5 (Doors & Windows)

Symptoms: Leaks, gaps or cracks in caulk, wood damage

Risks: Walls, windows, trim, siding need replacement

Costs: $5,000-$15,000

Recommended Action:

Inspect flashing, caulking, paint and weatherstripping annually

#6 (Furnace)

Symptoms: Soot at vents and doors; broken flues and ducting; high utility bills

Risks: Carbon monoxide poisoning

Costs: $200+

Recommended Action:

Test, inspect, and service furnace and filters, test for toxic gas emissions annually

#7 (Deck)

Symptoms: Splitting, rot, weathering, lifting nails, splinters, or loose railings

Risks: Deck failure, premature replacement, and safety hazards

Costs: $6,000+

Recommended Action:

Inspect, clean, seal wood annually, reset nails, and replace boards

#8 (Garage door)

Symptoms: Loose hardware, noise, faulty reverser or spring malfunction; jerkiness

Risks: Personal injury, damage to car, or failure of door opener

Costs: $750+

Recommended Action:

Inspect, test, lubricate, tighten, and adjust hardware of door and reverser annually

#9 (Sinks)

Symptoms: Leaks under sinks, clogs, and rusted traps; faulty shut-off valves

Risks: Damage to cabinets, walls, floors, and rot

Costs: $600+

Recommended Action:

Inspect, test and service plumbing annually

#10 (Attic & Crawl Space)

Symptoms: Insufficient ventilation, moisture, mildew, rodents, insects, and foundation cracks

Risks: Hidden rot, foundation damage, and structural damage

Costs: $5,000

Recommended Action:

Inspect spaces and foundation; ensure adequate ventilation