- Jim
Top 10 trouble zones
Updated: Apr 9, 2018

#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