Home Safety Hazards for First Time Homeowners

All About Home Safety HazardsFirst-time home buyers are often people who have been renters for ages. They're not used to recognizing maintenance problems that could be safety hazards. These maintenance issues can lead to accidents and damage to property. First-time home buyers who know to look for these problems can protect themselves from injury and property damage.

Electrical Problems

Electrical problems can lead to fires, injuries and even death. Common signs of electrical problems include:

  • Lights flicker on and off.
  • Lights dim when electrical appliances turn on.
  • Circuits trip frequently.
  • Homeowners must severely limit the number of appliances that they use in the home at one time.

These problems are especially common in older homes with limited electrical service. Many modern homes get as much as 200 amps of electrical service. Homeowners who buy older properties and who don't get enough electrical service must have their electrical box replaced to ensure that their electrical service is adequate.

Chimney Maintenance Issues

Chimneys need to be cleaned, inspected and maintained on a regular basis. Even homeowners who only use their chimneys occasionally must still have their chimneys inspected and cleaned on an annual basis.

Beverly Hills homeowners who use their chimney often may need to have their chimney cleaned more than once per year. Getting a regular cleaning helps homeowners avoid a buildup of hazardous flammable creosote inside the chimney which could result in a chimney fire.

Dry Rot on Decks

Decks are built for fun and entertainment, but if a deck begins to rot, it can potentially become a safety hazard. Rotten boards can lead to serious accidents involving deck collapse. Homeowners can protect themselves from dry rot by inspecting their decks regularly. When inspecting the wood, they must look for:

  • Stains
  • Silvery-gray color
  • Cracks in the wood

In addition, dry rot is often easy to detect by sticking the wood with an awl or a screwdriver. If the pointed end of the tool penetrates the wood easily, this is a sign that the wood is rotten. If the wood is rotten, it must be replaced as soon as possible. Once the deck has been fixed, wood rot can be prevented in the future through regular maintenance like staining and sealing the wood.

If you're a new homeowner and you have questions about how to maintain your new home, talk to a contractor. Working with a reputable contractor can help you keep your home in good condition.

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