70% of Homeowners Reported Signs of Maintenance Issues

Halloween may be over, but scary home maintenance problems occur year-round. Seventy percent of homeowners reported sounds or odors that signaled underlying maintenance issues in a recent Hippo survey. 

Of those, 44% reported finding serious problems while 25% reported minor issues. 

The top issues that homeowners commonly found were: 

1. Water damage that seemed to appear out of nowhere (45%) 
2. Mysterious drafts that were a sign of poor insulation or leaks (33%) 
3. Odd smells coming from hidden spaces, leading to bigger problems like mold (28%) 
4. Creaking floors that hinted at structural issues (26%) 
5. Flickering lights or electrical issues that could have been fire hazards (20%) 

Home maintenance issues can be scary. From clanking pipes to unexplained cold spots, telltale signs of home problems can indicate the need for costly repairs. Of those surveyed, 63% said they would rather deal with a ghost haunting their attic than a burst pipe in their ceiling.  

To prevent issues from becoming nightmares, homeowners should:  

• Schedule regular inspections from professionals who are experienced in identifying problems – especially for areas that may be harder to access, like HVAC systems and behind walls.   
• Invest in preventative maintenance that can help prevent costly repairs. 
• Consider home security essentials like automated lighting, doorbells and security cameras, window and door sensors, smart locks and security systems, which could help deter crime.  
• Review home insurance coverage to know what’s covered before disaster strikes.