Your house is more than just where you rest your head at night; it's a place of comfort, somewhere you've made countless memories, and an investment you're likely intent on maintaining. However, there are numerous signs of trouble in your house that even the most eagle-eyed folks may miss—and they could lead to seriously expensive repairs down the line.
From indications of foundation issues you might mistake for something else to evidence you've got a mold problem, we've teamed up with experts to bring you these surefire signs your house is falling apart. And if you want to protect your home, check out these 23 Bad Home Design Choices That Cause Damage.
1
The earth around your home is sinking.
That smushy soil perimeter around your house or patio isn't just a sign of poor landscaping—it could mean that a serious water leak or drainage issues are at play.
Unfortunately, this could mean big repairs are on the horizon. "Serious structural damage could occur depending on where soil is eroding, so it's best to have a contractor, architect, or landscape architect provide an analysis," explains architect Colin Haentjens, a designer with The Knobs Company. And if you're ready to make over your space, start with these 27 Amazing Ways to Upgrade Your Kitchen Without Remodeling.
2
Your walls are uneven.
Old homes have all kinds of quirks, but uneven walls shouldn't be among them. According to real estate investor and rehabber Robert Taylor, owner of The Real Estate Solutions Guy, uneven walls can be a sign of a foundation issue—or a sign that an unscrupulous builder has tried to ineffectively fix the problem.
Taylor says that some builders will "pour a thin layer of concrete on the floor to level the portion of the floor that's lower" due to foundation issues, resulting in even floors, but uneven walls.
3
Or they look warped.
Warped walls are frequently a sign that your drywall has absorbed water and is swelling. "Over time, the damaged area starts to crumble, especially around the baseboards," says Jack White, vice president of technical services at Rainbow International, a Neighborly company that specializes in treating water, fire, and mold damage. If your wall feels significantly uneven to the touch, it's time to call in a professional.
4
Your floors slope.
If your walls are perfectly even but your floors are so steep you could ski down them, it's time to call in a foundation expert.
"If the ground was not properly compacted before the foundation was poured, the weight of building can cause settling resulting in cracks in the walls, or unsettled floors," explains Taylor, who notes that this often becomes a problem in homes built on a slope. And if you want to keep your home in tip-top shape, it's time to nix these 50 Ways You're Ruining Your Home Without Realizing It.
5
Or they feel bouncy.
While having a spring in your step can be a good thing, if that spring comes from your floorboards, you've got a major problem. According to architect Evan L. Goldberg, soft and spongy floorboards are a telltale sign that you may have "severe termite damage to the structural floor joists."
After contacting a pest control company to abate the problem, get in touch with a structural engineer to see if your house needs serious work to maintain its stability.
6
Your home has a damp smell.
That musty smell in your home isn't just a sign that you need to clean more diligently. According to Taylor, that unpleasant odor could be a sign that mold is present in your home. His advice?
"Grab your toilet firmly and see if it rocks. If it rocks, you there might be water leaking from under your toilet, or you might be smelling sewer gases escaping," he explains, noting that you'd be wise to call in a professional to help remedy the issue. Taylor also notes that leaks are often present under sinks and where exterior walls meet exterior dirt. And for more great information delivered right to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
7
Or you smell a gunpowder-like odor.
Unless you're hosting regular duels, there's no good reason for your home to smell like gunpowder—and if it does, it's time to call an electrician or heating tech.
"A distinctive gunpowder-like aroma could result from a fried circuit board or fan motor" in your furnace, says Richard Ciresi, owner ofAire Serv in Louisville, Kentucky. Just make sure you get the issue looked at immediately, or you could be putting yourself at risk for a fire.
8
Your notice cracking paint around your doorways.
Cracking paint could be a sign that you didn't thoroughly clean or prime your walls before you started painting. However, it could also be a sign that there's moisture damage. Luckily, if you catch this issue in time, the fix doesn't have to be labor-intensive.
"The solution could be as simple as installing new downspouts that move water farther away from your home's foundation," explains Eric Regan, owner of Mission Painting and Home Improvements.
9
Your paint is bubbling.
While you might chalk up that bubbling color on your walls to your less-than-professional painting skills, it could be a sign that you've got a problem with pests. According to Arrow Exterminators, paint that appears bubbly or has cracked could be a sign of a termite infestation.
After hiring an exterminator to remove the bugs, it's important to keep shrubbery, tree branches, and firewood away from your home to reduce the likelihood of re-infestation. And if you want to avoid further damage, ditch these 23 Things in Your House Attracting Pests.
10
Or your bathroom paint is peeling.
That peeling bathroom paint is more than just a sign you should've shelled out the money for a better contractor. "When paint is peeling on the bathroom walls, there has been an untreated moisture problem for quite some time," says Helling.
The good news? The addition of a bathroom fan can help mitigate the problem going forward. The bad news? Moisture issues can quickly devolve into mold issues, so get a professional to inspect as soon as you can.
11
Your air vents have spots around them.
While all air vents get dirty from time to time, seeing spots in the paint around those vents that can't be easily removed may be an indication of a mold issue in your home. However, it's not just repainting your home might require: "You may need to have your cooling system repaired," explains Regan.
12
Or the ceiling below your bathroom has spots on it.
While many bathrooms develop some light mildew if they're not properly ventilated, if you have spots all over your ceiling, it could point to bigger problems.
"Brown stains on a drywall ceiling are a telltale sign that there has been a water leak at some point," says Andrew Helling, a Nebraska-licensed real estate agent and the owner ofREthority.com. According to him, this discoloration is an indication of moldy drywall, especially if it appears below a bathroom or kitchen.
13
Your caulk has cracks in it.
While caulk can shrink or shift over the course of many years, if the caulk on the exterior of your home is cracking, it's time to call in the pros.
If you're noticing cracked caulk between siding panels, it's likely the sign of a moisture issue. "Think of [caulk] like a brand-new sponge that gets wet and expands," says Regan. "When it expands with moisture, a simple fault in the integrity of the caulk can get dramatically worse as more water pours in." And if you're eager to update your space, start with these 15 Great Home Projects to Tackle While You're Quarantined.
14
Your air conditioning has lost pressure.
Your air conditioner used to keep your home at a pleasant temperature no matter how hot it got outside, but now it's barely cooling your home at all—what gives? According to Benjamin Ross, a real estate expert with Mission Real Estate Group in Texas, a loss of pressure in your vents is "a sign you have animals tearing into your AC ducting, either under the floor or in the attic" and need an exterminator.
15
Your cabinets have shifted.
If those gorgeous cabinets you spent a pretty penny on are suddenly looking cockeyed, "that is a sign there is mold growing above," says kitchen designer Lisa Fennessy of Kitchen Magic. However, that doesn't mean you should immediately replace the cabinetry—instead, you'll need to hire a mold remediation expert to fix the underlying issue or the problem will rear its ugly head once again.
16
Your doors and windows don't open or close properly.
While all homes settle over time, which can cause changes in how the odd door or window fits in its frame, it shouldn't be happening throughout your house. When this becomes an issue with multiple doors or windows, "it likely means that the support holding up the home's foundation or the soil beneath a slab foundation is no longer strong enough to hold up the weight of the home," says to Craig Russell, CEO of The English Contractor, a contracting and building firm in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Before the problem gets worse, it's important to get a foundation expert to assess the level of damage.
17
Your plumbing has lost pressure.
A low-pressure shower isn't just un-fun for you—it's pretty bad news for your house, as well. If you find that your water pressure is low, that could "be a sign of more serious plumbing issues lingering beneath the surface," including leaks, says Doyle James, president of Mr. Rooter Plumbing, a Neighborly company.
18
Your faucets won't stop dripping.
While a dripping sink isn't exactly an uncommon occurrence, it could be a sign you have a bigger leak on your hands. And unfortunately, that "can add to your regular utility bill and also lead to expensive repairs," says James.
19
There are stains underneath your windows.
That discoloration underneath your window may seem like no big deal, but it could be a sign of serious water damage. These stains typically indicate that "water has infiltrated the connection of where a window meets the framing construction," says Goldberg. It may even be a sign that there's potentially harmful mold lurking behind your walls that needs remediation by a professional.
20
Or there are stains around the ceiling fan in your bathroom.
If your bathroom fan has a stain around it, don't waste time getting it looked at. It's likely the result of condensation that could be weakening the surrounding drywall and framing, according to Joe Murphy, an interior design specialist at The Shower Head Store. It can also point to a roof leak, so if having your fan re-insulated or replaced doesn't solve the problem, it's time to call a roofer.
21
You can see daylight or water coming through cracks in your foundation.
A little crack in your home's foundation may be no big deal, but if you can see through to the other side of the crack—or if water is getting through, you've got a much bigger problem on your hands. "A larger crack that is gaping enough to allow water or daylight through can mean a more serious problem, like severe foundation shifting and/or water damage," says Russell.
22
Your lights are flickering.
Before you call a paranormal specialist for those flickering lights, call an electrician. According to Helling, flickering lights are frequently a sign that there's a short in your electrical wiring, which could also pose a fire risk if left unchecked.
23
There are gaps in your gutters.
If your gutters aren't lined up with the edge of your roof, you could have a major problem on your hands. "If you look up and see daylight between the gutter and roof, there is a gap, which will ultimately let water behind the gutter," says Helling. Over time, this can lead to water behind your walls, in your attic, or in your basement, requiring expensive repairs or even mold remediation.
24
Your baseboards are separating.
If your baseboards are moving away from your walls—or their adjoining pieces—you need a foundation expert stat. While this movement is often subtle at first, Alex Berezowski, the owner and general manager of The Foundation Experts Inc., says that it can indicate major foundation issues and shouldn't be left unaddressed.
25
Your chimney is cracking.
That crack in your chimney isn't just your house's way of telling Santa he needs to lose a few. According to Berezowski, cracks in chimneys are also signs that you have a serious foundation issue affecting the structure of your home. And if you want to know how much redoing your home could set you back, This Is How Much Common Renovations Actually Cost.
FAQs
How do you know if your house is collapsing? ›
- Cracks on the walls. A cracked wall is the first and most apparent sign of preliminary structural failures. ...
- Chimney cracks. ...
- Sinking earth around the house. ...
- A stinking and rocking toilet. ...
- A damp crawl space. ...
- Bubbling paint on the walls. ...
- Stains under the windows. ...
- Uneven or warped walls.
Signs You Have an Issue
You will notice the floors sloping to one side, or sagging in the center. The floor may feel oddly bouncy or soft, or have high and low places. These are all signs of a deteriorating floor structure.
The first question that comes to mind is, can a house collapse from foundation issues? The answer is yes, however, it is also not that simple. It can take years to develop a serious foundational issue that would cause your home to collapse. In most cases, if it does, it's concentrated on a specific area of the home.
How do you know if a house is bad? ›- No inspection, no dice. A major red flag when entering negotiations of a possible home purchase is when the owner will not allow an inspection. ...
- Neighborhood sale. ...
- Smell test. ...
- The roof is looking rough. ...
- Put pressure on the plumbing. ...
- Fact check the foundation. ...
- Look at the HVAC System.
Horizontal or diagonal cracks measuring more than 1/4 of an inch is a good reason to walk away.
What makes a house collapse? ›A building can suddenly collapse for many different reasons: faulty construction; termite damage; rot; damage caused by the weight of snow, ice, or rain over time; the weight of people or personal property; blasts; vibrations; or decay.
Can a building collapse without warning? ›Some types of buildings under construction or demolition, when subjected to fire, may collapse suddenly with little or no warning.
Can a sagging floor collapse? ›Sagging floors are not only deformed and unappealing but they can be dangerous. They can collapse and cause injuries if they're not fixed quickly.
How long is a house good for? ›Without special care and maintenance, the maximum lifespan of a house is about 200 years. Yes, there are historical buildings that are far older, but those have received special maintenance and preventive care that few other buildings receive.
Is it safe to live in a house with foundation problems? ›Living in a house with foundation problems is generally considered to be safe, though this depends on the extent of the issues. For minor issues, such as small cracks or gaps, there is likely no immediate risk to your property. Rather, it is a sign that you should arrange for an inspection as soon as possible.
How long do modern houses last? ›
The National Association of Certified Home Inspectors gives an estimated lower bound of 100+ years for the timber frame and concrete foundation (which nearly every home will have). The National Association of Homebuilders helpfully says the foundation and framing will last “a lifetime”.
How do you know if your house is a money pit? ›- A Listing That Says “Sold As Is” The most obvious warning sign is, well, an actual warning from the seller. ...
- The Smell of Moisture. ...
- Warped Walls. ...
- Stuck Windows & Doors. ...
- Sloping or Sagging Floors. ...
- Foundation Problems. ...
- Inward Grading, Poor Drainage & Short Downspouts. ...
- A Bad Roof.
A house with major structural problems, substandard wiring, poor plumbing, ineffective heating, drainage issues, or toxins such as asbestos or black mold could become your money pit. Before buying any house, you should hire a qualified home inspector to scrutinize it and give you a thorough report.
What is considered a dirty home? ›The short answer here is that you have a dirty house if it is unsanitary, meaning there is mould in the home, unwanted pests are being attracted, or there are lingering unpleasant odours. This is different from a house that is simply messy, meaning that there is a lot of clutter or disorganization.
How do I know if I need a new foundation? ›- Exterior Cracks. ...
- Interior Sheetrock Cracks. ...
- Doors Out of Square and Uneven Floors. ...
- Door Frame/Window Frame Separation from Brick. ...
- Rotten Wood – Pier & Beams. ...
- Bouncing floors – Rotten Wood. ...
- Tile Cracks. ...
- Expansion Joint Seperation.
Sagging or slanting floors and/or bowing basement walls. Mold, rot, or mildew growing in the basement or crawl space, and a musty smelling odor. A sinking front or back stoop or porch. Unexplained water damage in areas throughout the home.
What percentage of homes have foundation problems? ›However, homes with foundational issues do exist - about 25% of all homes will experience some structural distress, with 5% experiencing major structural distress in their lifetime. In other words, it's not necessarily the deal-ender some people treat it as. Foundational issues are, in fact, fixable.
How do you know if a house is structurally sound? ›The first step in how to tell if a home is structurally sound is to simply look around the outside and notice any issues, aesthetic or otherwise, that may be present. Many of the seeming aesthetic issues you're having on the exterior of your home are actually signs of structural damage.
How do I stop my house from shifting? ›- Hydration. Water with a soaker hose positioned a foot or two away from your slab, about as often as you water your lawn. ...
- Drainage. Make sure water always drains away from the foundation. ...
- Sealing cracks. ...
- Water hogs. ...
- Mulching. ...
- Photographic evidence.
Abandoned buildings decay quickly for a number of reasons, including leaks and damage in the ceiling and floor, a lack of maintenance and external factors, such as animals and the ambient weather.
What are the 4 types of structural failure? ›
Compressive, tensile, bending and buckling are the basic types of structural failure for construction elements.
What is the most common cause of structural failure? ›The major causes of structural failure are defective designs that have not determined the actual loading conditions on the structural elements. Inferior construction materials may also be the cause since the loads are calculated for materials of specific characteristics.
Can you survive building collapse? ›People have survived for days and even weeks while trapped in rubble after a building collapse. A man in Haiti survived 14 days after the 2010 earthquake.
Why does my floor shake when I walk? ›Wood-framed floors are the most typical culprit of floor vibrations due to small deflections up and down as the joists are loaded and unloaded. While this type of floor is designed to support people, furniture, and large appliances, certain movements can cause a floor to vibrate over time.
Will homeowners insurance cover sagging floors? ›Does home insurance cover foundation movement or sagging floors? Foundation damage caused by shifting or settling earth or sagging floors caused by rotting floor joists are typically not covered by homeowners insurance. If the damage is caused by flooding or an earthquake, you'll typically require separate coverage.
How many pounds can a house floor hold? ›Most residential floors are default designed for 40-50 lbs per square foot, unless more is planned for.
What type of houses last the longest? ›Any house with a shingle roof, wooden siding, or a softwood frame will be shortlived. Reinforced concrete also doesn't last very long. If you want a building to last you need the structure to be made from: hardwood, brick, or stone.
How long do most people live in a house? ›The average length of homeownership is 16 years, with lower-earning and less educated householders more likely to remain in their homes longer. 42.3% of homeowners have lived in their current home for less than 10 years. 8.6% of homeowners have lived in their home for 40 years or more.
How long will a house built in 1950 last? ›50's and 60's ranchers are in vogue now, a well maintained home built then will easily last 100 years if updated and maintained.
Do most older homes have foundation problems? ›All homes, no matter their age, can be affected by foundation issues. However, older homes are always at greater risk of experiencing foundation damage. Here's what to look out for if you or a loved one is living in a home over 50 years old.
What happens if you don't fix your foundation? ›
Sagging/sinking floors. Signs of moisture penetration anywhere in the basement or crawl space. Unpleasant odors wafting up from below. Mold, mildew or insect infestations.
Is it worth fixing the foundation of a house? ›Or perhaps you are considering purchasing a home with a busted foundation or even a recently fixed foundation and you want to know if it's worth the investment. The truth: foundation repair always increases home value. A failed foundation can detract anywhere from 10% to 20% of your home's total value.
Is a 100 year old house too old? ›It can be perfectly safe to buy a 100 year old house. On the surface, there's absolutely nothing wrong with buying a 100-year-old home. Still, you should be wary of structural issues and other problems associated with aged houses, such as lead paint and pest problems.
Are older houses built better? ›Old homes have better-quality construction
Even the walls are likely different. In an older home they're probably built with plaster and lathe, making them structurally stronger than the drywall construction of modern homes. These older materials also provide a better sound barrier and insulation.
The average life expectancy of a roof is 20 years, and since a 1970s home is more than four decades old, it should have been replaced at least once already. You home inspector can take a look at your roof up close, but you can easily tell if there is considerable damage by just looking up at it from the ground.
How do you know if your roof is about to collapse? ›- Weather Damage. ...
- Sagging. ...
- Bends or Ripples in The Roof Supports. ...
- Cracks in The Exterior Masonry. ...
- Cracks in The Ceiling or Interior Walls. ...
- Leaks. ...
- Misaligned Sprinkler Heads. ...
- Doors and Windows That Won't Shut or Are Hard to Open.
a cracking sound; sagging or dropping of the plasterboard sheeting and/or the cornice; visual cracking; and/or. small circles or blisters in a line caused by nails or screws, indicating that the sheeting may be pulling away from the joist (beam) above it.
What to do if house is leaning? ›If the house appears to be leaning one way or the other, there may be a structural problem. It may help to line up a front corner of the house with the back corner of an adjacent house just for reference. The corners should be parallel. Stepping back from the house to take a look is always a good idea.
Why does a house collapse? ›Excessive weight placed on a faulty structure will cause a building collapse. Heavy machinery – during construction or demolition the weight of heavy machinery can cause the building to collapse. A mistake by a worker operating heavy machinery can cause structural damage that contributes to the building collapse.
Does insurance cover ceiling collapse? ›Homeowners insurance is definitely going to cover the collapse of your ceiling under most circumstances. Homes built during a certain time frame are more susceptible to a ceiling collapse. A ceiling collapse occurs when the ceiling weighs more than the structure surrounding it.
Can a leaking ceiling cave in? ›
If water accumulates and pools, the entire ceiling could collapse. If you are confident you know where the leak is coming from and can safely get to the source, cover the exterior surface with a large tarp. If you can't reach it, or feel unsafe doing so, it would be best to immediately contact a roofing professional.
Can a roof just collapse? ›Yes, your roof can collapse, and yes, it is a monumental problem when it occurs. Collapsed roofs are extremely expensive to repair, can cause some other significant damage to your home and your possessions and will likely result in you needing to vacate the premises for some time.
What happens if a ceiling falls on you? ›Depending on the severity of the ceiling collapse, you could end up with very serious injuries that affect the rest of your life. The worst-case scenario is an entire ceiling falling and hitting you on the head, causing severe injury to the brain.
Can a ceiling collapse suddenly? ›Many people aren't aware of the warning signs of a ceiling falling that can point to a spontaneous ceiling falling. If you did know the signs, you could book a ceiling damage repair to prevent serious damage to your home but more importantly serious injury to yourself and your family.
Can a ceiling collapse from weight? ›When the ceiling's material weight exceeds the support framework within, the ceiling collapses. Many things can cause a ceiling collapse, including defective products. Ceiling collapse is more likely in homes built between 1960 and 1980 because of how the ceiling drywall was put.
Do old houses still settle? ›All houses settle after they are completed. Buildings usually bed down after construction and the process can continue for up to ten years after completion. With a uniform settlement, your house will settle down evenly at all four corners without tilting.
Are sloping floors in older homes normal? ›Uneven or sloping floors are very common in older homes, and while it's often a sign of structural damage, it doesn't have to be a dealbreaker.
How long is a house good for? ›Without special care and maintenance, the maximum lifespan of a house is about 200 years. Yes, there are historical buildings that are far older, but those have received special maintenance and preventive care that few other buildings receive.
Is it safe to live in a house with foundation problems? ›Living in a house with foundation problems is generally considered to be safe, though this depends on the extent of the issues. For minor issues, such as small cracks or gaps, there is likely no immediate risk to your property. Rather, it is a sign that you should arrange for an inspection as soon as possible.
What are the 4 types of structural failure? ›Compressive, tensile, bending and buckling are the basic types of structural failure for construction elements.