No matter how sophisticated or modern your house is, a little TLC now and then is necessary to maintain the property and ensure all its occupants are safe. You can ideally schedule a thorough home inspection where professionals point out some of the more glaring problems to tackle. But, even without that, some obvious signs of damage in and around the house will likely indicate the urgent need for a full home renovation.

Water damage
Water damage is a major sign of trouble that you should not ignore. A leak will result in additional problems, including growing mold, rotten materials, and rust. Water damage is common along the sidewalls and the roof, where the materials are constantly exposed to the weather, and major issues like roof leaks can result in costly repairs. If you spot a small leak in any of these areas, call a handyperson to assess its severity. Often, spotting a problem early eliminates the need for expensive repairs.

The floor space is compromised
The foundation of the house tends to weaken over time due to the weight and pressure on it. If you notice some of your furniture looking out of place or angled, check the floorboard underneath for damage. Also, if there is a basement underneath, you must ensure that the boards don’t cave in by replacing these panels at the earliest. Delaying repairs only increases the pressure on the foundation. Plus, some homes in areas prone to flooding are built on elevated stilts, exposing the foundation boards to more damage. Ensure you schedule regular home safety inspections where an expert checks and certifies the living spaces safe for residential purposes.

Old windows and doors
Loose window joints or cracked frames are some of the most obvious signs of internal wood damage. As the wooden elements are exposed to the weather outside and temperature changes indoors, these changes force the wood to expand and contract multiple times. As a result, small cracks develop in the frame. If you face difficulty opening and shutting the windows, check the frame for these damages. The same applies to door frames. There are multiple warning signs to look for, such as wear and tear in doors being an important one. If the door feels tough to open, drags along the floor while sliding or moving, or even makes an eerie sound, you must check the door for internal damage. Termites can rot the wood from the inside, leaving the entire frame and door panel hollow, forcing it off the hinges. Even warping of the wood and active cracking while opening and shutting the door are obvious signs of damage you shouldn’t ignore.

Managing the space is challenging
The total square footage of your home should be considered while making upgrades to the living room, bedroom, or even dining areas. However, some upgrades eat into the limited space and can create space problems. While you need certain modern repairs and upgrades to install smart home systems, it’s also necessary not to overburden the interiors. When you feel the house has become too small or too big suddenly, it is a clear sign of poor space planning. You may then be required to plan further renovations to manage the clutter or even splurge on extra storage to make room for something useful.

Outdated units around the house
If you have been living in the same home for a couple of decades, it’s about time you had the plumbing, electrical, and drainage systems checked for safety. These daily use systems are subject to maximum wear and tear. Also, there comes a point where repairs are just not enough; a complete overhaul is necessary to upgrade outdated systems. Look for signs of leaks, electrical shorts, malfunctioning heating and cooling systems, and more to make a list of all the upgrades necessary. Remember, these renovations are not cheap and will take a considerable amount of time to finish. So be prepared for a couple of weeks of major overhaul.

Chipping plaster and fading paint
Sometimes, all you need is a little touchup to restore your home interiors. If you notice chips and cracks in the paint, it’s time to strip off the old coat and insulation for a brand-new layer. Some areas of the home will have cracked and chipped plaster walls due to exposure to temperature changes and general wear. Wall plaster is easy to replace and can be done in just a couple of days, depending on the square footage to be covered for the renovation. For painting, professional services strip down the colors to its base coat to assess for additional cracks and damage in the wall. Once everything is patched up, you can choose a new color combination to give your living spaces a new look.

Renovating to add more space
As your family grows, you may consider adding another unit to your existing property or buying a bigger home. However, prevalent real estate trends might not make either venture profitable. Instead, you can hire a professional architect to develop plans to add rooms or expand the home’s interiors. This can be done without drastically altering the existing layout. However, this type of home renovation is financially draining, so ensure you account for the fundamental requirements and keep a wide margin.

Additionally, always be on the lookout for other signs like growing pest infestation, moldy patches, damp panels, and any kind of damage that can compromise the house’s foundation. Timely repairs and renovation will save you extensive overhauls.