Buying a home can be an incredibly exciting and rewarding experience. However, it can also come with some unexpected troubles and pitfalls. To make sure you’re prepared, here are seven homeownership troubles you should watch out for.

1. Pest Infestations

It’s not fun to think about, but pests such as termites, bedbugs, ants, mice, and cockroaches can cause extensive damage to your home if left unchecked. Make sure to inspect your home for signs of pests before and after purchasing it. You may even want to consider investing in pest control services on a regular basis to keep pests from taking up residence in your house.

2. Mold Growth

High humidity levels combined with water leaks or seepage can lead to mold growth inside the walls of your home. Mold is not only unsightly; it can also cause health problems for residents. If you suspect that there is mold growing in your home, contact a professional mold removal company, like Pure Maintenance Mold Removal, to take care of the problem safely and effectively.

3. Structural Issues

Structural issues such as cracks in foundation walls or sloping floors can indicate larger problems with the structure of your home. Be sure to have any structural issues inspected by a qualified professional before purchasing a home—or at least within the first few months after moving in—to make sure there aren’t more serious underlying problems that could become expensive down the line.

4. Building Code Violations

Local building codes change over time, and older homes may have features that don’t comply with current regulations (such as knob-and-tube wiring). Before buying an older home, make sure to have any code violations inspected by a qualified professional who can advise you on how much it will cost to bring the property up to code.

5. High Utility Bills

Utility bills are often one of the most expensive expenses for homeowners—especially during hot summers or cold winters when heating and cooling costs skyrocket. Be sure to inquire about average utility bills before purchasing a new property so you know what kind of costs you’ll be dealing with each month.

6. Overgrown Landscaping

You may be surprised at how quickly overgrown landscaping can accumulate on a property if it isn’t taken care of regularly. Not only does this look unattractive; but it can also increase your risk for pest infestations or dangerous wildlife encounters if left unchecked for too long! Make sure to hire professionals or invest in landscaping services regularly so that this doesn’t become an issue at your new home.

7. Neighborhood Crime

No one wants their family living in fear due to crime or violence in their neighborhood—so make sure you do plenty of research before buying a new property. Take the time to drive through the surrounding streets during different times of the day so you get an idea of what type of activity occurs there frequently (including both legal and illegal activities).

Buying a new home is an incredibly rewarding experience—but it also comes with its fair share of potential troubles and pitfalls that must be taken into consideration beforehand! Don’t forget these seven homeownership troubles when looking into buying a new house: pest infestations, mold growth, structural issues, building code violations, high utility bills, overgrown landscaping, and neighborhood crime. With these things in mind, you’ll be well-prepared for whatever surprises await when you move into your new place.