Your House Isn’t Haunted; it Just Needs a Little Fixing up!
There are many elements of older homes that add charm. However, some older homes and all their quirks can feel extra spooky during the Halloween season. Your house isn’t haunted; it just needs a little fixing up! In the spirit of Halloween, read on for mysterious home features you may notice and how to resolve these unsettling disturbances.
Creaky floorboards
Older homes with original wood floors have a certain charm that newer homes can’t replicate. However, these floors can feel more creepy than charming if you hear creaking with every step. Luckily, there are solutions for creaky floorboards. One solution is to shim the subfloor. This means using floor shims, tapered wedges resembling doorstops, to level the floorboards. Leveling the floorboards will help alleviate the creakiness!
House Noises
Every house has its own unique noises that take some getting used to. But do you hear footsteps, knocking, scratching, or clanging? Maybe the house is haunted—or perhaps it’s just making typical house noises. Many everyday house noises come from temperature changes that make the house expand and contract. This can make it sound like something is going bump in the night. For example, clanging noises can result from the heat turning on, while scratching sounds may come from mice or chipmunks in the attic or vents. Proper insulation, pest control, and well-maintained heating and cooling systems can help prevent strange sounds in your home.
Opened cabinet doors
Have you ever left a room confident you closed the cabinets? And then, when you returned, the cabinet doors were open? It’s (probably) not a ghost; the hinges just need to be tightened! Try adjusting the cabinet hinges or replacing them entirely to see if the doors mysteriously begin to stay closed again.
Flickering lights
Lights that flicker on and off can feel unsettling and disturbing. It can feel like someone or something is causing it and creating a disturbance in the house. If flickering lights create a spooky atmosphere, several things could be causing it. First, check for a loose light bulb, or have an electrician assess signs of a circuit overload or loose wiring. Always make sure you are using the correct bulbs for your lights, as bulbs that are too strong or without enough wattage can damage your home.
Cold spots in the house
Cold spots in a home can instantly give you the heebie-jeebies. However, it’s not a ghost causing these temperature changes. Instead, cold spots throughout the home could indicate the HVAC system isn’t working correctly, or the ductwork needs service.
Your house isn’t haunted; it just needs a little fixing up! At Calcagni Real Estate, we keep a list of trusted professionals who can help with anything your home needs. These are companies we have all personally used and trusted. If your home is feeling spooky, you may not need to call the Ghostbusters; you may just need to call a contractor! Contact us to get in touch with a contractor who can help, or if you have any Real Estate needs.
