Common household issues after moving in

The homebuying process can take some time, partly because of thorough inspections that have to catch any underlying issues. You've gone through the entire process: You've paid the down payment, secured the mortgage and have the latest home inspection reports.

The big moving day has finally arrived and you've gone from homebuyer to homeowner. You quickly settle in and unpack all of your belongings. Before you know it, you've been living in your house for one month, one year, three years and so on.

It is within this short time span that you'll likely discover some home repairs that need your attention. These aren't necessarily major repairs, but rather common occurrences that can be fixed with or without outside help. According to the real-estate website Zillow, repairs will always be needed, no matter if your property is brand new or historic.

Cracked and peeling paint

Cracked paint is a real issue, not just a vintage effect on furniture or the latest Instagram filter. Depending where this is happening, paint that is peeling can also be quite dangerous. Exterior paint in particular protects the structure from all sorts of outside elements, such as rain and wind, according to Zillow. Furthermore, structural areas may be at risk depending how severe the peeling is.

In any instance, you'll likely have to hire a professional service. The sooner you act, the better, as any delayed action may lead to more damage. You should also be aware of the price, as it may get expensive. Factors that influence price are: prepping time, your living area and size of house. For instance, Zillow said to professionally paint a 2,400 square-foot house, it would cost homeowners approximately $2,600 to $7,500. While it may seem disheartening to see such a high price, exterior paint is something that cannot be ignored for too long.

Concrete cracks

Backyard patios and sidewalks will deteriorate over time. Concrete can crack because of a variety of factors, according to Concrete Network. For instance, contractors may have not have strictly followed guidelines during the pouring phase. Tree roots, pressure from vehicles and extreme cold will also contribute to the wearing down of concrete. Cracks may also reveal more issues. According to the home improvement website, This Old House, large stress cracks may be the cause of the ground underneath your house shifting. These can be fixed on your own, and should be dealt with promptly, as these cracks are an entryway for insects, radon gas and groundwater.

Depending on the severity of cracks, you may be able to make the repairs on your own. For instance, Zillow recommended polymer-based resurfacers, epoxy injections and concrete caulk as potential solutions for the do-it-yourselfers. However, concrete is a delicate matter, and serious issues like widespread cracking or sinking concrete should be handled by professionals. You'll likely have to spend $2,000 or more for serious repairs.

Stop the jamming

Most houses in the U.S. are built with garbage disposals. These devices - located under the sink - help grind food down so it is small enough to pass through your structure's plumbing. Like anything else in your house, the longevity of a garbage disposal will be determined by the amount of time you spend on maintenance. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, disposal units have an appliance life of approximately 12 years.

There are plenty of signs that the unit is not functioning properly. For instance, if the food grinding process is poor or there are loud sounds, Zillow said the motor, blade or impeller may have to be replaced. In this instance, it is often cheaper to have a new disposal unit installed by a professional. On the other hand, if the unit is clogged, homeowners can clean it out by following the owner's manual.

Constant dripping

Every homeowner has experienced leaky faucets and toilets that constantly run. It is in your best interest to repair these issues as soon as possible because of the amount of water wasted. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, leaks can waste 10,000 gallons a year for the average house. Nationally, this equates to 1 trillion gallons of water wasted.

The best method to check for leaks, as recommended by the EPA, is to to examine the water meter "before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used." Any discrepancies will likely indicate a leak. Showerhead and faucet leaks can be fixed by tightening the water pipes and replacing faucet washers and gaskets.

Leaks are common enough that homeowners will find plenty of guides online, or they can call a professional plumber.

You've got nail pops

According to This Old House, nail pops form when the structure's lumber shrinks, and the nail or screw shank is left exposed. Nail pops are recognizable if you notice mounds on the walls. Specifically, Zillow said mounds commonly form in the corners. Homeowners have a few ways to fix these cosmetic defects. One methods involves a punch drive to push the nail deeper, and then the application of finishing compound and sand. The final step is repainting the area.

Nail pops can also be fixed by the house's builder, but only if your property is still under warranty.

Every homeowner is going to have make repairs over the years, but some are more common than others.