Interior Maintenance and Repair

A wobbly ceiling fan usually is caused by an imbalance in the elements of the fan. It should be adjusted by a licensed electrician. An unbalanced fan can be dangerous, especially at high speeds when it can work its way loose from its mooring.

Moisture is the last thing you want to see on or in an interior wall. The source of moisture must be located and stopped. This project may require the assistance of a carpenter to expose the interior of the wall to see how much damage has been done.

Fireplace hearths are strictly regulated, usually requiring a 36-inch extension in the front and 8 inches on either side. For this and other home fire safety information, consult your local fire department.

If combustibles are not kept a safe distance from a fireplace, it's almost a sure bet that a fire will result. These and other fire safety tips for homeowners are available through your local fire department.

Because attic insulation loses its insulating properties over time, it may be wise to add new insulation to the old to prevent any loss of energy efficiency. Different areas of the country require different insulation levels. Consult a qualified contractor or a well-informed home center expert.

In order for a balcony to be stable, it must be built with the proper supports. A poorly supported balcony is unstable and unsafe. In such cases, the original builder or a structural engineer should be called in to recommend solutions.

An unexplained stain coming up from under a linoleum floor covering could be caused by water seeping up through a crack in a slab foundation. A moisture-penetration expert and possibly a structural engineer should be called in to assess the situation.

Sinks and sink drains can deteriorate, especially with poor maintenance. One symptom is a rusty drain and porcelain cracks. The drain should be replaced and the sink refinished, a job that can be handled by either a handy homeowner or a specialist in the process.

When a sliding closet door comes off its track, it usually means the track is defective or worn out. New track assemblies are readily available at home-improvement stores.

A ceiling vent used to supply combustible air to such gas-fired appliances as water heaters and furnaces must be the appropriate size and cleared of any blockages in order to work properly.

If condensation appears on a double-paned window, it means the seal between the two panes of glass has failed and that the window will need to be replaced. Some window company warranties and homeowners insurance policies cover this repair.

Without proper ventilation in a water-heater closet, moisture can damage the walls and ceiling around it. A solution is to install a large vent above and a smaller vent below the water heater.

When an electrical receptacle has been damaged, it should be replaced. Replacement receptacles are readily available at home-improvement stores although they should be installed by someone with knowledge and experience.

Interior cracks can signal more serious problems with the structure of a house. A structural engineer should be called in to assess the extent of the damage and recommend corrective measures. A licensed contractor should then be hired to do the work.

When a light fixture stops working, the first step is to change the bulb or bulbs. If that doesn't work, check the fixture. If the fixture works, then the problem might be with the switch or the circuit in which case a qualified electrician should be called in.

If a hot water heater is supported by a wooden base, the base eventually may show signs of wear. If this occurs, repairs should be made immediately before the base collapses.