Take full advantage of the areas in your home. Set the table with your best china. Create warmth and coziness in the living room, with a crackling fire. Put a pair of wine glasses and a vase of flowers on the coffee table in front of the fire.

A white mineral deposit on the walls and basement floor indicates water seepage. A mildew odor might also be present. Sealing a crack in or around your basement foundation, depending on severity and location, runs from $300 - $1,000. To waterproof an average 3 bedroom home, is estimated at around $5,000 - $15,000.

Your home should have a minimum of 100 amps service. It should be clearly marked and the wire should be copper. Octopus plugs indicate inadequate circuits and are a fire hazard. Cover plates on all junction boxes and outlets.

The most common causes of poor heating are insufficient insulation and an inadequate or a poorly functioning heating system. A clean furnace, without rust on the heat exchanger, typically has a life span of 15-25 years. A cracked heat exchanger on a forced air gas system could emit deadly carbon monoxide into the home. Unrepairable, it must be replaced if damaged.

Water seepage through the roof results from deterioration of the asphalt shingles (e.g. curling or splitting), or damage from a storm. When water is not properly directed through gutters and downspouts, or gutters leak, this could result in major internal problems.

Aside from basement dampness, problems with ventilation, insulation and vapor barriers can cause water, moisture, mold and mildew to form in the attic. This can lead to premature wear of the roof, structure and building materials. The cost to fix this damage could easily run over $2,500.

Rotting occurs from exposure to elements, and is most prevalent on doors, window frames, trim, siding, decks and fences.

Left unattended, smaller repairs can lead to problems with water and moisture penetration into the home which could lead to a chimney being clogged by fallen bricks or even a chimney which falls onto the roof.

These basic safety features should be functioning properly: locks on windows and patio doors, dead bolts on the doors, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every level.

Investigate the underlying footing, basement and foundation to ensure structural integrity.

Keeping these items in mind as you walk through your home, will help you provide for any future costs and disappointments. A Real Estate Professional has many resources in place to assist you. They can recommend a professional inspector, repair services or any other housing related need you may have.