Is Your House Haunted (by Maintenance Issues)?

You might not believe in ghosts… but if your house creaks, groans, or drips in the middle of the night, it could be haunted – by maintenance issues. 👻

Fall in New Hampshire is the perfect time to face those spooky sounds and mysterious drafts before winter moves in. So grab your flashlight (and maybe a pumpkin spice coffee) and let’s hunt down the “spirits” hiding in your home.

The Creaking Floors & Mysterious Noises

If your floors groan or your walls pop after dark, don’t panic. It’s not paranormal activity. It’s usually just your home reacting to temperature and humidity changes.

Quick fixes:

• Tighten loose floorboards or add screws beneath squeaky spots.
• Keep humidity consistent with a dehumidifier in summer and humidifier in winter.
• Check that your home’s foundation isn’t shifting or settling unevenly (especially in older NH homes).

A little maintenance can quiet the “ghosts” for good.

Drafts That Give You the Chills

That cold spot near the window? Probably not a phantom, just poor insulation or leaky seals.

What to do:

Add weatherstripping around doors and windows

Use caulk to seal gaps where cold air sneaks in.

Check your attic insulation; heat loves to escape upward.

Pro tip: NHSaves offers free or discounted home energy audits to help locate hidden leaks. Fixing drafts not only makes your home cozier, it saves real money when those heating bills start rolling in.

Dripping Faucets & Phantom Leaks

Drip… drip… drip. The sound of wasted water (and higher bills).

Small leaks often mean worn washers or loose connections; easy fixes for most homeowners. But if you’re noticing damp spots, bubbling paint, or musty smells, don’t ignore it. Those “phantoms” could be early signs of a plumbing or roof problem.

Catch them early, and you’ll avoid the real horror story: hidden water damage.

Flickering Lights & Power Surges

Lights that flicker like a scene from a horror movie? Usually a loose bulb or overloaded circuit, not a ghost.

Try tightening bulbs first. If the issue persists, especially when using large appliances, have an electrician check your wiring or service panel. Older New England homes are charming, but sometimes their electrical systems need a modern exorcism.

Creepy Crawlspaces & Musty Basements

If your basement smells like something out of a haunted house, it’s probably moisture.

Check that your sump pump works, downspouts are draining away from the foundation, and any cracks are sealed. A dehumidifier and some good airflow can turn your basement from “crypt” to “comfortable.”

The Real Haunting: Neglect

A neglected home might not have ghosts, but it can definitely scare off buyers when it’s time to sell. Peeling paint, overflowing gutters, and expired smoke detectors are little signs that add up fast.

Take a weekend to tackle your to-do list now. Your home will thank you, and if you ever decide to sell, it’ll show beautifully to buyers.

Final Thoughts

Every home has its quirks, but most “haunted” issues can be fixed with a little attention (and maybe a good flashlight). Fall is the perfect time to get ahead of repairs, button up for winter, and banish those maintenance monsters for good.

👉 If you’d like a simple Home Maintenance Checklist for each season, or you’re thinking of selling soon and want your home looking its best, reach out. I’m happy to share my favorite local pros and a few tricks to keep your home feeling more “treat” than “trick.”