Most homeowners are pretty good at dealing with things they can see. A broken window gets fixed, a dripping tap gets sorted and a dodgy fence eventually gets replaced. But some of the most expensive problems around a home start quietly, out of sight and often go unnoticed until they’ve become much bigger jobs. The trick is knowing what to look for and when to call in a professional.

Here are seven things worth keeping an eye on.

A little water can mean a big problem

A small water stain on the ceiling might not look serious, but it could indicate a leaking roof, damaged plumbing or a problem with the bathroom above.

Don’t just paint over it and hope for the best. Find out where the water is coming from before the damage spreads.

Your gutters are telling you something

Overflowing gutters, plants growing in them or water spilling over the sides are signs that something needs attention. Blocked or damaged gutters can send water down exterior walls, contribute to dampness and cause problems around foundations.

Regular cleaning is a simple way to avoid bigger headaches.

Strange smells shouldn’t be ignored

A musty smell in a bedroom, cupboard or bathroom could indicate hidden moisture or mould. Similarly, unusual smells around drains or plumbing may point to a problem that needs investigating.

If a smell keeps returning, don’t simply cover it up with an air freshener.

Cracks deserve a closer look

Not every crack in a wall means your house is falling down. Some are simply cosmetic. However, cracks that are widening, appearing around doors and windows, or accompanied by sticking doors can indicate movement or moisture problems.

If you’re concerned, get an appropriate building professional to assess them.

Your bathroom might be leaking behind the tiles

Bathrooms take a beating from water every day. Loose tiles, deteriorating grout, damaged silicone and persistent dampness can all be warning signs.

Waterproofing problems can be particularly expensive because the damage may be happening behind the walls or underneath the floor. Don’t wait until water appears in the room below.

Your deck could be hiding a safety problem

Decks and outdoor stairs are exposed to the weather year-round. Check for soft or rotting timber, loose handrails, wobbly steps and rusting fixings.

A deck can look perfectly fine from a distance while having structural problems underneath. If anything feels unstable, get it checked before someone gets hurt.

Your extractor fans might not be doing their job

Bathrooms and kitchens produce plenty of moisture. If your mirrors stay fogged up long after a shower or condensation regularly appears on windows, your ventilation may not be doing enough.

A qualified electrician or ventilation specialist can help identify whether the fan is working properly and whether it is suitable for the space.

Don’t wait for a small problem to become a big one

One of the most expensive mistakes homeowners make is putting off maintenance because something doesn’t look too serious.A small leak can become rotten timber. Blocked drainage can lead to water damage. A minor ventilation problem can contribute to persistent dampness.

The earlier you identify a problem, the more options you generally have for fixing it.Remember, different jobs require different expertise. A plumber, roofer, builder, electrician or drainage specialist will each have their own area of knowledge.

The bottom line

You don’t need to spend every weekend inspecting your house, but you do need to pay attention to the little things. Walk around your property every few months. Look up at the ceilings, check the gutters, inspect the deck and keep an eye out for anything that doesn’t look quite right.

And when something needs attention, find the right professional to sort it. Looking after your home isn’t just about making it look good. It’s about protecting what is probably your biggest investment.