For most people, a home is one of the most valuable assets they'll ever own. Unfortunately, there are some major perils that can befall a house and put a serious dent in the value of that asset. Many of these perils are much more insidious than a fire or natural disaster. Read on to learn about some of the most expensive damage that can occur in your home, how much it costs and how to avoid it.
Bedbugs
If you're a homeowner rather than a renter, you may think you're immune to this one. Not so. According to Bloomberg, a recent nationwide infestation of bedbugs has seen the little blood-sucking critters popping up all over the place -- including movie theaters, office buildings and hotels, making it very easy for anyone to bring the infestation home. And, because many of the most effective chemicals for killing bedbugs have been found to be dangerous, eliminating the spread is harder than ever. According to a July 2009 story in the New York Times, paying more than $5,000 to eliminate a bedbug infestation is not uncommon.
How to prevent it: Avoid bringing home used furniture, mattresses or bedding. If you travel, inspect your hotel carefully for bed bugs (even upscale hotels have suffered from this problem), and avoid placing your luggage on the floor. If you find bed bugs in your home, contact an exterminator.
For most people, a home is one of the most valuable assets they'll ever own. Unfortunately, there are some major perils that can befall a house and put a serious dent in the value of that asset. Many of these perils are much more insidious than a fire or natural disaster. Read on to learn about some of the most expensive damage that can occur in your home, how much it costs and how to avoid it.
Bedbugs
If you're a homeowner rather than a renter, you may think you're immune to this one. Not so. According to Bloomberg, a recent nationwide infestation of bedbugs has seen the little blood-sucking critters popping up all over the place -- including movie theaters, office buildings and hotels, making it very easy for anyone to bring the infestation home. And, because many of the most effective chemicals for killing bedbugs have been found to be dangerous, eliminating the spread is harder than ever. According to a July 2009 story in the New York Times, paying more than $5,000 to eliminate a bedbug infestation is not uncommon.
How to prevent it: Avoid bringing home used furniture, mattresses or bedding. If you travel, inspect your hotel carefully for bed bugs (even upscale hotels have suffered from this problem), and avoid placing your luggage on the floor. If you find bed bugs in your home, contact an exterminator.