The Home Checklist You Didn’t Know You Needed

Some household noises are expected, like dishwashers running, conversations, and the occasional door closing.  But ongoing minor sounds like rattling frames, loose hinges, or air whistling through gaps can quickly disrupt a home’s sense of calm. These are often caused by small issues with fixtures, materials, or wear over time. Most can be addressed with basic tools and a few hours of attention. This guide outlines what to look for, how to fix it, and when it’s best to call in a professional.

Rattling Frames & Hinges

If your doors or windows rattle while they are closed or when the wind blows, it is usually not a defect. It is most likely that the screws that secure them have either come loose or moved over time. To solve this issue, you should first check all four corners of the door and window frames and then re-tighten any loose screws. If the screws do not hold onto the wood as well as you would expect, replace them with new screws that go into the wall studs.

Squeaky or clicking hinges will most likely need to be lubricated or re-aligned. Spray silicone lubricant and tighten any loose screws. If your problem persists, install longer screws in each hinge to give additional support to the door.

Gaps Between Doors & Windows

Small gaps between doors and windows allow air and noise to pass through. Gaps develop in old houses as building materials move with age. Look for visible light passing through and feel if there is air moving past the gap. Foam weather stripping or rubber seals can easily stop both the noise and air leaks.

When a room feels drafty or noisy, the culprit is often a poorly sealed entry point, especially around older frames. If you’ve tried weatherstripping and still notice gaps, it may be time to book a door installation service to ensure the fit is tight, safe, and energy-smart.

Pipes, Cabinets, & Fixtures

Vibrating or knocking pipes are easy to fix by using rubber-lined pipe hangers. Look for vibrating and knocking pipes underneath sinks and behind toilets. Kitchen cabinets can rattle when closing the doors because of old catches and hinges. Cleaning and adjusting the latches or adding bumper pads can help.

Valves and faucets that hum may be partially open. Open or replace them to end the humming noise.

Floors & Furniture

Creaking wood floors are often a result of floorboards separating from their supporting joists. By tightening loose planks with finishing screws or by applying graphite powder into the spaces between the boards, you can greatly minimize creaks. Laminate flooring can buckle due to moisture or improper spacing. Be sure to inspect for those conditions.

Wobbling and clicking furniture can also generate noise. Use felt pads on the bottom of furniture legs to prevent scratching and muffle any noise generated by movement.

Appliances & Vents

All major appliances constantly create low-level vibrations. Install anti-vibration pads under washing machines and dryers. Be sure to keep them level and not against any walls. Loose vent covers will rattle during airflow. Secure them tightly or apply foam tape to the back of the cover.

Clean and replace the HVAC filters frequently. Clean filters will help minimize strain on fans and will help keep noise levels down.

Is it Time to Call a Professional?

If the noise continues and does not go away after trying the above fixes, it is probably time to consult a professional. Noises coming from inside walls, floors shifting under pressure, and air leaks remaining after sealing indicate a larger issue than you can solve yourself. A qualified contractor or technician can quickly identify and solve these problems for you.

Many household noises have obvious causes and solutions. Tightening, sealing, or realigning some of the smaller parts in your home can make a significant difference in reducing unwanted sound. If you find you cannot access or fix an issue, hiring a professional will help ensure your home remains safe, peaceful, and comfortable.