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Whether it’s cold spots in a room, unexplained draughts, or eerie noises behind the walls - the answer is almost always in the construction. So in honour of spooky season, we’re taking a light-hearted look at the so-called “haunted house” symptoms we’ve seen (and solved) over the years.
Creaks in the Night? It’s Probably Timber Movement
Timber is a brilliant material. It’s warm, it’s strong, and it gives buildings character - but it also moves. As the temperature and humidity shift between seasons (and even between day and night), wooden floors and structures expand and contract. That leads to the occasional creak, groan, or pop, especially in older buildings or those with timber-framed flooring.
To reduce this, we always work with seasoned materials, account for movement in our joints, and choose fixings that allow for natural expansion. No need to call the ghost hunters just yet.
Cold Spots & Draughts: Don’t Blame a Spirit, Blame Insulation
If one room in the house always feels colder, or you keep noticing a chill around your ankles, it’s more likely to be poor insulation or an air leak than anything supernatural.
Proper insulation and airtightness are key to comfortable, energy-efficient homes. At MPS, we take care to ensure every build is sealed correctly - not just to keep out the cold, but to reduce energy waste and maintain a consistent internal climate.
Older properties, or even some newer ones that were rushed or poorly detailed, can end up with cold bridges (where heat escapes through parts of the building fabric) or gaps in insulation. That’s where the mysterious “cold spot” myths often begin.
Flickering Lights? Check the Wiring
We’ve all seen it in the movies: lights flickering just before something terrifying happens. But if your downlights are dimming, it’s more likely to be a dodgy connection or a faulty fitting than a haunting.
Electrical work is one of the key areas we check and double-check on every MPS project. We work with qualified electricians and make sure every system is tested thoroughly before handover - including the little things like bulb types, circuit loads, and smart systems that could otherwise cause issues down the line.
Sounds in the Walls: It’s Not a Ghost - It’s the Pipes
Whistling, banging, humming - all common complaints we hear from clients experiencing plumbing issues. Water hammer (a banging noise when taps are turned off) is particularly common in properties where the pipework isn’t properly clipped or cushioned.
Sometimes these sounds don’t show up until months after moving in, especially if water systems haven’t been flushed or balanced correctly. That’s why we don’t just “fit and forget” - we test, adjust, and check every system to make sure it behaves exactly as it should.
Why Quality Control Isn’t Just About Aesthetics
It’s easy to assume quality control is about straight lines and perfect finishes - and yes, we’re pretty particular about those too. But just as important are the things you don’t see.
Well-fitted insulation. Properly sealed pipework. Structurally sound framing. If the invisible parts of a build aren’t done right, it might not cause problems straight away - but eventually you’ll notice. That’s when those strange noises or unexplained temperature shifts start creeping in.
We take pride in doing things properly behind the scenes. So when a client says, “it just feels solid,” we know we’ve done our job.
Final Thoughts: No Tricks, Just Solid Builds
At this time of year, it’s easy to get caught up in stories of haunted houses and things going bump in the night. But more often than not, the spookiest symptoms can be traced back to something simple - like airflow, materials, or minor faults.
At MPS, we believe in solving the real problems, not just covering them up. From insulation to electrics, structural timber to plumbing, we make sure every part of your home is built to last (and sleep easy in).
Because the only things creeping around your home this Halloween should be kids in costumes - not the floorboards.
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