Whether it is your first home or you have been doing this for a while, home ownership is a huge deal. It is also a big responsibility whether you live alone, with your spouse, or with a huge family. You will need to maintain that home, not just for your comfort but for your safety and that of your family. If you own a home, these are some of the things you need to be aware of.
You Will Need a Home Maintenance Schedule Which You Should Stick To
If nothing is leaking, why should you call a plumber? Or, if the AC is okay, what is the point of an HVAC technician? Maintenance helps your home systems last a long time. Also, it is easy to identify a problem earlier and fix it before it becomes costly to repair. For instance, maintaining your plumbing system can help catch a leak before it causes water damage. According to the Insurance Information Institute, one in every 50 homeowners files a freezing or water damage claim every year. This accounts for about 24% of homeowners’ insurance claims. Unfortunately, when you file a claim, your premiums go up, costing you money in the long run. Maintaining your home systems will save you such expenses.
Know the Location of Shut-Off Valves
Knowing where the shut-off valves for water and gas are located can help you prevent significant damage. Gas valves are usually located on the side of the house, while water shut-off valves may be located in the basement or close to the water heater. Hopefully, you never have to experience gas or water leak, but having this information is still important.
Understand What You Can DIY and Where to Call Professionals
Not everyone has DIY skills. However, repair issues will come up daily, and it is much more affordable to handle them on your own than to call a professional. For instance, on average, a home loses about 38% of heat through the doors and windows. And if your house has drafty single-pane windows, the heat loss can increase by 50%. Calling a professional to fix you can cost you a lot of money. Instead, apply weatherstripping to insulate the doors and windows and prevent heat loss. Other DIY tasks you can undertake include repainting, lawn care, and patching a hole in your drywall. However, whatever skill you are unsure of, bring in a professional so that you do not cause damage to your home.
Home Renovations Can Improve Your Quality of Life
If you do not like how your home looks or the needs of the family change, consider a home remodeling instead of finding a new home as it may be cheaper. For instance, if the number of family members in your home increases, consider finishing the basement, as it will cost you 80% less than purchasing a bigger home. You can convert the basement into an extra bedroom, office space, kids’ playroom, or a library. Besides basement renovation, renovating your kitchen, bathroom, or living room will improve the quality of your life and not cost you as much as finding a larger house.
Familiarize Yourself With Neighborhood Services
Get to know which neighborhood services are around the area you stay in. These services vary, but the most common ones include garbage collection, public libraries, public schools, street maintenance, and parks and recreation. These are services you will be using on a daily basis, so knowing how they operate will make things easier for you.
Test Your Water Pressure
Test the water pressure of your plumbing system a few times every year. Too much pressure can damage your plumbing system and cause the hose lines to blow. And when the pressure is too low, it affects the efficiency of your dishwasher, washing machine, or shower. Do a test a couple of times a year to ensure the pressure is okay.
While buying a home is a huge investment, the work does not stop there. You will need to maintain your home, familiarize yourself with neighborhood rules, learn the services offered in the neighborhood, etc. All this will ensure your stay in that home is less stressful.
