Tips for New Homeowners on Home Maintenance
Closing on a new home is an experience unlike any other. Unfortunately, many people who are new to homeownership are unaware of how much care a home needs. Regular maintenance is essential for preserving the value of your new home and avoiding costly repairs in the future.
Before Buying a Home, Do A Comprehensive Inspection
Being proactive before you buy your house is the best defense against unexpected repairs. Make sure to do a thorough check to find any expensive concerns that may be hiding around the corner. It’s necessary to double-check the remaining years of usage for all of the principal systems, as well as the structure and roof. With this knowledge, you can appropriately budget and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Don’t Put Off Scheduling An Inspection Until It’s Time To Sell
Having your home inspected every few years is a great idea. Too frequently, homeowners wait until they’re ready to sell their property or are in the midst of the escrow process to have a professional inspect it. A newfound problem might be quite costly by then. Hiring someone with a trained eye who understands what to look for is an excellent way to keep up with routine maintenance and repairs.
Trees Around The Home Should Be Trimmed
Trimming back any tree branches that touch the home or roof may be one of the less glamorous duties on a buyer’s to-do list when they first move in, but it will keep insect and rodent infestations at bay.
If you come across little, easily removed branches, go ahead and do this home maintenance task yourself. However, major tree cutting should be left to the professionals since large limbs might break and fall unexpectedly on you, your roof, or overhead power lines.
This is also a great time to clean your gutters and inspect your soffits, eaves, and roof vents for damage.
Check Your HVAC Filters
It’s difficult to choose just one activity because there are so many important ones, but first-time homeowners should change the HVAC filters, then clean the gutters and do boiler maintenance. These should be performed at least twice a year. After that, there’s the main three: plumbing, heating, and electricity. These are extremely essential to all property owners, especially first-time homebuyers, and may be expensive if not properly maintained.
Check If Your Drains and Plumbing Are in Good Condition
The plumbing and drains in a home are a simple maintenance issue that homeowners should keep up with. Roots, deposits, and other issues might arise at inconvenient times. Consider signing up for a maintenance contract with a trustworthy plumbing or a home maintenance expert to help you with tasks like these.
Drain The Water Heater Once A Year
Did you know that your water heater should be drained at least once a year? You should, in fact. Sediment buildup in your water heater is to be considered normal. If the residue in your water tank is allowed to build up for some time, it could lead to failure. If your hot water tank breaks down, you may find yourself in an unpleasant shower and in desperate need of a replacement.
The majority of these maintenance tips will only take a few minutes to an hour to accomplish, but if ignored, they might result in expensive repairs and replacement costs. Creating and sticking to a maintenance schedule is one approach to ensure that maintenance is taken care of and helps avoid costly repairs.
