Renovation Projects Should Wait
Starting large construction projects when you just moved into a new house has some disadvantages. New homeowners should live at least six months in their new home before deciding on possible renovations. Waiting on large projects allow you to prioritize what needs repairing or upgrading first. It also allows some time to build your savings back up.
Every Homeowner Should Know How to Identify Growing Issues in the House
Every homeowner should know the potential issues in the house’s infrastructure. The most common include:
- Roof leaking
- Basement flooding
- Foundation problems (cracks, sinking, uneven floors)
Early detection of these issues could prevent worse damage while saving you money on repairs.
Store Any Paperwork in a Dedicated Binder
Another tip for homeowners is to create a binder to store all house-related documents. Purchasing a home could be a long process involving a lot of paperwork such as insurance and mortgage documents. What’s more, paperwork doesn’t stop once you purchase the house. Later, you’ll need to store plenty of receipts, warranties, and guides. Collect it all and store it in your homeowner’s binder.
Every Homeowner Should Know to Have an Emergency Savings Account
If you plan on living in your new house for a long time, you need to prepare for house repairs. An emergency fund will give you some peace of mind, especially given that homeowners’ costs can be unpredictable. Start this emergency fund to prepare for potential plumbing, roofing, or HVAC issues.
Be Aware of Your Energy Usage
As a homeowner, utility bills are now your responsibility. High consumption of energy can take a toll on your finances in the long term. Fortunately, you can reduce your electric bill by following these tips:
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- Place the refrigerator and the oven away from each other
- Replace old incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs
- Keep the water heater’s thermostat under 120 degrees
You can save money and help the environment if you pay attention to the way your house is using energy.
Every Homeowner Should Know How to Change the Air Filters
Clean air filters help furnaces and AC units last longer. Plus, they reduce dust and keep the air inside the house clean. These reasons should be enough for you to change your air filter regularly. However, first-time homeowners often overlook this essential maintenance tip. Remind yourself to change the air filter the first day you move into your home. Then change it every three months. You should change the air filter more frequently if a member of your household has allergies or if you have pets.
Buy New Tools
Being a homeowner means that occasionally you’ll have to perform your own repairs and maintenance. Start with the following tools to have a reliable toolbox:
- Hammer
- Measuring tape
- Ladder
- Electric drill
From minor repairs to hanging pictures or curtains, you’ll need a toolbox to help with home tasks.
Brick n’ Beam Home Inspections provides home inspection services to St. Louis County, Jefferson County, and surrounding areas. Contact us to schedule our services.