Maintenance Tips for New Homeowners

So you’ve just become a new homeowner… Congratulations and welcome to the club! But before you start painting the walls, rewiring the living room or renovating the kitchen, there are a few important maintenance tips you need to know. Owning a home is a huge accomplishment, and an equally large responsibility. We’re here to help new homeowners like yourself learn a few key maintenance tips that can save you an abundance of time and money in the long run. Remember, your home is an investment that will last you decades if properly cared for — so be sure to cover your bases and start off on the right foot.

Basics of Homeowners Maintenance

As a new homeowner, here are some of the key maintenance items to consider:

1. Check for energy efficiency

If one thing is certain, it’s that saving energy will save you money. Make sure your home is properly insulated and doesn’t have any problems with heating or cooling. You can easily accomplish this by adding insulation around doors and windows, installing ceiling fans and monitoring the temperature with a thermostat. Changing HVAC filters and maintaining appliances in kitchens and restrooms is also useful in being energy efficient.

2. Watch out for water damage

Too many new homeowners have learned the hard way that water always finds a way in if you let it. To prevent your house from falling victim to water damage, be sure to maintain both the interior and exterior of the home. Check toilets, faucets, washing machines and showers for leaks; and repair them immediately. You’ll also need to inspect and repair your roof if you want to avoid leaks and structural damage. This can mean repairing damaged flashing or shingles, clearing gutters and downspouts, or replacing the roof entirely if it is outdated.

3. Do regular inspections

While the inspection likely showed your house was in good condition to buy, a lot can happen between the year of purchase and the years to come. As good practice, you should always inspect the inside and outside of your house when doing maintenance. You should be on the lookout for insect infestations, signs of rot or mold, or structural changes over time. While you may not always be able to prevent these occurrences from happening, it’s best to catch them early. Finding a problem sooner rather than later can save you thousands in the long run.

A Well Maintained Home is a Long-Lasting Home

Many new homeowners look forward to the years ahead in their new house, so don’t let lack of maintenance be your downfall. As mentioned, it’s best to start off strong and with a game-plan when approaching home maintenance. If you care for your house early and often, you will get that return on investment in the form of a reliable, lasting home.