12 Best Home Maintenance Tips for The New Homeowners

What home maintenance tips for new homeowners will you implement? Are you ready to spend outrageous money because you refuse to maintain your home when due? Let us face it, carrying out regular house maintenance is among the minor enjoyable aspects of being a homeowner, which explains why so many people choose to put it off. 

However, putting off these unpleasant duties could cost you more money. A $1 investment in upkeep can prevent up to $100 in repairs. In these new home maintenance tips for new homeowners, you will learn important things about maintaining your home and saving money. After that, you can do all these things by yourself or can get a professional home maintenance service.

Home maintenance tips for new homeowners

How to take care of home is critical to improving its overall beauty. This is necessary, especially if you are considering reselling your home after a while. The joy and excitement that come with owning a new home are indescribable. 

However, once the thrill of getting a new house wears off, it is time to consider how to safeguard your investment. So let us get started right away. To maintain the appearance and atmosphere of their new house, homeowners should be aware of the following tips.

1. Perform a comprehensive inspection before making a purchase

Being cautious before purchasing your house is your best protection against expensive repairs. Make sure you conduct a thorough check to find any hidden problems. It is critical to confirm how many years each key system, building, and roof have left to function. With this knowledge, you can create an adequate budget and reduce surprises.

2. Don't put off thorough maintenance

Any homeowner can suffer from neglected property maintenance. Keep an eye on any potentially rotting wood, enroll in programs to get your air conditioner inspected twice a year, and do not forget about pest management. Make sure you get everything done from rodent to bed bug extermination make sure it's all taken care of.  Checking your roof, sewage, AC, electricity, and drainage when selling your home will help.

3. Purchase a house warranty plan

Buy and maintain your home warranty protection to reduce risk. All purchasers should acquire this, and you can frequently include a clause in your offer requesting that the seller pays for the first year. If you do not have a sizable emergency fund for repairs or if your home is older, it is worth the small annual charge to maintain it active after the first year. Modern new homes frequently include warranties.

4. Focus on the HVAC filters

Choosing just one task is challenging because there are so many crucial ones, but first-time homeowners should change the HVAC filters, clean the gutters, and perform some boiler maintenance. They ought to be carried out twice a year. The big three follow: plumbing, heating, and electricity. Every property owner values these, but first-time homebuyers, as they could be expensive to maintain.

5. Set up recurring maintenance reminders

Make sure to program reminders for routine home upkeep. This entails performing routine maintenance on the AC unit, changing the filters, inspecting smoke detectors, inspecting the salt levels in the water softener, and strolling around the property to look for any indications of decaying wood or leaks near the roof and siding. Early repair attention will result in long-term financial savings.

6. Eliminate dust

Another essential home maintenance tips for new homeowners is to eliminate dust. No matter where you reside, there will always be dust. The longevity of refrigerators, HVAC systems, dryers, washers, and other large appliances can be drastically shortened by dust accumulation, which occurs in areas we do not frequently inspect. Regular cleaning and replacing the filter will make you healthier. In addition, it will lower the danger of fire while saving you money.

7. Observe the drainage and plumbing system

Homeowners' plumbing and drainage systems are one simple maintenance item that homeowners should be on top of. When least expected, issues might arise from deposits, roots, and other factors. Speak to a reputable plumbing and drain provider about a maintenance program. You will appreciate it, as it will minimize future costs.

8. Examine and Maintain Your Roof

Depending on the material used, your roof must be changed every 10 to 20 years. Regular roof inspections can allow you to identify any needed repairs or replacements before leaks cause damage to your house.

To inspect your roof, climb up on top of it and take a close look. You can learn to identify trouble places and determine whether your roof must be replaced soon, even if you are not an expert.

9. Re-caulk or reroute your showers, bathtubs, and other bathroom fixtures

Using caulk or grout as a filler around your bathroom tiles will eventually show signs of deterioration and strain. It is usually time for a touch-up if you spot any cracking, peeling, or mildew.

People will assume you do not take care of your property if your caulk or grout is moldy. You might use a bleach solution to treat moldy grout or caulk as a temporary remedy.

10. Prune Trees within the environment

Pruning tree branches that touch the home or roof will prevent pest and rodent infestations, even though they may be less attractive items on your to-do list when you first move in.

11. Driveway Sealing

Your pavement changes size like the ground does with the thawing and freezing of the seasons. Weeds will have a chance to establish themselves and ruin your pavement if there are cracks in your driveway. Weeds can be prevented from sprouting up by sealing the driveway.

12. Examine your smoke detectors

Your initial line of protection in the event of a fire is a smoke detector. Your worst-case situation if they fail is losing your property. Worst-case scenario: you might also lose your family. Make sure they are kept in good condition.

Conclusion

There is much information to process and maintenance tasks to keep track of. It would help if you carried out some of these recommendations regularly, even though some are one-time repairs or replacements. 

Most of these routine duties can be completed in a matter of hours each month. Make a monthly home maintenance guide and ensure you work your way through the list each weekend.

How To Maintain Your House From Top to Bottom

Very few things are more important than taking good care of your home. And if you consistently treat your house well, it will repay the favor by staying in great condition and functioning properly. If you make it a part of your regular routine to maintain the different aspects of your household, you'll end up spending far less money on repairs and untimely replacements. So, which parts of your home are the most important ones to focus on? This article will explain what areas of your home you should make a priority when it comes to maintenance and repairs. 

Take Care of Your Roof

Because it's at the top of your house, many homeowners forget to consistently care for their roofing. However, neglecting the part of your home that keeps you protected from the elements is never a good idea. Over time, your shingles, gutters, flashing, and other parts of your roof can become damaged or worn down. That can lead to water damage, mold growth, wasted energy, discomfort, and other problems. However, if you occasionally clean your roof and have it professionally inspected every couple of years, you should be able to keep it in good shape for the long haul.

Schedule Regular HVAC Tune-Ups

If you want to keep your home comfortable and keep your energy bills in check, it's imperative to maintain your HVAC system. By scheduling a professional HVAC tune-up every year, you can significantly improve the performance of your heating and cooling appliances. The service will also extend the HVAC system's life expectancy, improve your home's indoor air quality, and reduce the risk of malfunctions or breakdowns. Work with a professional service, like Brinker Heating & Cooling Services, to handle your HVAC maintenance, repairs, and installation.

Inspect Your Plumbing

When something goes wrong with your plumbing system, it can be devastating to your day-to-day life. Suddenly, it can become impossible to bathe, wash your clothes and dishes, and complete basic chores around the house. With a little proactivity, though, you can greatly reduce the chances of experiencing a major plumbing problem. Every month or two, take some time to inspect any exposed pipes for signs of leaks or damage. Additionally, check all of your fixtures for any dripping water. If you really want to be thorough, you could also enlist local plumbing professionals to conduct a thorough inspection of your whole household system.

It's easy to get complacent about household maintenance. After all, it can be tedious and time-consuming, and you undoubtedly have plenty of other responsibilities taking up your time. However, the hassle of having parts of your household break down or fall apart will be far worse than putting in the effort to stay on top of maintenance. Ultimately, you'll be glad you made those proactive measures a priority.

Tips To Conserve: Light Bulbs, Heaters, and Windows. Oh, My!

You can conserve energy within your home in several different ways, from the light bulbs and heater to the windows and insulation. Now, don’t let these changes overwhelm you—keep in mind that every change, no matter how big or small, adds up over time.

Water Heater

Water heaters require an immense amount of energy consumption to work properly. However, some are much more energy efficient than others. For example, tankless water heaters are the most energy-efficient heaters out there. However, like any other purchase, this kind of heater has its pros and cons. Consult with a local professional so that they can point you in the correct direction.

If you aren’t interested in replacing your water heater right now, that’s okay! Simply turn down the thermostat on your water heater, use less hot water, or insulate the heater you currently own.

Insulation

Speaking of insulation, it’s an often overlooked but important aspect of the home for conserving energy. It will help your home retain heat in the colder months and conserve cool air in the hotter months. Appreciate the lower utility bills that quality insulation will give you—but keep in mind that your home’s location will determine just how much insulation the house needs. The attic, crawl space, floors, basement, and walls are common areas where you may need to place more insulation.

Windows

Windows: the biggest cause of energy waste in a home. Gas-filled windows have low-e coatings that can drastically reduce heating costs by reflecting light and reducing the thermal energy that enters the home when it’s warm outside. On the other hand, these windows trap heat in the home when it’s cold outside. This layer of protection is an investment up front, but it will do wonders for your home and utility bills in the long run.

LED Bulbs

Of all the tips to conserve energy, switching to LED bulbs is one of the cheapest and simplest and yet most effective ways to conserve energy in your home. And news flash: traditional incandescent light bulbs are so yesterday. LED bulbs not only use less energy but also last longer and don’t emit gases that harm the environment. Who doesn’t want to reap those benefits?

Of course, these bulbs cost a bit more up front, but their longevity will give you your money back in the long run. Another beauty in these bulbs is that you can control them with a smart home system. Using a guide to setting up a smart home, you’ll be well on your way to an energy-efficient house.

3 Ways To Reduce Radon Levels in Your Home

As the second leading cause of lung cancer in the general population, radon can be silently dangerous. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends radon testing your home or prospective abode. But what happens if testing indicates high results? Here are three ways to reduce radon levels in your home to keep you and your family safe from this odorless, colorless gas.

Home Renovation

Oh, the wonders of home renovation! While you may have little to no say over a home’s initial construction, you are welcome to introduce change as a homeowner. Since radon is present in soil found in crawl spaces, consider applying a layer of gravel below the foundation slab underneath the home.

Afterward, apply a plastic sheet or vapor layer on top. By incorporating these minor adjustments, radon particles will remain separate from the standard airflow within your property.

Improved Airflow Within Home

You want to look into two types of ventilation when reducing radon levels in your home. First, consider assessing the underfloor ventilation, especially if your property has a suspended ground floor with underfloor vents.

Vents can often become clogged with dirt and foliage, so remember to clear all obstructions to promote airflow. Next, experiment with airflow strategies by opening vents and windows throughout your space to ensure maximum ventilation.

Sealing Foundation Cracks

It’s standard to see foundation cracks in older homes. Consider sealing cracks, dents, and holes with concrete or other caulking products to seal access points in your space. Access points would include imperfections in floors, windows, and doors. You can also fill these points with draft excluders and rubber components.

Measuring radon is crucial to your health and safety within your space. Ultimately, you can incorporate ways to reduce radon levels in your home according to your state’s prevention program, but remember to contact professionals for assistance.