Becoming a new homeowner is such an exciting time in your life. You get to pick a home that meets your needs in a place you love. There’s no more compromising on style or features just because you have a landlord who won’t allow any remodeling.
Before you finish putting away your moving boxes and start to break out the cans of paint, be sure you know how to keep your home in great shape. Read on to learn some easy maintenance tips you can use throughout your time as a homeowner, so you won’t be surprised by unexpected repairs.
1. Learn to Be Proactive
When you lived in a rented space, you probably never had to think about things like lawn care or air filter replacement because it was always taken care of by the rental unit staff. Now, all that is up to you. Don’t worry, though — once you get into your new routine of house maintenance, it’ll all seem second nature.
Keep a calendar just for your home. Write down when to replace the air vent filters, clean out the gutters and mow the lawn. It may seem tedious at first, but you’ll be glad you have it all written down. You can check on your calendar at any point to refresh yourself on what your home needs after you learn to be more proactive.
2. Get Great Insurance
Insurance should be no stranger at this point, since you must have renter’s insurance in order to sign a lease. The importance of insurance can’t be overstated. No one can predict the future, so keep your home safe by understanding personal property insurance. By getting the right coverage, you won’t have to worry about potential damages.
3. Hire a Professional Tree Trimmer
Sometimes you’re going to need to do lawn maintenance, and while the trees in your yard may not look like they do much other than shed leaves, they’ll eventually need to be trimmed. Trees must be kept away from power lines, and it’s smart to chop branches that could fall and damage your home. To prevent this, hire a professional tree trimmer at least once a year.
4. Check Your HVAC Unit
The ability to heat and cool your home is another thing homeowners take for granted, since that’s never something you need to worry about when you rent. If you want to avoid paying to replace the unit if it ends up not working, it’s smart to check your HVAC unit twice a year. This is vital to ensure you don’t have to go without heating or air conditioning when you most need it.
5. Inspect Your Crawlspace
If you only go into your crawlspace when you’re handling holiday decorations, it’s easy to forget that it’s there. Don’t forget to check it often, especially after major rainstorms or snow melts. You can learn what to look for to spot potential damage, like leaks or flooding. Water can lead to cracks in your home’s foundation, so if you see something and you’re not sure if your crawlspace is in good condition, call someone to double check for you.
Ask for Help
No homeowner can go through life in a home without needing to ask for help. Other homeowners, and even professionals have all been in your shoes at some point in their lives. Living in your first home is a time for adjustment, so if you still feel like you need to learn more about how to take care of your home, talk with a friend or family member. They’ll give you even more helpful tips so you can make your home the best it can be!
Need A Massage? Learn How To Give One To Yourself And Your Loved Ones
Receiving a massage, whether it’s given by someone else or self-administered, can help loosen your muscles and establish a better connection not only with your body but also with the people you love.
