Purchasing a home is often the biggest investment a person will make in their lifetime. As a homeowner, you’ll want to take care of your property to maintain its value. Here are a few things every homeowner should know.
Don’t Neglect Minor Upkeep
Part of being a good homeowner is taking time to regularly maintain your home and appliances. Keeping your property in good shape also helps you avoid inconveniences, such as going without hot water because the water heater rusted and is leaking.
Know the early signs of a problem before it progresses. If your plumbing makes strange sounds or you notice patches of missing shingles on the roof, it’s time to take action. Sometimes seemingly small issues can indicate larger problems. Call a professional to troubleshoot and make repairs.
Every Homeowner Should Know How to Save Energy
It’s important to develop energy-saving habits at home. You’ll save money on your power bill, and using household appliances less can help you prolong their lifespans.
Change the filter In your HVAC system every 30 to 90 days or as recommended by the manufacturer. The clean filter helps the system to run more efficiently and improves air quality inside your home.
Only run your washing machine and dishwasher when you have a full load. These appliances use the same amount of energy for every load, whether they’re at capacity or not. Another easy way to save energy is to replace standard incandescent bulbs with more efficient LED bulbs.
Inspect Your Home’s Exterior
Regular maintenance includes inspecting your home at least once a year. Take a good look at your property, or even better, hire a professional. A home inspection gives you a good idea of how the exterior is holding up against the elements and when it might be necessary to budget for repairs such as a new roof or HVAC system.
Every Homeowner Should Know How to Clean Gutters
You can always hire a company to perform the task for you, but many homeowners choose to clean their own gutters. Gutter cleaning is one of the most important home maintenance tasks because it helps to preserve your roofing and your property.
At least twice a year, use a ladder to access the gutters and remove any leaves, twigs, and other accumulated debris. Clean gutters allow water to flow freely from the roof and away from the siding and foundation. This helps prevent water from pooling near your home, which can leak into your basement or crawlspace.
Plan for Pest Control
If you previously rented a home, your landlord was likely responsible for pest control. As a homeowner, this is something you’ll need to budget for. Many pest control companies offer preventative services throughout the year. Have your home sprayed for pests every six months to help keep living spaces bug and rodent-free. Preventative pest control will also prevent structural problems due to termite damage.
Homeowners Should Know How to Perform Basic Repairs
Learn to take care of minor issues around your house. Your local community college may offer continuing education classes that teach skills to become a better homeowner. Home improvement stores regularly offer how-to clinics where you can learn skills like installing patio pavers, painting tips, and basic carpentry.
Reifsteck Home Inspections offers inspection services to customers in Champaign, Illinois, and the surrounding areas. Contact us to request our services.