Whether you just started your search for a new home to call your own or you recently became a homeowner for the first time, there are so many things that you can learn along the way in becoming a better caretaker for the place you hold dear. From the practical to the personal and everything in between, there are plenty of things you can learn about owning a home, and even if you don’t jump into them all at once, exploring the possibilities can be a great way to dip your toes in. Here are a few things you may not have known before about owning a home, and how to get on top of them.
1. Getting Inspected
Home inspections are some of the most important things to pay attention to when moving in somewhere new. Usually, this will come before you actually move in, so there will be plenty of time to address whatever concerns come up with the results.
2. Fire Safety!
You may not have thought of this before, especially if you haven’t lived in a house with multiple floors and stairs before, but it’s important to make sure everyone is safe in your home in the event of an emergency. Make sure you have a fire extinguisher around — and keep one on each floor if possible.
3. Pest Control
When you own a home, you’re responsible for keeping pests out, which means that if you notice a critter in your space, you should address it immediately. For some, this might mean putting out bug repellent or traps, but if the issue gets worse, doesn’t resolve, or involves hazardous bugs like bedbugs or cockroaches, you should call a professional right away to get your issue taken care of.
4. Landscaping
It can sometimes be easy to forget that the outside of your home is just as important as all of the things inside. Specifically, all of the things that come along with landscaping are important skills to know — or at least be aware of — when you own a home. Even just simple lawn care can keep you from incomplete curb appeal in your home.
5. Roof Maintenance
When you rent, the roof isn’t something you tend to worry about until there’s a problem. But when you own a home, roof maintenance is something you should be thinking about on a regular basis in order to prevent problems before they arise. Things like leaks, cracks, and missing tiles are all issues that should be dealt with sooner rather than later.
6. Checking the Foundation
As the name implies, the foundation is the very base of your home, which means that checking on the foundation is an important part of keeping your home in check, especially as the years go by and the home ages. Making sure that you address any cracks, gaps, or holes in the foundation can be a big part of maintaining your home.
7. HOA Challenges
Owning a home can be a new experience in a lot of ways, including working with the other homeowners and homeowner associations. While you may have been involved with your community before or even been a part of a renters’ association before, HOA guidelines can be a little different. By getting involved or even just staying on top of the requirements, you can make your life much easier and feel more comfortable in your community.
8. Sealing the Driveway
If you notice cracks or damage in your driveway, it’s your responsibility as a homeowner to get them sealed. Although resealing your driveway too often can be unnecessary, you can have a pro on hand in order to get the best service possible and keep your driveway safe and aesthetically pleasing.
9. Changing HVAC Filters
In order to keep your HVAC system running properly, changing the filters on a regular basis can not only make it more effective, but it can even save you money on your monthly bills. This is something that many homeowners forget to do, but it can be a good habit to keep in check.
10. Knowing the Good Pros
Even with all of the skills, tools, and ideas that can come in handy as a homeowner, one of the best things you can do is to know professionals you trust to call in when you need something. Hardly anybody is an expert in carpentry, contracting, plumbing and electricity. If you want to make sure that your whole house stays taken care of year after year, knowing which professionals to go to can save you a lot of time, money, and energy.
Things to Know About Owning a Home
Whether you happen to be a brand new homeowner or you’ve been thinking about it for quite some time, there are so many things that you can learn along the way. Have you learned anything new about owning a home?
