How to Maintain a Home for New Homeowners

Finally making the switch from renting to owning? The excitement of owning your own property is one of the most invigorating feelings anyone can experience. But once you begin the monotonous process of marketing yourself to the previous homeowners, realtors, and bank personnel, you begin to understand the vast undertaking of being a homeowner in this day and age.

Maybe you’re starting to feel wholeheartedly overwhelmed and unqualified for this new lifestyle? Well, we’re here to help with our guide on home owning maintenance for new homeowners!

Where should I start?

A lot of the journey in owning a home is being prepared for the unexpected. This is especially true in owning a home that is much older, but even a newly developed home can run into issues.

Think of your house like any other living entity: if you do not take care of it, it will show in deplorable ways. But, if you keep it in good health and are constantly listening to its needs, you’ll be rewarded with the power and bliss of being a homeowner.

Where to actually start

With that being said, it’s time to crank out a pen or pencil and some paper. You’ll want to begin taking stock of basic maintenance tasks and set reminders for when to complete them. Things like:

1. Cleaning your gutters a minimum of twice per year
2. Draining your water heater once per year
3. Scheduling HVAC maintenance every fall and spring
4. Changing out HVAC filters every season at least once
5. Cleaning your dryer hose and vent yearly to ensure no clogging

You’ll notice that many of these tasks are done on a yearly basis. As a new homeowner, remembering to complete these tasks is a new skill to develop. That’s why taking note of all tasks you need to complete seasonally or yearly is essential for fantastic home maintenance.

Just bought a house?

But perhaps you’re not even moved into your new home. Maybe you’re right on the cusp of your offer being accepted and signing for the home? Here are the first things you’ll need to do:

Total Home Inspection

This might come as a no-brainer to those who have riddled themselves with extensive research on the home buying and owning process, but one of the very first things you’ll need to take care of with your new home is inspecting it. Think of this as a final walkthrough to understand your home in great detail. Totalhomeinspection.com has got you covered on exactly what you need to look at in great detail.

Everything from the grounds, structure, exterior surfaces, windows, doors, wood trim, roof, attic, interior rooms, kitchen, bathrooms, miscellaneous, basement or mechanic room, crawl-space, plumbing, electrical, and heating/cooling system are things that you can find on the Total Home Inspection sheet that you’ll need to cover.

However, as the checklist indicates, do not rely on your own self-check of this sheet as a home inspection. You will still need to contact your local, licensed certified home inspector to complete a through check.

Property Survey

The importance of a property survey must not be neglected. The purpose of a property survey is to highlight what belongs to you and what does not. These land boundaries are critical to note because they confirm if any land encroachments are present prior to the closing process of a house.

Prioritize Repairs

After your home has been inspected, you’ll now have an extensive list of repairs. It is important to note that while you don’t need to request immediate repair on every part of this list prior to moving in, prioritize the ones that may cause harm to you and your family before your move-in.

Change Your Locks

To the homeowners who are purchasing an existing, pre-owned home, this is something you’ll want to take care of before moving in as a safety precaution. Even if you don’t believe it’s necessary.

Deep Clean

This is another thing that might be overlooked or put off until you have fully moved into your residence. However, we cannot stress enough the importance of completing a thorough clean prior to moving in. Considering the global pandemic at hand, this should especially become a priority for you and your family.

Save Money Immediately

Lastly, here are a number of things you should seriously consider doing almost immediately to save as much money on your new home.

Air-seal your home

1. Shade your house by planting trees nearby
2. Purchase energy efficient appliances
3. Check and reinstall insulation in your attic if you see fit
4. Lower your water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit
5. Maintain your HVAC system filters
6. Use weather stripping
7. Make sure that closet doors are closed
8. Clean your refrigerator coils
9. Install ceiling fans in most rooms