Are you a first-time homebuyer? Or maybe you have recently bought a new house. Either way, many things go into being a homeowner. It’s not just about buying a house and calling it your own. Some responsibilities come with homeownership, and if you want to make the most of your investment, you need to take care of them all. This post will discuss some things that every homeowner should do to protect their property and keep it in good condition!
Every Homeowner Should Do Basic Upkeep
In addition to making mortgage payments and keeping up with home repairs, it’s also essential to do regular maintenance to prevent more significant problems down the road. Here are some basic upkeep tasks that every homeowner should make time for:
- Cleaning gutters and downspouts: This helps prevent water damage to your roof and foundation.
- Inspecting the roof: Look for cracked or missing shingles, and ensure the flashing around chimneys and vents is in good condition.
- Checking doors and windows: Make sure they’re properly sealed to keep out drafts and pests.
- Removing debris from the yard: This helps prevent fire hazards and keeps your property looking tidy.
Now let’s look at some of the more specific tasks every homeowner should do!
Get Homeowners Insurance
Homeowner’s insurance is a must for all homeowners. It protects your home and belongings in case of damage or theft and can help cover the costs of repairs or replacements. In addition, homeowner’s insurance can provide financial assistance if you cannot live in your home due to damage from a covered event.
While the cost of premiums can vary depending on the level of coverage you choose, the peace of mind that comes with knowing you are protected is priceless. Don’t wait until it’s too late – get homeowner’s insurance today.
Locate Your Property Line
One of the first things you should do after buying a home is locate your property line. This mark indicates the end of your land and the beginning of your neighbor’s land. It’s important to know where this line is to avoid any disputes with your neighbors in the future. There are a few different ways to locate your property line.
You can hire a professional surveyor to come out and take measurements, or you can look at your deed or property tax records. You can also try to find the mark on your own by walking around your property and looking for landmarks like trees, fences, or stakes in the ground. Once you’ve located your property line, be sure to mark it somehow so that you can easily find it again in the future.
Change Your Locks
As a homeowner, you have a lot of responsibility for keeping your home safe. One of the easiest and most effective ways to do this is by changing your locks. Over time, locks can become worn down and less secure. If you’ve recently moved into a new home, it’s also a good idea to change the locks to ensure no one else has a key.
Changing your locks is a relatively simple and inexpensive process, but it can make a big difference in terms of the security of your home. So if you’re looking for an easy way to boost your home security, changing your locks is a great place to start.
Change Your Furnace Filter
As any homeowner knows, there are many tasks to do to keep a house running smoothly. One of the most critical but often overlooked tasks is changing the furnace filter. A furnace filter helps to remove dust, pollen, and other airborne particles from the air, making it cleaner and healthier to breathe.
In addition, a clean filter helps to improve the efficiency of the furnace and can save money on energy bills. You should change most filters every few months, but it is important to check the manufacturer’s recommendations for specific guidance. With a little effort, changing the furnace filter can have a big impact on the quality of the air in your home.
Know-How To Shut Off The Water
Knowing how to shut off the water is one of the most important skills any homeowner can have. In the event of a burst pipe or leak, quickly shutting off the water can help prevent severe damage. It can also save you money on your water bill. Even if you never have to deal with a plumbing emergency, knowing how to shut off the water is still a good idea.
If you ever have to do any work on your plumbing, being able to turn off the water will make the job much easier. So, whether you’re a new homeowner or a seasoned veteran, take the time to learn how to shut off your home’s water supply. It could be one of the most valuable skills you have ever learned.
Inspect Your Alarms
Homeowners should regularly inspect all the alarms on their property to ensure they are in good working order. This includes smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and security systems. By taking the time to test and clean these devices, homeowners can help to keep their families safe from fire, gas leaks, and break-ins.
Additionally, it is vital to regularly check the batteries in these devices and replace them as needed. By making sure all the alarms on their property are in good working order, homeowners can help to create a safe and secure environment for their families.
Get A Fire Extinguisher
Home fires are more common than you might think. There are an average of 358,500 house fires in the United States each year. And while most of these fires are small and easily contained, they can still cause significant damage to your home and possessions. Smoke and heat damage is often irreparable, and even a small fire can quickly spread through your home, putting your family at risk.
That’s why it’s so important to prepare for a fire by having a fire extinguisher on hand. A fire extinguisher can help control a small fire before it gets out of control, giving you the time to get your family to safety. And while you should always call the fire department if a fire is burning out of control, having a fire extinguisher can help you sleep easy, knowing that you’re prepared for anything.
There Are Somethings Every Homeowner Should Do
As a homeowner, there are certain things you should do to keep your home running efficiently. From changing your locks to knowing how to shut off the water, these tasks may seem small, but they can make a big difference in the safety and security of your home. So take the time to do them, and you’ll be glad you did.
If you’re a new homeowner, or even if you’ve been in your home for years, it’s always a good idea to brush up on the basics. Many things go into running a home smoothly, and it’s essential to be prepared for anything.
