ATTENTION NEW HOMEOWNERS: We all know buying your first home is one of the biggest financial decisions you can make in life. This is why your home should become a top priority when it comes to maintenance and keeping it clean and up to date. These 10 MISTAKES happen more often than not, which is why we are here to help you resolve these mistakes. Learn how to keep your home in the best shape possible with these 10 turn-around tips, since I mean...who wants to be paying a 30 year mortgage on a home that isn't in the best shape it can be in?
#1 Mistake: Not Making a Homeowners Journal
Keep insurance papers, repair receipts, and all other documents in an organized file folder for future reference. This honestly just makes life easier and can be a huge advantage when selling your home in the future.
#2 Mistake: Not Changing the Furnace Filter
This is definitely not something you learned by living in an apartment. Furnace filters protects the blower fan from all the dust, hair and other gunk the return duct pulls in. This should be changed every 2-6 months, depending on your furnace, to keep it in top condition.
#3 Mistake: Not Investing in a Home Security System
Until a burglary actually happens, we all seem to think "There is NO way someone would break into my house. My neighborhood is sooo safe!" But once it happens, everyone wishes they would have had a security system. Investing in a home security system will actually save you money in the long run, especially if expensive items in your home get stolen, therefore we highly recommend.
#4 Mistake: Not Flushing When There is a Power Outage
Even if a power outage stops your well pump or city water supply, you can still flush the toilet. Dump a couple gallons of water in the toilet bowl to flush and you are good to go, just remember the bowl will not refill until the power is back on.
#5 Mistake: Leaving The Garage Remote In Your Car
Not only can a thief who breaks into your car have easy access inside your home by using the garage remote, they can find the address of your home on your registration card in the glove box. We suggest to ditch the garage remote on your visor and opt for a keychain model to prevent any of this to happen.
#6 Mistake: Not Knowing Where the Main Water Shutoff Valve Is
Water from a burst or broken plumbing pipe can spew dozens of gallons into your home’s interior in a matter of minutes, soaking everything in sight- including drywall, flooring, and valuables. Before disaster hits, find your water shutoff valve, which will be located where a water main enters your house.
#7 Mistake: Carelessly Drilling Into The Walls
Hanging shelves, closet systems, and artwork means drilling into your walls, but do you know what’s back there? Hidden inside your walls are plumbing pipes, ductwork, wires, and cables. Either invest in a stud sensor or protect your walls by only drilling 1 1/4 inches deep, which won't reach most wires or pipes.
#8 Mistake: Not Calling 811 Before Digging a Hole
Don't be too quick to dig holes in your yard to plant spring flowers or install that brand new fence. Dial up 811, the national dig-safely hotline, to contact your local utilities who will come to your property within the day to mark the location of underground pipes, cables, and wires.
#9 Mistake: Cutting Down a Tree Before Thinking it Through
Make sure to weigh the positives and negative repercussions of cutting down trees in your yard before you fully go through with it. Trees can fall awkwardly, damaging your home or your neighbor's. Trees can also help preserve property value and provide shade that cuts energy bills. So think twice before you go all Paul Bunyan.
#10 Mistake: Not Installing Ceiling Fans in Every Room
Ceiling fans are a low-energy way to keep air moving in your home. Because of the air circulation effect, you can get away with keeping your thermostat a degree or two higher in summer. Just remember to use the reversal switch on your fan to circulate the air downwards in the summer.