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A Millennial's Guide to Home Maintenance
The first home purchase a person makes is exciting. There is furniture to buy, appliances to put in, that first house warming party to have with friends and family, too. With all the great things happening, it is easy to overlook the challenges of home maintenance. Things break and need repair. When a new homeowner gets a house, they may need to do some things upfront to keep things running smoothly or perhaps something breaks along the way. Here is a deep dive into home maintenance to-dos that need to be handled the first year.
Furnace
The last thing a person wants to worry about is the furnace going out. Dust and grime can build up in a furnace. Clogged filters can make them less efficient, but also a fire hazard. Harmful allergens can get stuck in there and this can harm air quality. Don't let this happen. Do regular checks and look for some issues:
- Turn off the system and pull filters
- Inspect for dirt and grime
- Get replacements at the store
- Remove old filter and toss
- Be sure to do this right away upon move-in and every year thereafter
Caulking Windows
Winter heat loss happens with cracks inside a home. Sealing the space around windows really goes a long way to helping this issue. Caulking products vary depending on windows and siding. Ask a salesperson what kind of caulk that is needed for a certain finish. With the right caulk, there is no need to repeat again next season. How to do it well:
- Apply caulk carefully
- Make sure surfaces are dry
- Look for temperature specs in the product info
- Start the project after things have leveled out
Do this on an as-needed basis. Inspect every summer and touch up but it may not need a full overhaul every year.
Inspect Basement and Crawl Spaces
To avoid water damage to the foundation, it is best to check for any leaks. Get into a crawl space and look around for any signs of water. It helps to also look for mold. Flashlights are helpful to inspect corners, edges, and other small nooks for changes in color or odor. Home inspectors are good for this process because they make sure everything checks out and can fix the problem by calling in someone qualified to handle the leaks.
It is best not to let things slide. Make a yearly checklist to follow up with things. Make note of some things to check more frequently, but don't hesitate to keep up with things as they need work because it will be better for the home (and safety) overall to stay on top of it.
Choice Properties knows buying that first home is hard. It is a big commitment and decision. We help you make it easier by giving you space to look at the homes you want, understand the type of property you are looking for, and spend time finding just the right space for your needs. Call us if you are ready to get started.