Important Maintenance Tasks For New Homeowners
There is nothing quite like becoming a homeowner for the first time, and this is a major life accomplishment that needs celebrating. Getting a foot on the property ladder can also be a daunting time because there are now all varieties of responsibilities to consider, mainly involving maintenance tasks. When you own a home for a while, you will quickly learn how to maintain the house and the different jobs that you can do yourself, but there are a few important aspects to consider for when you first start moving in which will help you to feel in control of your property.
Locate Stopcock & Circuit Breaker
It is essential to know where the main water shut off valve and the circuit breaker are before you need to know. Knowing how to shut the water off quickly could save you a fortune in case of an emergency. The valve will be where the water main enters your house, and you may require a tool to turn it. Additionally, it is helpful to know where the circuit breaker is as they can be hard to find when the lights go off or it’s in the middle of the night! You should also know which fuses control the electricity and have them clearly labeled.
Check The Roof & Gutters
The roof is vital for providing protection and shelter (particularly in the winter), so it is a good idea to give it a thorough inspection and to make sure that the gutters are working properly. If there are damaged or missing shingles or any damage to the roof, gutter or chimney, then you could encounter serious issues. For this reason, it may be best to use professionals like Advocate’s roof inspection services to determine any problems and get them fixed. You should also have dead branches from trees trimmed back to stop them from falling and damaging the roof.
Insulation
It is also a smart move to check the insulation in the home, especially if you are moving in around Fall or winter. The attic is the best place to add insulation, and it could have a significant impact on your energy bills and keep you warm through the cold winter months. If the top of the floor joists are visible in the attic, then you may want to think about adding insulation with the recommended amount being between 10 and 14 inches. If you find that the property is not well insulated throughout, you may want to think about other solutions like double glazing and finding drafts around the home.
Those that have recently purchased a property should carefully consider the above three aspects when they first move in. They are highly important factors which need immediate attention as otherwise, you could find that life in your new home is not as comfortable as you had hoped. You will quickly get to grips with how to be a successful homeowner because it is a constant learning experience and you may even find that you begin to enjoy taking on the various maintenance tasks that occur around the home.
