If you’ve recently bought your first home, you’re probably incredibly excited about moving on, and starting life as a homeowner. There’s nothing like the feeling of turning that key in the door, and walking into a property you actually own. It’s a wonderful achievement to complete the purchase of a house or apartment, but there are responsibilities involved.
If you’re a new homeowner, here are some essential upkeep tips to bear in mind. You may be excited about choosing wallpaper prints and curtain fabrics, but taking these handy hints on board will help to save you time and money in the long-run.
Essential upkeep tips for first-time homeowners
Boiler checks
A broken boiler can hit you like a ton of bricks. As if it’s not bad enough to be without heating for a while, the repair costs can spiral into the hundreds or even thousands. Sometimes, you can’t prevent unexpected heating problems, but if you book regular checks, you stand a good chance of keeping issues at bay. If there’s already a boiler in place when you move in, it’s a good idea to have it checked out. If the unit is old, it may be worth replacing it with a newer model.
Essential Upkeep Tips: Weatherproofing
We all want our homes to last as long as possible, and weatherproofing is a great place to start if you want to prolong the lifespan of your home. The unpredictable weather conditions can take their toll on the exterior of your home, so it’s best to be prepared. If you have wooden fencing, for example, it’s wise to varnish and stain it on a regular basis. You can take a trip to the local hardware store or shop online and search for sites like Mountain Home Building Products.
It’s also a good idea to clear your gutters, especially in the autumn and winter months, and seal any gaps you have in window and door frames. This will help to improve heat retention and reduce your energy bills.
Appliance testing
You probably run a lot of appliances on a daily basis without even giving it a second thought. We tend to surf the Internet, wash our clothes and dishes, and watch TV at the same time. If you’ve got a kitchen full of electrical appliances or a home office packed with gadgets, it’s wise to keep an eye out for issues and to consider frequent testing.
If you notice that the fridge is making odd noises or you’ve got a leak from the washing machine, for example, don’t ignore these warning signs and hope for the best. Seek advice from a professional, and this will ensure that the situation doesn’t get any worse. If your appliances are still relatively new, they may be covered by a guarantee.
Owning a home is an incredibly exciting prospect, but it’s not all about choosing throws and looking at paint charts. You’ll also need to factor in practical considerations to protect your home and prevent unexpected repair bills. Hopefully, these tips will help you to keep on top of maintenance jobs without any hassle and save you time and money.
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