Are you a new Homeowner? Here’s how to be an awesome homeowner!

A new house is exciting! Decorating and making it home is the best part. But, what happens when the move is over and you’re a homeowner in your house as life continues? Houses are also a lot of work. Maintaining your home is the key to maintaining the resale value. Here are a few areas to focus on to keep your home safe and fun:

1. Safety – Keep an eye out for dangers within and around your home. Whether it be an exposed wire or cracked pipes, these things can depreciate the value of your house and put your family in danger. Be realistic with DIY projects too, if you don’t feel 100% confident you can do it correctly and safely, call a professional.

2. Green – By replacing regular light bulbs with fluorescent bulbs you can cut down on electrical bills. Solar panels and other eco-friendly practices can benefit you in the long run especially when it comes time to sell. Create a compost pile in your backyard for easy access to homemade fertilizers, too. By getting in the habit of composting, recycling and upcycling you can cut back significantly on the amount of waste your household produces.

3. Exterior – Curb appeal factors in when it comes time to sell your home. Maintaining the outside of your home has both aesthetic and practical purposes. Peeling paint and broken siding can allow moisture into the walls and cause mold to grow. Beautification also becomes a factor, especially if you plan on selling. Determine your hardiness zone to ensure you select plants that will thrive in your area. By maintaining your lawn & gardens as well as siding & gutters you ensure your home is both attractive and safe.

4. Interior –

• Pipes/Plumbing – Leaking pipes and broken plumbing can cause serious damage and mold growth that can be harmful to you and your families health. If you notice any leaks or problems with your homes plumbing call a professional, this isn’t something you should DIY.

• Furnace – Furnaces are expensive. Get yours checked 2x a year. Ensuring proper maintenance is being given to your furnace can keep you from spending thousands on a new furnace or even prevent a fire started by a furnace problem.

• Flooring – Missing tiles, broken wood flooring and other flooring issues can devalue your home and cause safety issues as well. Be sure to maintain your flooring and fix any issues that may arise. Felt pads will protect your floors from furniture scratches.

A home can be the biggest investment you ever make so maintaining it is important. Should you decide to sell your house in the future, this maintenance will help to ensure you pass inspections and get the full value of your home.

Inspect-It 1st has information about home inspection services. In addition the website provides a maintenance checklist that divides the house into sections and outlines maintenance tips and suggestions throughout.