Buying your first home is an amazing moment in anyone’s life. And even though you are finally settled in, there are still a lot of tasks to be done moving in. You might have to buy new furniture, repaint the walls, and deep clean the space. However, the tasks don’t stop there. Every homeowner knows that there are always a few things to maintain on a home, and as a first-time home buyer, here is a maintenance checklist that will help you get all of it done and ready to enjoy your forever home.
Check the Crawl Space
The first thing to do is check your crawl space for any irregularities, especially water. The reason to check this area is to avoid any mold or water damage on the very structure of your house. You can simply crawl in there with a flashlight and look carefully. Make sure to pay special attention to the corners, edges, and any changes in color; and check the dampness with your finger.
Upgrade the Insulation
The second thing is to inspect the insulation. And if you don’t have it, installing it might be a good idea. The winter is coming, and quality insulation will save you plenty of money and energy. If you don’t know where to start, you can always do some research or rely on insulation4less for valuable insight into the types of insulation best for your house. Additionally, you can get advice from local professionals. It is a great idea to invest in insulation for your first home as it will keep it protected, and warm during the winter, and when the summer comes, it will keep your home at an optimal cool temperature.
Recaulck All Windows
No matter how old the house is, some harsh weather can cause small cracks in the walls, especially around the windows. This is where most of the heat during the winter is lost out of home. A simple solution is to seal all the spaces around all the windows with caulk and you can solve this problem for a longer period of time. Also, sealing the windows will depend on the type of windows you have and what type of caulking products you are using. If you are unsure, you can visit the local store and ask the salesperson to help you out. If that doesn’t pan out, you can always consult the internet and local professionals.
Clean and Service the Furnace
Another important item on this checklist is to check the furnace, if you have it. If this device is not running properly, you will lose plenty of energy and even emit harmful carbon monoxide. So, if you are unsure when was the furnace last inspected and cleaned, it’s best you call a professional to help you out. Another option is to call the manufacturer or installer and ask for recommendations.
Inspect the Fireplace and Chimney
Speaking of heating, if your new home has a fireplace for burning wood, you should inspect it, too. Also, make sure to have the chimney inspected, as well, as the byproduct of wood burning is highly flammable and can build up in the fireplace and chimneys. As this is not a DIY project, you should call a trained chimney sweep as they have the right equipment and knowledge on how to do this.
Clean the Gutters and Roof Valleys
Last but not least, you should put cleaning the gutters and the roof on your checklist. Clogged up gutters and roof valleys can cause water buildup which can potentially cause a lot of preventable water damage. Also, excess water could enter your home through the foundation, roof, or crawl space and cause serious damage. You can easily do this task on your own by getting a sturdy ladder and raking off all the debris. Careful empty all the gutters and if you can, get onto the roof to check the situation there. On the other hand, you can call professionals to help you out if you are not sure how skillful you are.
Owning a home is amazing , but you have to take good care of it. These are some of the most essential items that should be on your checklist, besides those regular DIY maintenance tasks.
