• HVAC system maintenance, inspections, and timed use can reduce replacement costs and energy bills.
• Professional home inspection helps detect any existing issues before purchasing a property.
• Plumbing problems should be addressed with routine maintenance by a licensed plumber.
• Installing water-saving devices, checking water pressure, and maintaining fences are tips to reduce pests.
• Exterior damage should be prevented and repaired as soon as possible to avoid more expensive repairs later.
• Regular cleaning, trimming of bushes, and adequately using pressure washers can help prevent exterior damage.
Homeownership is a big milestone and quite an accomplishment. It should be celebrated, of course, but it’s also important for new homeowners to understand the reality of owning a home. One of the most common problems new homeowners face is not being prepared for all the repairs, maintenance, and other issues that come with owning a house. Here’s a look at some of the most common problems new homeowners face and how to address them.
HVAC System Maintenance
If you’re moving into an older home, chances are the HVAC system will need some attention. That means replacing filters regularly and scheduling annual maintenance appointments with an HVAC specialist to ensure your system runs optimally. If you plan and budget accordingly, you can save about $4,000 to $9,000 in HVAC replacement costs. Here are some other tips to reduce overall costs from HVAC systems.
Inspections
You must get a home inspection done by a professional before you purchase a house. This will provide information on what needs to be fixed now and can save you money in the long run. A good inspector will find issues that may not be visible to the naked eye, like possible water damage or pests hiding away in places you may have missed.
Timed-Use
Overusing large appliances like the oven, dishwashers, and washing machines can increase energy bills. All these machines must be used efficiently by running them with full loads, unplugging when not in use, and only using what’s necessary.
Plumbing Problems
The plumbing in your home needs routine maintenance, just like any other system or appliance. The best way to avoid plumbing problems is to hire a licensed plumber to inspect your home before you move in. This can cost you around $100 per visit, but it will help detect any existing issues and give you time to fix them before they become more significant problems. However, here are some tips that can help reduce the need for plumbing services.
Check Water Pressure
You must check the water pressure in your home before you move in. Low water pressure can mean blocked pipes and other plumbing problems, so it’s worth checking out as soon as possible.
Install Water-Saving Devices
You can save money on your monthly water bills by installing low-flow toilets, showerheads, and faucet aerators. These devices can reduce water consumption by up to 30 percent, depending on what type of device you install.
Pest Control
Pests like mice, ants, cockroaches, bed bugs, etc., are probably one of the last things a homeowner wants to deal with—but unfortunately, it must be addressed sooner rather than later. Once pests enter your home, they can spread diseases and cause structural damage if left unchecked; plus, they are difficult (and expensive) to get rid of once established. Prevention is key when it comes to pest control. Here are three tips that can reduce pests in your home:
Fences
The first line of defense against most pests is a tall fence around your home. It should be at least four feet high, with mesh or hardware cloth buried 12-18 inches underground to prevent burrowing pests from entering. It’s good to have a robust horizontal composite fence panel for this. These panels are cost-effective and offer a variety of textures and colors.
Regular Cleaning
Regular cleaning inside and outside your home can help deter pests from entering. This includes vacuuming carpets, sweeping floors, regularly changing bedding, washing curtains, and ensuring no food scraps or water sources near the house’s perimeter.
Trim Bushes
Trees, shrubs, and other vegetation should be trimmed away from the house. This reduces the chances of pests entering through cracks in walls or gaps around windows and doors.
Exterior Damages
Homes are constantly exposed to the elements, which can cause damage to the exterior of your home over time. This includes water leaks, mold, rotting wood, and broken siding. Homeowners need to inspect their homes regularly for these problems so they can be fixed before they become more expensive repairs. Here are some tips to help you prevent any exterior damage.
Repair Gutters
Ensure your gutters are clean and in good working order to avoid clogs, which can cause overflows, flooding, and even foundation damage. It’s essential to check the condition of your gutters regularly and repair any damages as soon as possible.
Clean Siding
Regularly cleaning your siding will help reduce the buildup of dirt and debris, preventing mold and algae from forming. A pressure washer can be used to clean the outside of your home, but make sure you know how to use it before getting started.
Being a new homeowner can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. With proper planning and budgeting, you can avoid many of the common problems new homeowners face. Remember to hire a professional for any repairs or maintenance that cannot be done on your own, and always read up on best practices for home maintenance so you know exactly what to do when something goes wrong.
