Americans dream of home ownership. Typically, individuals transition from their family residence to an apartment, build up savings, and eventually make a down payment on a house.
Yet, as young adults venture out independently, many may not be fully aware of all the upkeep needed for a home. These activities become second nature to parents because they are part of their daily routine. As children mature, they may not be aware of the effort involved.
For those moving into their first home, here are some essential tasks to address.
Seasonal Upkeep
A change in season can bring about a dramatic shift in the weather, especially in the northern part of the nation. Being a homeowner involves dealing with the ramifications and planning for the changes. However, you must take care of some essential home maintenance, wherever you live.
The most typical is yard work. Routine tasks that require a lot of time include raking leaves, cutting grass, and tending to the garden. During the warmer months, you will probably spend most weekends working outdoors. Some northerners may find themselves shoveling snow on occasion throughout the winter.
Houses in colder climates, especially older ones, may need to be winterized to a certain extent. In general, newer houses are more equipped to handle any weather. However, if your home is older, you might need to insulate your doors and windows more, install plastic wind barriers, or install winter windows.
Essential Maintenance Tools and Equipment
Gather all of your necessary tools and equipment in advance. Having the necessary equipment before you need it will help you a lot. This will help you save money, frustration, and time.
- Digging shovel
- Garden spade
- Snow shovel (in the north)
- Rakes and yard tarps for leaf removal
- Garden hoses
- Garden gloves
- Outdoor brooms
- Toolbox
The list of tools can be almost infinite, depending on what you hope to accomplish. For example, you must add to the list if you intend to garden. This should get you started, though.
Check FB Marketplace or Craigslist to save money by purchasing gently used equipment.
Regarding maintenance, you might hire professionals to handle yard work, snow removal, and basic home repairs. Even if this is your plan, you should still get some necessary tools and equipment because you will have to do some of this yourself.
Maintaining Home Appliances
Keep file folders with information about your home appliances. It may sound old-fashioned, but it will be helpful to have them. From keeping track of warranties and owner manuals to recording maintenance notes, having everything in one place will save time and frustration. Most appliances require maintenance to keep them functioning correctly and get their complete life.
Filters
Most appliances that let air or water pass through them have filters. Filters eliminate particles that can damage equipment and make things smell or taste funny. They are used in furnace filters, air purifiers, humidifiers, and water and ice makers in refrigerators. Cleaning the filters can keep appliance motors from overheating and breaking. Maintaining your home appliances is very important for their proper functioning.
It is easy to forget about the filters because they are out of sight and mind. So, make a schedule to check the filters every three months and watch for the indicator lights. Certain appliances possess sensors that signal when the filters need to be changed. Keeping extra filters on hand will make it easier to replace dirty filters as required.
Dryer Vent
Cleaning a dryer vent is a crucial maintenance task that often gets overlooked. A clogged dryer vent can slow drying, cause fires, and reduce efficiency. Cleaning the dryer vent of lint and debris regularly can prevent these issues and boost dryer performance.
Water softeners
Just like filters, you must maintain water softeners. To maintain household water quality, replenish salt or change membrane filters. Your house’s water softener capacity and usage determine how often you do this. Softeners are not present in all homes. Make sure you are familiar with the maintenance of the house you buy.
Seasonal Modifications
In addition to heating and cooling, some HVAC systems also regulate humidity. In certain places, summer and winter bring drastically different humidity and air temperatures, so the HVAC system might need to be adjusted. Some parts of your HVAC system may need to be adjusted, including moisture settings, dampers, and airflow.
Water, Sewer, and Household fuel
Depending on your new community, you might have access to natural gas, sewer, and municipal water utilities. Homeowners need to collaborate with suppliers and handle their own maintenance for communities where these are unavailable.
Water Well
Homeowners use local water wells if there is no community water source available. Homeowners may share these amenities on their property or with others. However, the owners must handle all maintenance and upkeep.
Septic Systems
Maintenance is required to handle household water waste in septic systems. In addition to a tank and a drain field, septic systems require routine maintenance and monitoring to ensure proper operation.
Household Fuel
There are regional variations in heating and cooking systems across the country. While many of them involve some sort of combustible fuel, some are entirely electric. If a natural gas utility is not included in the utilities, you must supply propane or fuel oil. As a homeowner, you must arrange for these services.
Home Ownership
When purchasing a house, find out if there was a maintenance schedule from the previous owners. Also, as part of the home inspection, the inspector should provide notes on the property and assist you in determining what maintenance is required.
Making the Move
Get the ideal assistance when relocating. Contact us for the help you need to settle into your new home quickly.
