Becoming A Home Maintenance Pro: Tips For New Homeowners

Buying a house is a big achievement and also the start of a long, rewarding journey. As a new homeowner, you have a lot on your plate getting familiar with your new dwelling, moving all of your possessions, and getting used to making mortgage payments. Home improvement will also become an important part of life moving forward, and it's wise to start on home maintenance tasks as soon as possible once you move in. Start your life as a new homeowner on the right foot with our guide to becoming a home maintenance pro.

• Start with a Deep Cleaning
  Ideally, the home should be spotless when you move in, but it doesn't hurt to make sure every corner has been scrubbed. In addition to all the usual home improvement benefits of cleaning, scouring every corner of the house will help you spot any maintenance issues. Be sure to clean the areas around appliances, check the coils on your fridge, and check basements/crawlspaces. Stay on top of cleaning year-round, and always keep an eye out for maintenance problems while you work.
  
  
• Caulk Around Doors and Windows
  A poorly sealed home can lead to a significant increase in energy costs, and make it harder to keep the temperature in your home comfortable. Check around doors, windows, vents, and other openings, to make sure they're sealed. You can pick up silicone caulk at your local hardware store to take care of any trouble spots.
  
  
• Find Your Circuit Breaker and Water Shut-off Valve
  As a new homeowner, it's essential to prepare for emergencies, so that you can respond quickly. Learn where your water shut-off valve is so that you can cut water quickly if a pipe bursts, and find your circuit breaker so that you can control the electricity in your home. That way, if there's an emergency or you need to work on one of those systems, you'll always know where to go.
  
  
• Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
  Your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are lifelines in the event of an emergency and can tip you off to trouble before things get out of control. Make sure to check regularly that both types of detectors are working, and replace batteries as needed.
  
  
• Maintain Your HVAC System
  Does your new home have central heating and air conditioning? Then, you'll want to stay on top of HVAC maintenance. Change the filters regularly based on the manufacturer's instructions, and have an HVAC pro visit twice per year to check that your system is in good working order.
  
  
• Take Care of Your Outdoor Deck
  An outdoor deck is a perfect place for a party, but it will need a bit of annual work to stay in great shape. Late summer or early fall are great times to stain and reseal your deck so that it will be ready for outdoor fun when the warm weather returns.
  
  
• Know When to Call a Contractor
  While there is a ton you can handle DIY around the house, some jobs require specialized tools and expertise. Find a contractor you trust or ask for referrals from trusted sources, and rely on the pros whenever you need an experienced hand.

Home improvement is a constant, ongoing project for most homeowners, so it's a good idea to get used to the process when you move into your first home. By staying on top of maintenance and keeping an eye out for signs of trouble, you can tackle small maintenance issues before they become big ones.

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