Having a home is a great responsibility and a big investment. You will find you spend more time doing work around the house, but this time will pay off in maintaining your home’s value. Here are a few ways to be a better homeowner. Maintaining your home will make homeownership easier.
Learn a Few Basic Do-It-Yourself Skills
Your home will likely require small repairs occasionally. If you develop a few home repair skills, you will save money that you would spend on handymen and contractors. Books and videos online are available to help you learn simple skills like fixing a leaking faucet, unclogging a sink, repairing your toilet, and weatherproofing windows and doors for greater energy efficiency. Practice simple repairs first and then move onto more challenging projects.
Do Regular Inspections of Your Home’s Exterior
In the spring and fall, take a walk around your home and make note of any small problems that should be repaired. Stand across the street and look for any issues with your roof, like missing shingles and damaged areas. Check your gutters’ condition and whether they are clean and secured well. Inspect your home’s siding. Look for damage to your foundation that could let in moisture. If you address issues when they are small, you can avoid larger problems later on.
Clean Your Gutters Regularly
Your gutter system is important for preventing water damage to your home’s roof and foundation. Put gutter cleaning on your list of things to do, to remove leaves, debris, and other items that can clog gutters and lead to moisture damage.
Keep Ahead of the Clutter to Be a Better Homeowner
Clutter seems to accumulate on its own, both inside and outside the house. Clutter indoors also makes the home harder to clean. Pay careful attention to toys, lawn equipment, gardening tools, and other items that can make a home look unkempt. Use storage sheds or bins to keep these items out of sight.
Update Your Exterior Lighting
Exterior lighting makes a home look warm and inviting. It can also help to improve the curb appeal and safety of the property. Many types of exterior lighting are available to help you illuminate your home’s exterior.
Be a Better Homeowner With Landscaping
Periodic maintenance on your home’s landscaping can help it to maintain good curb appeal. Trim or remove old trees and shrubs that have become overgrown and can damage your roof and siding. Plant attractive ornamental trees at your home’s entrance. Build flower beds around the property to enhance exterior beauty. These efforts can make a big difference for the look of your home and your neighborhood.
The small actions you take throughout the year to be a better homeowner can make a noticeable difference in the appearance and condition of your home. If you follow these tips, you will enjoy your home more and will add to its market value when you’re ready to sell.
Redtail Building Services provides home inspections to Southeastern Virginia. Contact us to schedule an inspection.