Recently purchased your first home? This is a momentous occasion in your life and a major accomplishment, but to go with the excitement of a new start and getting your foot on the property ladder, it is understandable if you have some anxiety as there is a lot of responsibility with owning a home. No longer can you contact the landlord when you have a problem, and you will find that there is always something that needs doing around the house. Here are a few tips for first-time homeowners that will hopefully come in useful.
Learn About Basic Home Maintenance
As a homeowner, you will need to maintain the home to keep it in tip top condition and avoid any repairs. There are specific tasks that need to be carried out throughout the year, and you need to make sure that these become a part of your schedule – a few of the main tasks include:
- Testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Checking the roof for damage
- Clearing the gutters
- Cleaning windows inside and out
- Deep cleans
- Bleeding the radiators
Get the Boiler Serviced Annually
There is no part of the home that is more important than the boiler. You will be relying on this to create a warm and comfortable home, which is why it is essential to get the boiler serviced annually to keep it in good condition. It is smart to do this in autumn before the temperature starts to drop so that you know it is in good condition heading into the coldest months of the year.
Find the Water Shut Off Valve & Fusebox
When you move in, you need to make sure that you know where the water shut off valve and fuse box are located and how to use them. You will not want to be running around the home with a burst pipe or in a blackout, so knowing where they are will help you act swiftly and resolve the issue.
Have the Number of a Good Plumber
Working plumbing is also incredibly important, yet things can go wrong, and you will want to act quickly to get the problem solved and minimize disruption. This means that you should have the number of a good plumber in the local area in your phonebook, which you can do by looking online for reputable Desoto plumbing specialists for those in Dallas.
Invest in A Toolkit
While you will need a professional when it comes to plumbing, electricity, and central heating, there will be times where you can complete the work yourself. You will need to make sure that you have a high-quality toolkit, and you can then find all kinds of helpful advice and guides on how to carry out repairs, maintenance, and various other DIY tasks around the home.
Owning your first home is an exciting experience, but it can also be quite a shock as it is an enormous responsibility, but these tips should help any homeowner to feel more confident and keep their property in good condition.
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