3 Tips to Become a Great Homeowner

Owning a home can be a rewarding experience, but it does require a lot more work than renting an apartment, as well as more of a financial commitment. You can't call an on-site maintenance person when something doesn't work correctly and you don't know how to fix it. You can take pride in your home when you have the knowledge of how best to prevent potential problems, and how to fix them when they come. Below are some tips to become the best homeowner you can be.

1. Keep Up with Routine Maintenance

The best way to be a great homeowner is to keep up with the routine maintenance in your home. This includes cleaning your gutters, replacing the batteries on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, cleaning out the lint trap in your dryer, mowing the grass and pulling weeds, and much more. Though time-consuming, every one of these chores can save you money and ensure that your house will stay in good shape for you for years to come. 

2. Catch Potential Issues Before They Arise

Watch your home for any minor issues that could become major problems. By catching these issues at the beginning, you prevent yourself from going through the financial and mental stress associated with major household repairs. 

Outdoors

If you notice a tree growing close to your house that's roots could affect the foundation of your home, consider having the tree removed before your foundation is affected. If boards on your deck or porch are starting to warp or aren't holding up well, replace them before they impact the strength of the structure. 

Indoors

If you notice any small holes or openings to the outside that a mouse could get through, plug them before you have a pest problem. If you notice cold air coming through a window, consider either replacing it or putting plastic on it for the winter to prevent higher electric bills.

3. Know When to Call a Professional

In the age of YouTube and DIY fixes, it's easy to think that it's always best to fix something yourself due to lower costs and the pride you experience from working on your own home. However, there are problems that simply should not be attempted by an inexperienced person. If you're lucky enough to work in one of these fields or know someone who does, you're already ahead of the game and won't need to pay for a professional.

Electricity

If you begin to have trouble with your electric, always consider calling a professional electrician. While something simple like changing an outlet or a light fixture could be handled with a little research and hard work, more complicated issues should not be attempted by someone without experience. You could create more of a problem and put yourself in danger.

Plumbing

Just like with electricity, there are certain fixes that can be done by following a video online, but more complicated issues can be exacerbated by an inexperienced plumber. Unclogging a drain or capping off a pipe can be handled by anyone willing to read and follow directions, but when it comes to replacing pipes or issues with drinking water, it may be best to leave the issue to a professional. 

Pest Control

Most homeowners have experienced issues with some sort of pest: mice, spiders, ants, etc. You can buy different poisons or traps to handle a lot of pests, but when you experience an infestation, you should consider calling a professional. A professional is also typically necessary for pests that can affect the integrity of your house, like termites. 

By following all of these steps, you can take pride in your hard work as a homeowner. Your home will be a place you can feel safe and comfortable because you will know that it is a sound structure that is being well-cared for. If you're looking for financing to take on a bigger home improvement project, visit us online to explore more options.