7 Things All New Homeowners Should Know

Moving into a new home is exciting, especially if it’s your first time living in a house. When you’ve only rented in the past, you likely haven’t had to take care of property issues or pay hidden fees. While being a homeowner can bring you plenty of joy, you should also be prepared to put in the work to protect your house and make it the dream home you’ve always wanted. Here are a few things you should know when becoming a first-time homeowner.  

1. Keep a Home Binder

One of the easiest ways to know what’s going on in your home is to have a binder with all of its information. Think about it — you likely have an account or organizer involving all of your health or a pet’s health. Why not create something for the betterment of your home’s health? Your binder should contain copies of important paperwork, as well as information on the last time you had inspections or updated certain appliances. 

You can also include checklists to help you know when to perform preventative maintenance. Setting aside about 2% of the value of your home can help you prepare for maintenance costs each year. Similarly, you can use this binder to organize bills, recurring payments and cleaning schedules. The more attention you pay to your binder, the better off your home will be. 

2. How to Do Basic Repairs

You don’t need to call a professional for everything in your home. You should learn to conduct basic household repairs to feel independent and save money. For example, you should know how to unclog a drain or seal gaps in your walls. You don’t have to learn everything all at once. In non-emergency situations, you can learn as you go, adding a new skill whenever necessary. Eventually, you’ll know how to DIY all sorts of home repairs. 

3. Set a Thermostat

Every thermostat is different, so you may have a bit of a learning curve trying to understand the one in your new home. A manual thermostat stays on the same temperature you leave it on, but a programmable thermostat adjusts during the day according to your household’s needs. A programmable thermostat can save you up to 10% on your energy bills yearly. The main benefit of having a programmable thermostat is that you can customize the temperature by the week. Alternatively, if you opt for a smart thermostat, you can adjust it when you’re away from home and program each day accordingly. 

4. Know Where Your Shut-Off Valve Is

One day, you might experience a leak. Something could go wrong and lead to an excess of water in your home. When this obstacle happens, you need to know where your water shut-off valve is. Every home is different, so you may need to find the valve as soon as you buy the home if you’re worried about leaking. Figure out if you can turn it off by yourself or if you need tools, and then acquire anything necessary. Being prepared is the best way to tackle a situation when it comes. 

5. Include Your Garage

Your garage is an extension of your home, not a place for junk to gather. Look at it as a way to shelter your cars and other outdoor equipment from the weather, which could potentially damage them over time. If you’re neglecting your garage door, you’re also not paying attention to a part of your home. Just because your garage isn’t used as a living space doesn’t mean you should ignore it. 

If you’ve experienced energy losses recently, start by checking your garage. By insulating your garage door, you can trap the temperature-controlled air inside and won’t have to worry about the heat or cold from the outside leeching in and making your energy bill higher. Plus, insulated garage doors are more durable — meaning you won’t have to replace yours anytime soon. 

6. Improve Your Curb Appeal

The sooner you make the exterior of your house look the way you want it, the more excited you’ll be to come home every day. Living without a front yard customized to your liking can dull your day. Simply being around greenery and the bright colors of nature can decrease your stress and make you want to spend time outside. Since your yard is part of your home, it deserves equal attention. 

Learn what kind of plants grow best in your climate. You may even choose to start a small herb or vegetable garden to cut down on your weekly grocery bill. Once you learn how to tend to plants, you’ll be able to cultivate a beautiful space that will increase your curb appeal — which is great if you plan to sell your house eventually. 

7. Optimize Your Space By Decorating

One of the most important things you can learn about keeping a home is how to decorate it well enough to serve you. For example, if you drink coffee every morning, you need a coffee station in your kitchen, no matter how small or large it may be. Even a corner coffee setup could revolutionize how easily you prepare your morning cup. Look for ways to make your space serve you rather than cause chaos. 

You should also surround yourself with colors that make you happy. Red is often associated with hunger, so many people include the color in their kitchens. If red stresses you out, you should try to avoid using it in your home. In time, you’ll figure out how to customize a space to your liking. 

Be Wiser About Your Home 

The knowledge won’t come to you overnight. With time, you’ll start to learn more about your house and why being a homeowner is so different from being a renter. The more knowledge you have, the better prepared you’ll be for whatever obstacles come your way. Eventually, you’ll be running a household that you’re proud of and will know the ins and outs of your home like the back of your hand.