It is always going to be exciting when you buy a home. You get somewhere to call your own and there are no restrictions from the landlord. As much as it is an experience to look forward to, there are some challenges that people rarely talk about. You don’t want to hate the idea of owning a home simply because you were not prepared. Experts recommend having an emergency fund as you never know when there could be an emergency. There are some repairs that could be costly which will leave a hole in your pocket. As a homeowner, here are some of the things you need to know before embarking on the journey.
Daytime and Crime Time
There is a common notion that burglary only happens at night. Criminals have changed tactics and will want to break into your home when no one is around. The hours between 10 am and 5 am have been identified to be burglar time. It is important to invest in extra security measures like cameras just to make sure that criminals are being deterred from your property.
A Leaking Water Heater is a Time Bomb
Having a leaking water heater could lead to a myriad of problems. It is better to call an experienced contractor immediately you notice the issue to avoid potential problems down the road. As much as it could take some time before the leak becomes a flood, you will be looking at a complete haul when it finally does happen. You should not attempt DIY fixes unless you’re a qualified plumber. If that is the case, you can always check out sites like Reviewbrewery for the best products to be used for the repairs.
Shut Off Water When on Vacation
The water should be completely shut off when you’ve gone on vacation. This means you will have to know where the main supply is located. There are homeowners that will only come to know of the main supply when there is a problem with the plumbing system. You might have gone for a 3 day holiday only to return home to thousands of dollars in water damage. In just 30 seconds, you could eliminate the main cause of property damage in your home.
Never Leave the Remote in Your Car
Once a thief has broken into your car, it will be easy for them to access the garage if the remote is inside. One of the ways you can overcome this situation is to get a key chain model. This means you get to take the remote every time you leave your car. Doing so will reduce the chances of someone breaking into your house via the garage.
Don’t Forget the Filters
The filters in your HVAC unit will need to be replaced on a regular basis. It is recommended that they’re replaced after every month although there are some models than can go up to three months. Make sure you’re following the manufacturer’s specifications. Most problems with the air conditioner will start because of a dirty air filter. The replacement is something that can easily be done by a homeowner and there is no need of calling a contractor.
Don’t Neglect the Roof
The roofing system is an important structure of a house. Most homeowners will only look for a contractor when there is a physical sign of damage which should never be the case. It might be too late and there will be no other option but to replace the whole roofing structure. There should be a maintenance schedule in place so that potential problems are discovered early before they get out of hand.
The gutters should also be inspected on a regular basis. Going up a ladder might not be for everyone. The cleaning process is a straightforward one provided you have the right equipment. Investing in a good ladder will also help with the process.
Choose the Right Contractor
You will have to get in touch with different contractors when you’re a homeowner. It is important that you’re getting the right people for the job. This will mean doing research so that you’re only working with experienced professionals. It is also important to have one person that you can rely on instead of having to do the research afresh whenever there is a new problem at home.
To conclude, managing the challenges that come with homeownership shouldn’t be that much of a task provided you’re using the right people. Don’t wait for things to get out of hand before you can ask for help.
