Buying your first home can be an exciting experience, but it is also full of uncertainty and potential pitfalls. It is more than just looking at home furnishings and accessories in Toronto furniture stores, and it isn’t just selecting the suitable paint materials to give it your desired feel and look.
It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the details of purchasing a new home—so much so that you may overlook some of the most important aspects (or responsibilities) of homeownership. One of these is knowing how to keep it sturdy and efficient while also looking good.
It can be challenging to determine the best time for home maintenance tasks. However, if you are a first-time homeowner, you may need to realize how important these are in maintaining an appealing and healthy foundation for your new home.
We understand that you have a lot to keep track of if you’re just starting your home-buying journey, so we created this short guide with simple and easy maintenance tips. And the best part is, they can help you save money in the long run!
1: Get to Know Your Plumber
Your hired plumber in New Tecumseth will play an essential role in keeping your home’s water and waste systems in proper working condition. These systems provide clean water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning and remove waste and sewage from your home.
If the plumbing is not properly maintained, it can lead to leaks, clogs, and other issues that can cause damage to your home, which may require costly repairs. It’s also essential to hire a plumber, like Tom Day Plumbing, who adheres to local building codes and regulations, which can help ensure safety and health.
2: Keep Your Air Filters Clean
Cleaning the air filters helps improve your HVAC system’s efficiency, lowering energy costs and prolonging the system’s life.
A dirty filter can impede airflow and make the HVAC system work harder to circulate air, increasing energy consumption and the chances of a breakdown. Furthermore, dirty air filters can also contribute to indoor air pollution and make it difficult for people with allergies or respiratory issues to breathe. We recommend checking and cleaning the air filters every 1-3 months or as the manufacturer recommends.
3: Inspect Caulking Around Windows and Doors
Over time, caulk can become worn or cracked, allowing air and water to leak into the house. This can lead to higher energy bills and potential damage to the home’s walls, floors, and other parts. Gaps in the caulk can also provide an entry point for pests like insects and rodents, which can cause further damage and health hazards.
Inspecting the caulk around windows and doors helps to ensure that the home is sealed and protected from drafts, moisture, and pests, making it comfortable, energy-efficient, and safe.
4: Hire Experts to Trim Those Trees Too Close to Your House
Trees are beautiful and can positively impact the environment, but they can also be disastrous. For example, overhanging branches can cause damage to the roof and gutters of a home. As the branches rub against them, they can cause wear and tear, leading to leaks and other damage.
Another reason to trim large trees is that they can negatively affect a home’s structural integrity. The tree’s roots can grow too close to your house and cause cracks and damage to the foundation, which can be costly to repair. The trees’ branches can also scrape against the walls, causing scratches and damage to the house’s exterior.
To surround your new home with attractive greenery, cultivate a backyard garden or line your landscape with beautiful trees. If you wish to plant maple trees in your garden not too close to your house, you can buy potted plants or enquire about maple trees for sale in Brampton.
5: Clean the Gutters
Gutters channel rainwater from the roof and away from the home’s foundation to prevent water damage and potential leaks. When gutters are clogged with debris such as leaves, twigs, and other materials, they can’t function properly, and water can overflow. Furthermore, clogged gutters can also cause water to pool around the foundation, leading to cracks and leaks. Dirty gutters can also serve as a breeding ground for pests like mosquitoes and attract rodents and other animals.
Clean the gutters regularly, at least twice a year or as needed, to ensure that they are functional and to prevent potential water damage, pests, and other issues.
6: Get to Know Your Home’s Water Pressure
Your home’s water pressure affects the performance of appliances and water fixtures, such as showers, sinks, and washing machines. Too much water pressure can cause damage to appliances and fixtures, resulting in leaks and costly repairs. On the one hand, if the water pressure is too low, it can be difficult to use these appliances and fixtures effectively.
Knowing your home’s water pressure also allows you to identify any potential issues and address them early on. If the water pressure is too high or too low, there might be problems with the main water supply or plumbing.
Similarly, experiencing low water pressure can signify a leak in the water supply line, leading to water wastage and higher water bills. Identifying and repairing these leaks can save you money on utility bills and costly repairs.
