A Comprehensive Guide to Home Maintenance and Repair for First-Time Home Buyers

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As seasoned exclusive buyer agents, we understand that buying your first home is an exciting milestone! However, along with the joy of homeownership comes the responsibility of maintaining and repairing your property. In this guide, we provide you with a detailed overview of essential home maintenance tasks and repair considerations to help you navigate this new chapter of your life.

Create a Maintenance Schedule

One of the first steps in effective home maintenance is to establish a regular schedule. Consider creating a yearly, quarterly, and monthly checklist to keep track of essential tasks. This schedule should include items such as HVAC system maintenance, gutter cleaning, and filter replacements. Staying organized will help you stay on top of tasks and prevent issues from becoming major problems.

Understand Your Home Systems

Familiarize yourself with the various systems in your home, including electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. Knowing how these systems work and where they are located will be invaluable when troubleshooting minor issues and communicating with professionals when necessary.

Budget for Maintenance and Repairs

Homeownership comes with expenses beyond the mortgage payment. It's crucial to budget for maintenance and repairs. Allocate a portion of your monthly budget to a "home maintenance fund" to cover unexpected expenses or routine maintenance tasks. Having this financial cushion will provide peace of mind.

Learn Basic DIY Skills

YouTube is a great resource for a do-it-yourself house tutorial! While you don't need to become a professional handy person, learning some basic DIY skills can save you money and time. Familiarize yourself with tasks like changing air filters, fixing minor plumbing leaks, and basic electrical repairs. However, always prioritize safety and consult professionals when in doubt.

Preventative Maintenance

Preventative maintenance is key to avoiding costly repairs down the road. Here are some important tasks to consider:

• Roof Inspection: Regularly inspect your roof for damaged or missing shingles. Address issues promptly to prevent leaks and water damage.
• Gutter Cleaning: Clean your gutters at least twice a year to prevent clogs that can lead to water damage and mold growth. If you have large trees near your house, consider installing gutter guards.
• Sealing and Caulking: Regularly inspect and replace caulking and weather stripping around doors and windows to improve energy efficiency and prevent drafts. Check areas in and around bathtubs and showers and caulk when needed to avoid water leaking to lower levels. Consider buying a dehumidifier for the lower level of the house.
• Pest Control: Keep an eye out for signs of pests and address infestations promptly to prevent structural damage.
• Lawn and Garden Care: Maintain your yard and garden to prevent overgrowth of trees and bushes. Trim plants away from the property and have a tree specialist trim dead branches from large trees. Check the homes exterior for holes or places were water could get in.
• Winterize: Your hose bibs should be opened in the winter and the water turned off inside. This allows water to escape without freezing pipes. Use the proper snow solvent on your sidewalks and driveway
• Consider buying a home warranty to cover the HVAC and water heater. If you don't have a home warranty, have trusted service people you can call in an emergency.

Home Inspections

Before purchasing your home, you likely had a professional inspection. However, it's a good idea to periodically inspect your home to catch issues early. Inspectors can identify potential problems with your home's structure, systems, and components.

Know When to Call a Professional

While DIY skills are valuable, some tasks should always be handled by professionals. These include electrical work, major plumbing repairs, and structural issues. Don't hesitate to contact experts when dealing with these matters.

Emergency Preparedness

Prepare for emergencies by knowing how to turn off the main water supply, gas, and electricity in your home. Consider putting a colorful tag on the main water shut off so it's clear to anyone which knob to turn off in an emergency. Have essential emergency supplies on hand, such as flashlights, batteries, and a basic first-aid kit.

Home Warranty

Consider purchasing a home warranty, especially during the first few years of homeownership. A home warranty can help cover the costs of unexpected repairs to major systems and appliances.

Conclusion

Becoming a first-time homeowner is a thrilling experience, but it also comes with the responsibility of home maintenance and repair. By following these tips and staying proactive in caring for your home, you'll not only protect your investment but also ensure a safe and comfortable living environment for years to come. Don't hesitate to consult with professionals or ask for guidance from the experienced exclusive buyers agent's with HomeBuyer Brokerage. We are not home inspectors or contractors but we've been on hundreds of home inspections and have a long list of recommended contractors and service professionals we will recommend.

Happy homeownership!

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How can we help?

The exclusive buyer agents at HomeBuyer Brokerage specialize in serving home buyers. Please reach out with questions at info@homebuyerbrokerage.com.