Your home may be one of the biggest investments of time and money you’ll ever make. As a homeowner, there are maintenance tasks to tackle throughout the year. Keep up with basic improvements and chores to boost the value of your property. Here are tips to help you be a better homeowner.
Register Your Appliances
Most of your power tools, electronics, and appliances come with warranties. Fill out the warranty card or register the product online with the manufacturer. If the product malfunctions or breaks under warranty, it will be easier to file a claim if it is registered. Also, if there is a recall, the company will have your contact information to let you know.
Use Exterior Lighting to Be a Better Homeowner
Install exterior lighting to boost curb appeal and keep your property safer. Illuminate the walkway from the driveway to the front door. Solar lights are a good option to help you save on electric bills. Use motion-detecting lighting for the back porch, garage, and side yard.
Create a Chore Schedule
It’s easy to forget basic maintenance responsibilities when you don’t have a schedule. Put together a list of important tasks and create a calendar to share. You’ll keep family members informed about how to help maintain the home and property.
Be a Better Homeowner by Starting a Neighborhood Watch
Start a neighborhood watch program in your area. Recruit neighbors and help one another keep the area safer. A neighborhood watch will boost security and you’ll get to know other people in the community.
Reduce Energy Usage
Save money on your energy bill and reduce your carbon footprint by installing energy-efficient appliances. Every year the new models of refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers are more efficient than the previous year’s models. Save energy in other ways by caulking or weather-stripping drafty doors and windows, replacing single-pane windows with double-pane versions, and filling in gaps where insulation is missing or damaged.
Improve Curb Appeal
Improving curb appeal isn’t something you only do when selling your home. Be a better homeowner by keeping your lawn in great shape. Edge the walkways. Paint the front door, porch, and siding. Add a decorative garage door. Install a new mailbox. Improvements you make to the outside of your home make the property more attractive and contribute to the overall appeal of the neighborhood.
Be a Better Homeowner by Saving Water
Take steps to save water at home and enjoy a lower utility bill. Some easy ways to reduce water consumption are listed below:
- Fix toilet leaks.
- Take fewer or shorter showers.
- Install a water-saving showerhead.
- Don’t leave the tap running when you shave, brush your teeth, and wash your hands.
- Inspect your house for leaking pipes and faucets.
- Run the dishwasher and washing machine only when they’re full.
- Use mulch around plants and trees to slow down water evaporation.
Clean the Gutters
Clean the gutters to be a better homeowner and to help protect your roofing and guttering systems. Remove leaves, pine needles, and other debris to allow water to flow freely through the gutter channels. Water that backs up in the gutters can overflow and affect your home’s foundation and landscaping, or it could seep under the roof shingles and cause damage to the frame.
Phoenix Property Inspections provides home inspection services to San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties in California. Contact us to schedule an appointment.