5 Easy Tips For First Time Homeowners

Congratulations! You did it. Buying a home for the first time is one of the most exiting, life changing experiences a person will go through. It can also be one of the most stressful things you’ve encountered to this point. Now that you’ve got the keys there are a few things you should look into right away to ensure your new pad is as comfortable and safe as possible.

1. Check Wooden Decks for Moisture. Before you set out your new patio chairs, run a quick moisture check on your wooden decks. Simply spray the deck with a hose or pour water on top and watch to see if the water turns to beads or is absorbed into the wood. If the latter happens, it is likely time to re-seal the deck. Doing this before humidity and rain sets in will save you from costly repairs or replacements in the future.

2. Inspect the Attic - Make a quick trip up to your attic to inspect your fans and insulation. These resources can help regulate temperatures in your home and can even help you save money. Consider replacing electric fans with solar fans and adding new insulation to keep your home comfortable and energy efficient.

3. Inspect Your Fireplace. Even if it’s not the season to sit by the fire, it’s important to make sure your chimney is clear and clean. Be sure to have a professional examine your chimney cap and flashing to avoid having rain fall into your home, and inspect your chimney to make sure there aren’t any blockages from animals or leaves.

4. Locate Your Home’s Main Water Shutoff Valve. Be sure to ask your home inspector or previous owner where your main water shutoff valve is located, in case you need to shut off the water to your entire house. Based on your area’s climate, the location of your shutoff valve may vary. Know what tools you may need to turn the valve off, just in case you have a broken pipe or broken appliance, to avoid flooding your home in the future.

5. Inspect your HVAC Systems. Have a Qualified Service technician thoroughly inspect your entre HVAC system. HVAC is not only one of the most important systems in your home, it can also be one of the most costly to repair. Your Technician will clean and inspect your outdoor A/C unit. All electrical and mechanical components should be tested and checked for wear and tear and replaced as needed. A detailed inspection of your furnace and water heater should be performed. Leaky joints in the any visible ductwork should be noted and repaired. All exhaust fans in the home should be tested and cleaned. Keeping your HVAC system in top shape with a yearly service will mitigate costly repairs and the stress of waking up to a freezing house with no hot water in dead of winter. Or coming home from work to find your home is an oven on a +35 degree day in July.

 If you’d like to book a complete HVAC inspection for your home.