Tips for New Home Buyers
You’ve just purchased one of the brand new homes in Woodbury MN, and you’re getting everything settled in and enjoying the freedom of finally being a homeowner. After years of renting and all the restrictions that come with it, you finally get to decorate and do things your way. Purchasing a new house is a great start, because you’ll have fewer major issues than those purchasing an older home, but there are still certain tips you need to follow to keep your new home functioning smoothly. Don’t forget, there’s no landlord to bail you out in an emergency now!
The key to keeping your home in tip-top shape is maintenance. Your best bet is to make up a calendar of tasks to do throughout the year. Set reminders on your phone or put up a calendar on the fridge or wherever else you may see it. For example, filters and vents need to be cleaned/replaced on a regular basis to avoid the potential for fire and to keep your home healthy and functioning. You should clean your main exterior clothing dryer vent pipe at least once a year (or have a professional do it) and make sure the vent flap is open when in use. As for your air filters, change them at least every 90 days. Dirty air filters not only don’t function well but they can increase your energy bill costs.
If your home has a sump pump, you definitely want to stay on top of maintenance. Even an inch of water can do some serious and costly damage in your home. Every three months, check the pipe connections and look for missing or broken parts and clean the screen. Make sure you check the power supply and the drainage at least annually and definitely before any big storm.
Don’t forget to keep an eye on your gutters. Clean them out quarterly, because clogs and problems can cause costly damage to your foundation and potentially to your interior ceilings and walls.
Finally, with Minnesota winters, it’s important to make sure the plumbing in your home is properly maintained during the colder weather. Pipes in unheated spaces should be wrapped with foam insulation or heat tape to protect them.
By staying up to date on the regular maintenance throughout the year, homes in Woodbury MN are likely to require fewer major repairs and you may also catch small problems before they become big ones. You’ll also save yourself money on energy bills, because everything will be working efficiently, the way it was designed to function. A little effort throughout the year leads to greater peace of mind.
