The Six Most Common Mistakes New Homeowners Make And How To Avoid Them
It’s easy to take care of immediate needs first when becoming a new homeowner, such as decorating or splashing on a new coat of paint on the walls. However, there are other priorities that a homeowner should have on their list too. Here are six common mistakes new homeowners make and how to avoid them:
Hiring a Friend to Do Repairs
Smaller tasks such as fixing a banister or applying a new coat of paint can probably be taken care of by someone who knows what they’re doing. However, the line should be drawn when it comes to more extensive repairs or full renovations. If your friend isn’t a professional, they’re not going to be licensed or insured, meaning that if things go wrong, you’re responsible for all expenses.
Not Applying for Permits or Following Codes
The last thing you want is to find out that improvements you made to your home aren’t up to code after you’ve done the work. Do your homework and check with your local municipality to determine what permits are required and what zoning laws or codes apply to your specific project.
Not Checking for Gaps in Energy Efficiency
There are many ways to make your home more energy-efficient, and ignoring simple problems in your home can be costly. By finding and eliminating the sources of drafts and ensuring that everything is properly sealed, you’re likely to notice lower utility bills. New windows can go a long way in insulating the heat in your home. Seal all of the cracks you can find in all of your windows and doors. As long as you’re at it, consider updating older fixtures to further boost energy efficiency.
Not Keeping Up with Exterior Maintenance
Leaving clutter in the yard or not trimming trees and bushes can take away from the value of your home and decrease curb appeal. Boulder gutters professionals warn that ignoring exterior maintenance such as cleaning your gutters can lead to more expensive repairs down the road, especially if blockages damage your roof or foundation. Be sure to fix any problems on the exterior of your home after any damages that come with winter as well, like cracks in the driveway or roofing problems.
Making Extensive Changes Likely to Decrease Resale Value
If you live in a neighborhood where nobody else has a swimming pool and you add an expensive in-ground pool with all the bells and whistles, a future home buyer may bulk at the cost of upkeep. Before making extensive changes, do some research and see if it’s something that will really add value to your home.
Not Having Heating/Cooling System Inspected
If you weren’t given extensive details of your home’s furnace or heating and cooling system, get an inspection done to determine if there are issues that need to be taken care of now or in the near future. You may have legal recourse if you discover major issues that weren’t disclosed to you before you made your purchase.
The important lesson here is to do your homework and avoid taking shortcuts just to save a buck or two, especially when it comes to more extensive repairs and renovations. Regular care and maintenance and a few common sense decisions could give you some well-deserved peace of mind.