Home ownership is a long-term commitment that’s full of surprises and requires a great deal of dedication. You’re constantly learning new things (whether you like it or not). You think you have everything under control, and then your house throws you a curveball. It could be a leaky roof or an ant invasion. The thrill of owning a home is exciting, but in a “please don’t do it again” kind of way.
Let me assure you that this is not the case. It’s also very rewarding to own a house. Imagine yourself enjoying your first cup of coffee each morning in a renovated kitchen that you designed to suit your taste. To keep the good times going, you need to be prepared. You should be prepared, do some DIY, and, if you’re still unsure, call in the experts. You can do it!
- Find out if there is an HOA
Before you buy a house, it’s important to find out if there is an HOA. Do you know those people who don’t like the colour of your mailbox? Yeah, them. Sometimes they make the pool look so sparkling, you’d think mermaids are in charge.
Do your research before signing on the dotted line. You can find out the rules by visiting the website of the homeowners’ association (no hot pink flamingos, please? It’s not true! (fees, and whether they are friendly or picky).
Remember our friend, the expert inspector of homes? These professionals can be very helpful. They can give you more than just the lowdown about the HOA. These pros have seen it all, and they can tell you whether you are moving into a community that is more rule-driven or one where you should be able to go with the flow. If the HOA is too strict, you don’t need to worry. You can find a home with your name all over it, flamingos included.
- Be aware of plumbing
The plumbing in your home is often hidden from view until it breaks down. When things go wrong, they can get out of hand fast. Home inspectors are paid to find any problems lurking within the pipes. It’s worth investing in a good plumber when you are about to purchase a house. Imagine moving into a new home and discovering that the shower is more of a trickle rather than a torrent. It’s not the best way to start a Monday.
Inspectors are trained to spot problems that you might not even notice. Who knew an innocent-looking faucet might be the sign of doom? You’ll get the inside scoop, and you may be able to avoid a future swimming pool that you didn’t want. If problems arise, a plumber with the right knowledge can save you money and time.
- Upgrade Your Roof
The roof above your head also needs to be cared for. Consider it your home’s “hat”–it has to look nice and keep rain away. Expert home inspectors are a great help. They will eyeball the roofing and tell you if it is on its last legs or has some good years left. You don’t want to start your DIY journey by catching rainwater.
Don’t panic if you’re told it’s time to update. Roofs come in as many flavours as your favourite ice-cream shop. There are many options available, including solar tiles to reduce your energy costs and environmentally friendly green roofing that makes your home look like a floating garden. Who wouldn’t want to have their sky-high gardens?
Here’s the real kicker: updating your roof doesn’t just prevent leaks. Your neighbours may even start to envy you for the new curb appeal of your home. If the report from your inspector has you thinking that you might be better off under a bridge than living on top of your house, don’t forget, roofs can be repaired. (Bridges, though? The living space isn’t as cosy.)
- Consider a Backyard Renovation
It’s not the first thing you think of when planning your next project, but it is worth looking at. Imagine hiring a home inspector, who after giving your home a thumbs-up, walks back to your backyard and says “Wow, this area could use some TLC.” That’s when you know it’s time. You can refresh your backyard by planting some flower beds or building a deck. You might also want to call a patio builder for your big dreams. Who knows how to lay pavers properly without watching YouTube videos first?
Consider this: with a few tweaks, your backyard can become the place to be for summer barbecues. A patio builder will transform a concrete slab from drab to a paradise you’ll never want to leave. Who wouldn’t want to spend more time outdoors, especially after you’ve spent so much effort to keep the rain out of your home? Add some outdoor furniture and a firepit to the area. Your neighbours will be asking, “When is the next party?”
- Car Care: Take Good Care of Your Car
Your car deserves the same attention as your house. Imagine that your car gets you to and from work, is able to withstand the elements (rain or shine, even the occasional hailstorm) and does not complain when coffee spills. We should show our four-wheeled buddies some love. It’s understandable that you’re wondering, “Where do I begin?” You don’t have to be an expert home inspector to know that an annoying garage door is not a good thing. It’s a no-brainer to schedule an appointment with garage door repair companies. (Because, honestly, who enjoys that nails-on-a-chalkboard sound every morning?)
It doesn’t end there. Regular check-ups can go a very long way. Think of it like a spa day for your car, but without the cucumber eye masks. Oil changes, tyre rotations and the rest of it. This will keep everything running smoothly so that you are not stuck at the side of the highway wondering “Why does my car make this weird noise?”. And why not give your car a good wash, and wax it while you’re there? You might not even recognise your car after you’ve done this. Who knew that a little tender love could make your car feel like it was brand new? It’s nice to be the most gleaming car in your neighbourhood. Just saying.
- Regularly Inspect Your Home
Home inspectors can keep your home in top shape just like a doctor. These inspectors are like detectives, sniffing out issues that you might not notice until they cause you headaches (and these aren’t the type you can solve with aspirin). Don’t scoff at the idea of HVAC inspections.
It’s time to talk about your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. This is not the most exciting topic, but it’s important to ensure that your heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems are working properly so you don’t get frozen in a blizzard. You don’t want to be the person who is constantly fanning their face with a magazine in summer.
You have options. You don’t have to keep doing the same thing if you find it boring. You may find that your insulation isn’t up to par, or that your windows are drafty. These professionals can detect any problem before you start throwing blankets on your windows to stay warm.
Think of the money and energy you will save when your system is running smoothly. This is a win-win scenario. It’s fun to show off your home and its nooks. You might not want to offer them a detective’s hat, as they’ve probably heard it before.
- Pay Attention to the Exterior
It’s not just about maintaining the appearance of your house. Home inspectors are always adamant about the importance of giving the outside a once-over. Consider it a quick home health check.
Paint that is cracked or chipping? This could be a sign that you need some minor touch-ups, or even a complete siding replacement. You don’t want to discover that you need new siding once the water has settled in your walls. Water is a bad tenant. It never pays the rent on time.
Don’t stop with the paint. Also, check out the gutters. You never know what you will find in the gutters. It’s like cleaning your bedroom. Tennis balls, leaves, and even bird’s nests (feathered family members excluded) can be found in gutters. Keep gutters clear to prevent water damage. You’ll save money.
Here’s a secret: sometimes a good power washing is all you need to make your house sparkle like new. You’d be amazed at what a good power wash can do to a home’s soul. Yes, houses have souls. Don’t argue.
- Make Sure You Buy Insurance
Expert home inspectors will now move on to another important shield for your house: insurance. You may be thinking, “Insurance? Really?” But listen to us. You can sleep well knowing that you are covered. The right insurance policy will cover you for any mishap, big or small.
It’s not uncommon for home and car insurance to be packaged together, making it a great deal. Why protect only the castle if you can cover your horse? Consider it a strategic decision, and not a boring task. When you avoid a financial disaster thanks to an all-encompassing policy, you’ll be grateful.
Think about this: Without insurance, the water damage you experienced earlier could drain your bank account faster than your clogged rain gutter. What about those home inspectors who are experts? They will nod their heads in approval knowing that you have the foresight and insight to protect your largest investment.
- Check Your Appliances
Don’t overlook those appliances that are hidden from view. The fridge has seen better days, and your oven is a faithful companion through many pizza nights. They are also worthy of a check-up. Home inspectors stress the importance of checking on these appliances, not only for their safety but because they can be expensive to repair if something goes wrong. Nobody wants to waste their Saturday trying to figure out why the washer has created its own indoor swimming pool.
A professional can be a great asset to your home. They may be able to spot signs of wear that you would otherwise miss. Who knows how the back of a fridge should look? You can save yourself a lot of headaches in the future by catching problems early.
- Know Your Contractors
It’s like having an invitation to the best home club. Imagine a contractor for your home as the director in a blockbuster film. They make all the decisions to ensure that everything turns out well. Finding the right person is not always easy. This is more like speed-dating. You chat with a lot of people and then hope to find someone who shares your interests (and won’t disappear after the first date).
Home inspectors are often able to tell you which contractors have an excellent track record. They have seen both the positive and negative aspects of renovations. You don’t want to be a cautionary story. A chat with an inspector will shed light on the people who are in the repair business and who is likely to fit your project perfectly.
In the world of contractors, word-of-mouth is also gold. You can ask around. Ask around. A great contractor is not just someone who fixes things; they also make the process as painless as possible. Who wants to micromanage, when you already have a lot on your plate?
Finding a home inspector who is an expert in their field is like finding a rare jewel. Once you find them, cherish them. They’re the ones who will ensure that your castle is strong. Isn’t this what every homeowner wants? While the road to perfect home maintenance can be a minefield (cue dramatic background music), you will find that with the right team at your side, it is possible to navigate the path like a professional. Keep those home inspectors in your speed dial. You’ll be glad you did.
