A house may be the biggest investment you ever make. When you maintain it properly, you’ll increase the property value. If you’ve never owned a home before, you’ll quickly learn there are a lot of responsibilities that come along with the purchase. Here are a few tips to help you be a better homeowner.
Make Friends with the Neighbors to Be a Better Homeowner
After you move in, introduce yourself to the neighbors. A well-connected and friendly community helps boost security for all residents. As a bonus, you’ll have people who can recommend local contractors including plumbers, painters, and landscaping companies.
Neighbors who are on good terms with one another are valuable. You might take turns watching homes when someone in the area goes on vacation. Your neighbor can warn you if they see something suspicious and, when you’re away, your neighbor can pick up your mail.
Boost Curb Appeal
Curb appeal is the way your home looks to passersby. Keep your property attractive to help maintain its value. Your neighbors will be happy to see you keep the landscaping looking great and your home in good condition. Easy ways to boost curb appeal include planting flower beds, pressure washing the house, and updating the front door and entryway.
Learn How to DIY
Take care of your property and keep up with home maintenance by developing a few do-it-yourself skills. Some community colleges offer continuing education classes to help you learn skills you can use around the house. Check with a local home improvement store. Many have clinics on weekends where you can practice things like basic woodworking, designing a garden, painting, and how to prune shrubbery.
Keep Up with Maintenance to Be a Better Homeowner
Keeping your house in great shape involves maintaining the systems that are already there. If you have a chimney, it’s important to schedule an inspection and have it cleaned every year. The HVAC system should be inspected and serviced at least annually.
It’s a great idea to order a home inspection for maintenance purposes every few years. An inspection will alert you to problems that are developing on your property so you can make repairs before they become bigger, more costly concerns.
Esham Inspections offers inspections to customers along the Eastern Shore of Maryland and in Southern Delaware. Contact us to request an appointment.