Buying a new home is an exciting time and once moved in, most homeowners cannot wait to add their own personal touch to make it their own. To circumvent some potential costly issues, here are some tips new homeowners may not think about until it’s too late.
1. Locate the main water shut-off, so in an emergency situation it can quickly be shut off. In a matter of minutes, a broken pipe can empty dozens of gallons of water into your home. Water damage is the most common household insurance claim.
2. Before planting or digging in your yard, call 811 – the national dig-safe hotline. This free service will schedule all your local utility companies to visit your property and mark the location of any underground utilities.
3. Ensure the foundation around your home slopes at least 6 inches over 10 feet, and that your downspouts extend at least 5 feet away from your house. If not, over time water will accumulate around your foundation walls and build up pressure, causing very expensive repairs.
4. Check the depth of the insulation in your attic. If the tops of the joists are visible, more insulation is needed. Attics are one of the most common areas a home loses heat and air conditioning.
5. Be cautious when drilling into walls. Use a stud finder to help, but avoid the area between outlets, and vertically above and below wall switches. This is typically where wiring is run.
6. Hire a professional to remove or trim trees. Even a small tree can fall awkwardly and cause damage to your or your neighbors’ homes.
There are countless things to think about upon the purchase of a new home, but a few proactive tips can help avoid a very expensive future repair, and ensure you’ll continue to love your new home for many years to come!
-houselogic.com
