Tips for New Homeowners

3.5 min readPublished On: March 21, 2023
  • New Homeowners Moving In

Starting Off Right

Now that you’ve found your dream space, it’s time to ensure you have a solid plan to keep your biggest purchase yet in tip-top shape and proper working order. Below are a few tips that all new homeowners should take into consideration to get your homeownership experience started off right.

Safekeeping of Essential Documents

After buying a home, you’re probably up to your elbows in papers and documents. Organizing these documents is essential for many different purposes including tax filings, potential insurance claims, maintenance and repair work as well as the eventual sale of our home. As a starting point, we recommend identifying these specific documents and storing them safely, preferably in digital format:

  • Purchase Agreement
  • Closing statement
  • Mortgage paperwork
  • Deed
  • Title insurance policy
  • Homeowner’s insurance policy
  • Property inspection report

Be Proactive With Maintenance; But Know Your Limits

When it comes to improving, repairing, and maintaining your new home, it’s important to prioritize safety and quality.  While it might be tempting to save money by doing everything yourself, it’s crucial to know your limits.  After all, your home is not only where you live, it’s also an investment and you want to ensure it receives the best possible care.  While there are many things new homeowners can do themselves, it’s always best to consult a guide or a professional before starting any new work.  Keep in mind that regular home maintenance is often easier to learn and perform than are costly repairs after something has broken down.  Identify the specific things that you are going to maintain yourself and then ensure these things are in your calendar and get completed on a regular schedule.  Here are a few maintenance tasks that should be completed regularly:

  • Change your furnace filter
  • Clean your A/C unit
  • Flush your hot water heater
  • Clean your dryer vents

 

You can read more here for the full list of home maintenance tasks that we recommend get completed regularly to ensure your new home stays in optimal condition.

Build A Basic Toolkit

While you may not be able to do bigger projects on your own, you can probably complete some handy tasks around your home with the right tools. Assembling a toolkit with the essentials is highly recommended for new homeowners. When assembling your toolbox, the following are 10 must-have tools.

  1. Hammer: There are many kinds, but a claw hammer is the best for everyday projects.
  2. Measuring tape: 25 feet is suitable for measuring most spaces in your home.
  3. Screwdriver: A multi-bit, 4-in-1 is the best value for your money.
  4. Cordless drill
  5. Utility knife: The retractable blade is very versatile for many projects.
  6. Pliers: Normally, three-piece sets come with needle-nose, slip-joint, and diagonal pliers.
  7. Hex key: Also called an Allen wrench, this small tool is useful for assembling furniture.
  8. Ladder: While it won’t fit in your toolbox, every home should have a ladder handy.
  9. Level: Either a manual or laser level should work, whichever you prefer.
  10. Adjustable wrenches

Build A Network Of Trusted Pros

Even if you plan to perform your own basic maintenance and to fix small problems on your own, certain projects and emergencies may require professionals. It’s always best to have a trusted set of pros identified before you actually need them.  Talk to your neighbors, your real estate agent,  family and friends to get recommendations for the following types of service professionals:

  • Electrician
  • Plumber
  • Handyman
  • Pest control company

While there are many other types of professionals related to maintaining a well functioning home, such as cleaning and lawn care services, the ones mentioned above are the professionals you will most likely need in emergency situations and it’s best to have their contact information at the ready before you need it.

Home Maintenance With HomeKeep

If you’re looking for an easy and intuitive way to keep all your important documents and contacts in one place, HomeKeep is here to help. HomeKeep is an app that organizes your product manuals, safeguards your important home documents, reminds you when your appliances need to be serviced, provides helpful home maintenance tips and tricks and more.Learn more why new homeowners are turning to HomeKeep for help with home management and maintenance.

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