You just closed on your first home purchase. You secured a mortgage through a lender that you can afford, you have agreed on a price with the seller, and the contracts have all been signed. It is time to prepare for the big move by packing up everything in your current living situation so that you can get started on the next stage of life in a home that you own.
This is a very exciting time in the lives of many Michigan residents. Becoming a homeowner is one of the key elements of the American Dream, allowing you to lay down more permanent roots in your community. It also affords you a bit more privacy in your living situation and your monthly payments will now build equity rather than disappearing as rent.
However, there is far more to homeownership than these well-known benefits. A house requires a lot of care. You are now responsible for the condition of the property, which must be maintained to keep it safe for your family and guests. Also, you have an obligation to keep the property looking good to benefit the rest of the neighborhood. Toward this end, here are some maintenance tips that all Michigan homeowners should know about.
Roof Repairs/Replacements
The roof is a key component of the home’s structure. It protects the interiors from inclement weather and other external conditions. If the roof starts to degrade in any way, the safety and comfort of everyone inside will be compromised. Emergencies like water damage or collapses could occur. If you know that your roof is aging, then inspecting it regularly for flaws is a critical maintenance task. When issues are discovered, it is better to pay for repairs or a new roof than to wait for the problem to get worse.
Siding Upgrade
Perhaps you are buying a house that is on the older side. Back when it was constructed, it may have incorporated building materials that are now outdated. Replacing your old siding might be a step you have to take as a new homeowner in the near future. Old siding can lead to water damage or temperature control issues, forcing your HVAC system to work harder and use more energy. One scenario where new siding may be needed is if your siding is made from stucco. Stucco remediation is a complex process, but it could protect your home from far more costly side effects in the future.
Keep Drains Clear
When you use water, that water needs to be removed from the home. Otherwise, your possessions, the building materials, and even the air quality of the home could be at risk. Drains exist throughout your house to accomplish this purpose. Sinks, toilets, tubs, water appliances, and even gutters all require drainage systems to get rid of water that collects during use. It should become a regular practice for you to clear out these drains of debris, especially if you notice that the flow rate is slowing down. Household remedies can work in some cases, such as baking soda and vinegar for bathroom sink clogs. You may also need to snake the drain or even call a plumber if the issue is more severe.
Replace Air Filters
Your HVAC system is responsible for keeping the interiors comfortable. HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. One of the simplest maintenance tasks for this system is to regularly replace the air filters, especially in your furnace and air conditioners. The more buildup there is in these filters, the less efficient the system is. In general, you will need to pay close attention to your HVAC system to ensure an efficient home. If you want to become an HVAC expert, you can check out some Michigan mechanical license test prep to see what you would need to learn to acquire an HVAC license in this state.
Inspect Windows and Doors
The two places that are most likely to become issues for insulation or water leaks are windows and doors. These structural elements require gaps in the frame of your house to be built, so there is a natural potential for these gaps to become compromised over time. Inspecting your windows and doors throughout the year is a wise practice to build into your routine. In the winter, try to feel for drafts of cool air to see if there are any breakdowns in the caulk or insulation. If you notice moisture build-up between the window panes, there might be a problem with the window itself. The best way to avoid costly repairs or replacements is to catch the problems early by inspecting them frequently.
Be a Responsible Homeowner By Protecting Your Investment
You probably spent a lot of money to acquire this home in Michigan. Wouldn’t it make sense to take good care of this huge investment? Home maintenance is something that every owner has to deal with since there is no landlord or property manager to call. The steps listed above are a good place to start on your upkeep journey, but there will be many more tasks that should be part of your maintenance routine.
