Top 20 New Homeowner Tips from Your Team at Homes By Ash

As a new homeowner, you may be feeling overwhelmed with all the responsibilities (and possibilities) that come with your new home.

But don’t worry — there are plenty of tips and tricks to make owning your new property an enjoyable experience. From understanding insurance policies to creating an emergency fund for repairs to making home improvements, here are our top 20 essential tips for new homeowners:

1. Read Your Home Insurance Policy: Before signing on the dotted line, make sure you understand your home insurance policy and all of its details. This will ensure that if any unexpected events occur, you’ll be covered.

2. Create an Emergency Fund for Repairs: Unexpected repairs can add up quickly, which is why it’s important to create an emergency fund for any repairs that may come up.

3. Invest in Preventative Maintenance: Taking preventative measures can go a long way towards saving you money in the long run. Make sure to regularly schedule inspections and checkups for your appliances, HVAC system, plumbing, etc., so any potential issues can be identified and addressed before they become bigger problems.

4. Get to Know Your Neighbors: Developing relationships with your neighbors can help create a sense of community and make you feel more secure in your new home. In addition, it’s good practice to let them know when you’ll be leaving for vacation or out of town so someone can keep an eye on your property.

5. Make a Home Maintenance Checklist: A home maintenance checklist is a great way to stay organized and make sure all necessary tasks get done in a timely manner. Whether it’s replacing air filters, checking smoke detectors, or cleaning the gutters, having a list will help ensure nothing gets overlooked.

6. Create a Home Improvement Budget: Setting aside some money each month for home improvement projects will help you create your dream home without breaking the bank. Research potential projects and materials beforehand, so you can plan accordingly and stay within your budget.

7. Consider Hiring Professional Cleaners: Scheduling regular cleanings can help keep your home in top shape. Not only will this save you time and money, but it will also make sure that your home is as safe and healthy as possible. - Team

8. Get to Know Your Local Home Improvement Stores: Familiarizing yourself with your local home improvement stores can help you find the best deals on materials and products, as well as provide helpful advice when tackling a project.

9. Buy Quality Tools: Investing in quality tools like drills, saws, wrenches, screwdrivers, etc., will save you time and money in the long run, as well as make any DIY projects much easier.

10. Invest in Quality Home Products & Appliances: While it may be tempting to purchase the cheapest products available, it’s important to remember that quality often lasts longer. Spend a little extra money on quality home products, furnishings, and appliances now and you won’t have to replace them as frequently later on.

11. Take Advantage of Tax Credits: There are various tax credits available for homeowners, so make sure to do your research and take advantage of these credits.

12. Know Where the Utility Shutoffs Are: Knowing where the utility shutoffs are located is especially important in case of an emergency or if you need to repair a leaking pipe. The brunt of water damage in your home can be mitigated by knowing where to find all shutoff valves and how they work so you can quickly stop water leaks.

13. Make Sure You Optimize Storage Space: Understanding your home's storage space will help you keep your home in order and safer while making it easier to access those items you're looking to use. Using built-ins, shelving, and the appropriate containers can make your storage situation feel more expansive when used correctly.

A home stager or interior designer may be able to help you find ways to best utilize your space while making it uniquely your own. We have referral resources for you when you're ready.

14. Don’t Skimp on Home Safety: Investing in quality security systems and smoke detectors is essential to keeping your home safe. These devices will alert you if there are any potential issues or intruders.

15. Be Prepared for Natural Disasters: Natural disasters like severe thunderstorms, straight-line winds, tornados, or lake or river flooding can be a risk for some Minnesota homeowners. Make sure to have an evacuation plan in place and take precautions like investing in backup power sources, or a sump pump and drain tile system.

16. Take Care of Your Home’s Exterior: The exterior of your home is the first thing people will see, so make sure it’s well taken care of. Regularly inspect and clean the roof, paint or stain the exterior, trim any overgrown trees or bushes, repair or replace any broken fences, clear out those gutters, and keep walkways clear of debris.

17. Have an Energy Audit Performed: Proper insulation will help keep your energy bills low and ensure your home is comfortable all year round. An energy audit can tell you where you may be lacking proper insulation in the roof as well as your walls; especially around doors and windows.

18. Be Energy Efficient: Investing in energy-efficient appliances can help you save money on your utility bills in the long run. Updated, energy-efficient windows can help reduce your heating and cooling costs. Additionally, you can look for ways to reduce water waste by installing low-flow toilets and shower heads — saving you money over time.

19. Make Your Home More Sustainable: Going green can help you save money and be kind to the environment. Consider replacing your old appliances with energy-efficient models, adding solar panels to reduce electricity costs, or planting a garden for fresh produce.

20. Have Fun With Home Improvements: Updating your home doesn’t have to be a chore; it should also be an enjoyable experience. Take on projects that excite you and make sure to celebrate when each one is completed.

Enjoy the process, learn new skills, and have fun with it! Having a positive attitude throughout the process will help ensure your home improvement goals are reached.

And know when those skill sets are outside of your abilities. Time to reach out to that handyman or home improvement expert you have in your contacts. Don't know anyone you trust? We have your back- just reach out for a referral.

Looking for more great tips and resources? 

>Make sure to keep Team Homes By Ash on your speed dial.