10 Smart Home Maintenance Tips for New Homeowners

Did you just buy a house? Then you will want to check out these home maintenance tips for new homeowners.

In 2015, the number of homeowners in the United States fell to a ten-year low. It was down to less than 63% of the population. Since then, there has been a steady increase. 

As of 2019 (the last year the U.S. Census Bureau took the American Communities Survey), that number rose to nearly 65%, and it continues to climb. According to Realtor.com, the homeownership rate surged to 67.9% by the middle of 2020.

If you are one of those who became a homeowner (especially if you have never owned a home before), you may have some questions. 

They don’t give you a home maintenance guide when you first purchase a house, but don’t worry. There are ten things you can do to help maintain the aesthetics and value of your home. Let’s get into what those are right now. 

Key Takeaways:

• On average, over 77% of boomers own their homes. Roughly 69% of Gen X and nearly 48% of Millennials own their homes. Whether buying your first or last home, you will need to protect your investment.

• Updating the faucets in your bathroom (and your kitchen) will give these spaces a modern look that is environmentally friendly. These updated fixtures will save you money and increase the value of your home.

• Check your roof, drain your water heater, and service your HVAC units regularly. Change your filters, check your water pressure, and try to prevent pests. Doing these will save you a lot of money in the long run.

10 Home Maintenance Tips for New Homeowners

The average homeowner is in their mid-fifties. Yet, 69% of Gen X own their home, and nearly 48% of Millennials own their homes. Whatever age demographic you fall into, whether buying your first home or your last, it's an exhilarating venture.

However, when the excitement of purchasing a new home subsides, it’s time to look at ways to protect your investment. So, let’s not waste any time. Check out these ten tips every homeowner must know to maintain the look and feel of their new home. 

1. Keep Your Gutters Clean 

Gutter maintenance won’t cost a lot of money but will save you a lot in the long run. It will ensure that your water flows where it should - away from your home. It also protects the foundation of your home.

Ideally, you should clean your gutters twice a year, depending on where you live. If you have trees around your property, you may want to check them for debris more often. 

2. Update Bathroom Fixtures 

If you are looking for the latest bathroom design trends for 2022, one to consider is upgrading your bathroom with modern fixtures. Touchless actuators for your bathroom’s toilets will add a modern touch. 

Touchless faucets with metering features combine aesthetics, technology, and water conservation. You can control the flow rate of the water and monitor your household usage. 

That way, you can ensure that your family only uses what they need and eliminate waste. You can also install these faucets in your kitchen. 

3. Check Your Roof 

Shingles can become dislodged or break. They can also fall off. Roofs can grow moss or deteriorate in an area and cause leaks inside your home. 

For that reason, you want to check your roof once a year or after a heavy storm. Inspect it for damage or weak spots. If you notice any issues, fix them immediately. 

4. Drain Your Hot Water Heater 

Sediment can build up in your tank, and draining it helps flush that out. Doing this can dramatically increase the life expectancy of the water heater. If you need help doing this, you can watch helpful videos on YouTube, find how-to articles on the internet, or hire a plumber who can do this for you. 

5. Service Your HVAC Unit 

Due to the technical nature of your HVAC system, experts recommend that you have a technician come out to service it. They will inspect that it works properly and make any necessary repairs. You should do this once a year to prolong the shelf-life of your home’s HVAC system. 

6. Change Filters

Houses have a lot of filters. You want to change them out or clean them (if appropriate). It should be done monthly, quarterly, or annually depending on which filter needs changing. You owner’s manual will have the recommended frequency listed. 

You will want to change the filters in your:

• HVAC unit
• Refrigerator
• Dishwasher
• Washing machine (if it’s a high-efficiency model)
• Reverse osmosis system (if applicable)

7. Service Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors 

In 2021, there were 2,620 housefire deaths reported in the United States. Electrical problems were the number one cause of these deadly fires. 

Carbon monoxide poisoning is equally as devastating. Checking your fire and carbon monoxide detectors may save the lives of yourself and your family members. Do this once per month and replace these alarms every ten years.

8. Check Your Water Pressure 

High water pressure can ruin your plumbing fixtures. Your water pressure should be between 40 and 60 psi. You can purchase a water pressure meter for less than $20, and it can save you a lot of money in the long run.

9. Service Your Garage Door 

Coming home to find out that your garage door won’t open (or can’t open) for any reason is annoying to say the least. Have your garage door opener servicing done regularly. Check your owner’s manual for how often you should have this done. 

Also check the:

• Hinges
• Rollers
• Tracks
• Springs
• Tension cable

10. Prevent Pests

Some pests are just a nuisance, while others can cause irreversible damage to your property. If you have any infestations, you should call an exterminator to remove the pests and place barriers to keep them from returning. You home may even require regular treatments to keep them from coming back.

Upgrade Your New Home With Modern Fixtures From Chicago Faucets 

Luxury isn't just for the elite. You can have modern bathroom fixtures from Chicago Faucets that look great and add value to your home.

At Chicago Faucets, we have touchless faucets that will save you money. Additionally, our faucets are better for the environment and give you that luxurious feel you have been looking for in your kitchens and bathrooms.

If the bathroom in your new home needs some upgrades, contact us here at Chicago Faucets to learn more about our touchless faucets and eco-friendly fixtures.