When you finally get the keys to your first home, it is a magical moment. Going from renting in apartments to having a space of your own where you can collect, nest, and settle down for the long term is a comforting and delightful transition. That is until you realize how much responsibility there is involved in owning your own home.
From mortgages to mold problems, homes are never simple to own or keep up. There are bills to pay, rooms to redecorate, heating and cooling systems to consider, as well as the constant upkeep of all the different walls, floors, ceilings, and everything in between.
If you’re a first-time homeowner and are overwhelmed by the sudden onslaught of responsibilities coming your way, fear not. Here is a list of some of the things every new homeowner should know.
Look After Your Roof
Whatever else is going on in your home, you need it to be a place that keeps you warm, dry, and covered. That’s why the roof is probably the most underrated and crucial element of a house, and therefore of a home. There is a reason the expression ‘A Roof Over Your Head’ is so often used – that’s essentially what a house is. Without a functional roof, your house is a nightmare that doesn’t protect you from the elements and puts you and your family at risk of damage and injury from structural failings.
If you’re a first-time homeowner, get acquainted with the make-up of your roof right away. Learning about residential roofing – the different types of roof, roof maintenance, and how often a roof needs to be repaired or replaced – is key to understanding how you can look after your roof to make sure it doesn’t become a problem for you.
Knowing what your roof is made of helps you know what is likely to damage it, too. Winds, water, and ice are all things that can cause serious long-term problems with your roof, depending on its material.
Keep Things as Dry as You Can
One of the main issues many people fail to expect from their homes is mold, rot, and damp. These are chronic in places where it is rainy, but equally likely to occur anywhere water is being routinely used. That means the kitchen, bathrooms, and even the laundry room or basement (if you have a sink down there) are all places where mold and damp are going to occur. Any wood that gets exposed to water in your house is also at risk of rotting.
Being mindful of where you let water stay for long periods – on the kitchen counter, for example, or tucked in behind the bathroom sink – is a great way to avoid the long-term damage of mold, damp, or rot. Considering that mold can cause serious health problems for many people, especially young children, this is critical for a homeowner. Having good drainage and ventilation is key to avoiding the calamitous build-up of this substance.
