If you’re moving into a new home, and especially if you are a first-time homeowner, you’ll quickly find there are plenty of maintenance tasks and renovation projects for you to tackle. Make the most of your new house with these easy ways to be a better homeowner.

Clean the Gutters

Keep your home in good condition. Clogged and overflowing gutters can lead to roof damage, basement flooding, and mold growth. Cleaning your gutters is a simple task that you can usually tackle on your own. Have a friend or family member steady the ladder and use gloved hands or a scoop to remove leaves, twigs, and other debris from the gutter channels.

Start a Neighborhood Watch

If you live in a neighborhood, get involved with the neighborhood watch program. This is an organization that helps neighbors look out for each other’s properties. If your neighborhood doesn’t already have a community watch, start one. This is a great way to be a better homeowner and get to know your neighbors.

Boost Curb Appeal to Be a Better Homeowner

Curb appeal is a term that refers to how your home looks from the road or sidewalk. Taking steps to improve curb appeal makes your home look more attractive and welcoming. You might choose to paint the exterior, improve the landscaping, or re-pave the driveway.

Switch to LED Light Bulbs

When a light bulb burns out, don’t replace it with an incandescent bulb. Instead, switch to LEDs. LED light bulbs use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. They also last longer than incandescent bulbs so you won’t need to replace them as frequently. Save money and be a better homeowner when you use LED lighting.

Be a Better Homeowner: Test Your Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors provide an early warning in case of a house fire. However, smoke detectors cannot sound an alarm if the batteries are dead. Every month, test the batteries in your smoke detector by pressing the button. If you hear an alarm, you know the device is still functioning. Replace the batteries twice a year to keep the detectors operational.

Get Annual HVAC Maintenance

Annual HVAC maintenance increases the longevity of the system and reduces the risk of an unexpected breakdown. While changing the air filter every few months is something that you can easily do yourself, maintenance and repairs should be done by a trained HVAC professional.

Create an Inventory to Be a Better Homeowner

House fires or burglaries could happen. To keep track of your belongings and make sure they are replaced, create a home inventory. Keep a list that includes valuable items throughout your home: jewelry, furniture, televisions, computers, etc. Save your home inventory on the cloud so that you have access to it if your computer is stolen or damaged. Insure valuable belongings.

Register Your Appliances

When you purchase a new appliance, register the product with the manufacturer so your warranty will be active. Keep your appliance owner’s manuals and warranty records in a safe place that you have easy access to.

Take responsibility for the care of your home and property. Learn to be a better homeowner to keep the house in great shape, maintain the property value, and take pride in your home.

Home Inspectors of Columbus offers home inspection to customers in the Chattahoochee Valley. Contact us to request our services.