Most articles, books and television shows give home improvement ideas to people. This article is designed to give “homeowner” improvement ideas. With the housing market constantly changing, the need for homeowners to stay updated and informed is more important now than ever before. Homeowners not only need tips on how to improve their homes, but how to keep them maintained and affordable.
Here 5 Powerful homeowner improvement tips that will make your homeownership more enjoyable and rewarding.
1. Know Where Emergence Cut off Valves Are.
Because of the safety issue, I list this tip first. Make sure that you know where the main cut-off valves or switches are for the plumbing, electrical, and gas systems. It’s surprising how many homeowners who have lived in their homes for years couldn’t tell you where the gas, plumbing, electrical and water shut-off valves are in case of an emergency. Knowing where they are and how to shut them off could save you thousands of dollars in potential water damage, fire or even explosion.
2. Learn How to Do Minor Maintenance.
One secret of helping to keep your home up is to know how to do minor repairs and maintenance. Most people will wait until small maintenance jobs turn into major repairs to take action. This makes a home more expensive in the long run. It’s smart to have a maintenance book around the house (or YouTube video) you can refer to. It’s a lot cheaper than having to call a carpenter, plumber or other contractor. But remember your limitations.
3. Use The Internet To Your Advantage.
Thanks to the internet, it’s easier to be an informed homeowner now than ever before. With a simple mouse click you can check the reputation of contractors, loan companies, real estate agents and other home support companies.
With a mouse click you can watch a video on how to install a bathroom faucet, sprinkler system or how to choose the best paint for your kitchen walls. Take advantage of this technology to become a better homeowner.
4. Read Your Paperwork.
Many homeowners have loan papers, insurance contracts, and even contractor agreements and have little or no clue what they say or mean. If you haven’t already, make it a point to sit down and read word for word and line by line your loan papers, insurance contract, and any other important papers.
If you have a problem with any of them call your agent and go over it with them, or find a friend or relative who can help you. I can’t tell you how many homeowners I’ve come across who was shocked and horrified. Why? They discovered something that was or wasn’t in their contract they assumed was. As a result they lost thousands of dollars in interest, insurance losses or other out-of-pocket expenses.
5. Beware of Overbuilding.
This is a major concern for many people, especially as the housing costs continue to rise. Many people have made the mistake of overbuilding for the neighborhood they are in. As a result, when they get ready to sell or refinance they won’t get credit for it in relation to value. So, beware of this mistake.
If you take the time to follow these 5 simple steps you’ll find your homeowner improvement skills improving, no matter how long you’ve owned a home. As a result, you’ll discover homeownership as a more enjoyable and financially rewarding experience instead of a burden.
