If you’ve recently purchased your very first home, you are probably feeling a combination of excitement and nervousness about everything that lies ahead of you. The idea of suddenly being responsible for home maintenance is one of the things that often leads to anxiety for first-time homeowners. Fortunately, you don’t have to tackle everything all at once and there are some helpful tips that can make you feel comfortable in your new role. Here, you’ll discover a useful list of suggestions.
Take a look at furnace and HVAC filters
The filters in your furnace and HVAC units may or may not have been changed before the previous owners moved out. It’s a good idea to check these out during your first day in your new house. In addition to causing indoor air pollution, clogged and dirty filters can result in lower efficiency, ultimately raising your heating and cooling bills.
It is simple to check filters! Simply turn off the units briefly, pull the filters out, and inspect them for dirt and grime. If they look black, it’s time to replace them. The correct filter model number should be listed on the old product.
Check the window caulking
Although your home inspector should have checked the caulking around all of the windows, it is still wise to look at it yourself too. Caulking can crack over time, especially if you live in a region of the Carolinas that experiences cold winters. Lucky for you, window caulking is relatively easy to replace. Simply scrape all of the old caulking out with a putty knife or similar tool and use a caulk gun to apply new strips.
Carefully look at exterior wood structures
Exterior wood structures, such as decks, can retain moisture and, as a result, sustain water damage. Soon after you move into your new Carolina home, it’s a good idea to check all of your outdoor wood for mold growth and rotten areas. If you notice anything suspicious, it’s a good idea to schedule an inspection with a reputable local contractor. A skilled crew will be able to tell you if you’re dealing with dry rot or another serious issue.
Have the chimney inspected
If your new North Carolina or South Carolina residence has a fireplace or wood-burning stove, it is critically important to have the chimney inspected before you use it. Even if the chimney was supposedly inspected recently, it’s best to pay for your own inspection for the sake of peace of mind. Chimney fires are largely preventable with proper preventive maintenance, so don’t risk it!
Give the siding a once over
Depending on when your new home’s current siding was installed, it may be in need of repair or replacement. Old, deteriorating siding can lead to a variety of problems, such as water damage and wood rot. If you see any siding boards that are cracked, having peeling paint, or seem soft to the touch, you should schedule an inspection right away.
The team at Hatch Homes can provide you with the assistance you need to complete a number of exterior remodeling jobs, including siding installation and window replacements. If you’re ready to discuss making changes to your new Carolina home, contact our office at your earliest convenience. We’re here for you!