Congratulations!
You are now the proud owner of the home of your dreams. You have worked hard to save money, find the right neighborhood, right real estate broker, right house, right lender and the right closing agent. Now it is time to think about how to protect your investment in your home.
These are some questions you should be asking yourself. For example:
- How should the house be maintained?
- How do the repairs get done?
- How will you pay for major repairs?
- What are the safety issues that need to be addressed?
- How do you relate to the new neighbors?
- What ways are there to make the house more energy efficient?
- What insurance coverage is necessary?
- Is refinancing a way to reduce mortgage payments?
- What should be done if it’s not possible to make mortgage payments?
Click below for more information on each of these topics.
- Hammer
- Straight blade and Phillips screwdriver (or combination screwdriver with interchangeable tips)
- Slip joint pliers
- Handsaw
- Wall scraper
- Tape measure
- Flashlight
- Plunger (one that works for both sinks and toilets)
Other repairs will require the services of a contractor. You will need to know how to find a contractor who is reputable.
Here are a few guidelines you can follow to help you make the right selection:
- Talk to people in your neighborhood to get the names of contractors suitable to do the repairs that are needed. You should also use local publications to put together a list of contractors.
- Arrange to have the contractors visit you for an interview and a discussion of the work that needs to be done. Ask the contractor for the address of a property where you can see what work has been done.
- Get free cost estimates from the contractors. Ask them to give you an estimate in writing in the form of a firm bid with a date that work will be started and completed.
- A contract specifying what work is to be performed, all material and labor for the project, when payments are due, when work is to be completed etc., should be signed by you and the contractor you selected. It’s important to hold back about ten percent of the payment until after the work is completed.
- The contractor should be required to obtain the necessary permits and make sure the work is inspected, if required by local government.
- Be sure the contractor has liability insurance that includes bodily or personal injury, and property damage.
- The contractor should provide a reasonable time of guaranteeing the work that is to be performed. Thirty days is normal but, the type of work performed should be considered. Manufactures’ warranties could apply for a product that was installed by the contractor.
The purpose of this checklist is to help you identify the need for minor repairs or maintenance by walk-through inspections. These should be done at least twice a year because of seasonal changes – once in the fall and once in the spring. You should be able to recognize the evidence of a need for repairs at other times during the year based on your walk-through experiences. Major repairs and their cost will be avoided if you do proper inspections and take appropriate action. The checklist indicates the parts of the home, what indicators of a problem to look for and suggests possible causes.
INTERIOR
BASEMENT – Dampness or water following wet weather – check if ventilation to the basement is adequate, if sump pump is working, if leaders and downspouts are working properly and if drainage on the outside of the foundation is away from the house.
LIVING AREA – Water stains on the ceiling – check for missing caulk around the bath tub and tile.
ATTIC OR CEILING UNDER ROOF – Water stains – check for worn roof or missing shingles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM – Fuses that blow or circuit breakers that go off – check for overloads and employ an electrician to upgrade the system if the problem continues.
HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS – Inadequate heating or cooling – check for dirt and dust around furnace. Clean or change any air filters and have heating and cooling system checked by a qualified service person.
PLUMBING SYSTEM – Leaking faucets – check for worn washers.
EXTERIOR
FOUNDATION – Pool of water – check leaders and downspouts to make sure rainwater flows through properly and away from the foundation.
WALLS – Peeling paint or decayed siding and trim – Check for lead-based paint if the house was built prior to 1978 and take corrective measures if there is a problem. Check drainage from leaders and downspouts.
ROOF – Missing or worn singles – Check branches of nearby trees to determine if they are too near the roof. Evaluate roof for replacement.
YARD – Rotted or dying trees – Check for insect infestation and soil contamination from road salt, chemicals, etc.
You should perform a fall and spring inspection, since it will be helpful for you to be aware of items that may need attention before they become major repairs. Eventually it will become routine to check items that may need repair before they become a problem. This will save you money in the long run. Examples would include replacing a downspout from the gutters, scrapping and painting the outside trim of windows, cleaning or replacing the furnace filter, and draining the hot water heater.
Fall Checklist – Outside
- Check all weather stripping and caulking around windows and doors; replace or repair as needed.
- Check for cracks and holes in house siding; fill with caulking as necessary.
- Remove window air-conditioners, or put weatherproof covers on them.
- Take down screens (if removable type); clean and store.
- Check storm windows and doors; clean and repair as needed; put back up (if they are removable).
- Drain outside faucets.
- Clean gutters and drain pipes so that leaves won’t clog them.
- Check roof for leaks; repair as necessary.
- Check flashing around vents, skylights, and chimneys for leaks.
- Check chimney for damaged chimney caps and loose or missing mortar.
- Check chimney flue; clean obstructions; make sure damper closes tightly.
Fall Checklist – Inside
- Check insulation wherever possible; replace or add as necessary.
- Have heating system and heat pump serviced; have humidifier checked; change or clean filters on furnace.
- Drain hot water heater and remove sediment from bottom of tank; clean burner surfaces; adjust burners.
- Check all faucets for leaks; replace washers if necessary.
- Check and clean humidifier in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
- Clean refrigerator coils.
Spring Checklist – Outside
- Check all weather stripping and caulking around windows and doors, especially if you have air-conditioning.
- Check outside house for cracked or peeled paint; caulk and repaint as necessary.
- Remove, clean and store storm windows (if removable).
- Check all door and window screens; patch or replace as needed; put screens up (if removable type).
Spring Checklist – Inside
- Replace filters on air-conditioners.
- Check and clean dryer vent, stove hood and room fans; change or clean filters for furnace.
- Check seals on refrigerator and freezer; clean refrigerator coil; clean burner surfaces; adjust burners.
- Clean fireplace; leave damper open for improved ventilation if home is not air-conditioned.
- Check basement wall and floors for dampness, if too moist, remedy as appropriate.
- Clean dehumidifier according to manufacturer instructions.
- Check for leaky faucets, replace washers as necessary.
- Check attic for proper ventilation, open vents
- Clean drapes and blinds, repair as needed.