New Homeowner Hacks

Congratulations! Papers are signed, you’ve got the keys in your hand…. YOU’RE FINALLY A HOMEOWNER! So, what happens next? If you’ve never owned a home before, it might be a little overwhelming thinking about all the things that you need to do. That’s why we’re here to help!

Here are a few things you should do before putting paint swatches on the walls or tearing out the kitchen sink:

• Replace your furnace filter. One of the best ways to protect your furnace and your home is by changing your filters regularly. Luckily for you, there’s the Home Filter Club. Simply select the size filter you need and have your filters delivered directly to your door, right when they need to be changed! It’s that easy!
• Have your HVAC cleaned and maintained. It’s your house now. Having a professional come and clean out your air ducts and service your equipment can make your new house feel more like home.
• Let’s talk Caulk. Unless you’ve bought a newly built home, there’s a high possibility you’ll have a lot of caulking to do. Check areas around sinks, bathtubs, showers, ect. for places that need some extra caulking. Also, invest in a caulk gun, just squeezing the tube and cause for a lumpy application and funny look for most of your surfaces.
• Don’t trust the breaker labels. If the former homeowner labeled the breaker controls, it is probably a reasonably good guide, but it may not be completely reliable. Make sure you go through the breaker yourself and make sure you know which switch is what.
• New House, new locks. This is for your protection. Although there’s a slim chance the former homeowners will want to get back into the house, it’s always a good idea to have a locksmith update the locks. Also, reinforce the front door deadbolt. Putting longer screws in the door latch can make it much harder for intruders to break in.
• Check your water quality. Make sure you know what’s in your water before you drink it. This is pretty easy, grab a Home Water Test from FiltersFast.com and get testing!

Owning a new home may seem a little overwhelming at first, but we promise, you’ll get the hang of it! And just in case you weren’t sure where to start, we’ve also put together a list of must-haves for new homeowners:

1. A toolkit. If you’ve made it this far without a well-stocked toolkit, good for you! Now that you own a home, you’re probably going to run into some things you’ll have to fix yourself, that’s why it’s a good idea to have a hammer, a few screwdrivers, and wrenches on hand.
2. Extension cords. Long or short, there’s a guarantee you’ll need to use one sooner or later. Whether it’s setting up a lamp by your bedside or hanging up Christmas lights, you can never have too many lying around.
3. Fire Extinguisher. You’re in charge of your safety. Keep a fire extinguisher in an easy to access place, you never know when or where a fire might break out.
4. Driveway sealant. Not only does it increase your new home’s curb appeal, it also can make your driveway last a little bit longer too.
5. A bucket. This simple object is something you never knew you would need. Whether you use it for storing or emergencies, you’ll be glad you have one on hand.
6. A ladder. You’re the landlord now. Having a ladder around to fix lights, clean out gutters or trim a tree that’s getting a little too close to the house is a valuable piece of equipment you’ll want around.
7. New thermostat. As a homeowner, you’ll be surprised at the increase in your energy bill. Instead of heating/cooling a small apartment, you’re having to supply air to an entire house. Make sure you invest in a thermostat that programmable and can help you increase your home’s efficiency.
8. A level. Eyeball no more! Make hanging decorations or pictures around the house easier by using a trusty level!
9. A power drill. You’d be surprised how often this tool will come in handy. Invest in a cordless one, you can thank us later.
10. Tape measure. Enough said.
11. Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors. If your home already has these, make sure they’re working properly. Install extras in areas where fire or glass leaks may occur.
12. Lawn care items. Make sure you’re stocked with the things you need to do some yard work. This can include but is not limited to: a rake, hoe, shovel, gloves, trimmers, wheelbarrow and a garden hose. Yard work is hard work, but with the right tools, it’ll be a breeze!

This may seem like a lot, but just like the house hunt, it will all be worth it. Being a homeowner is not easy, but at FiltersFast.com we want to make it as easy as can be. Be sure to trust us with all your filtration needs, from air filters to refrigerator filters and even pool filters, we’ve got you covered. Be sure to sign up for our Home Filter Club next time you order your home’s filters too, so you’ve got one less thing to worry about. Sign up for the frequency you would like to have them delivered (it is recommended that you change your air filter every 3 months and refrigerator filters every 6 months) and simply change them when they arrive. It’s that easy! Don’t wait! Sign up TODAY!

Sources consulted:

https://www.familyhandyman.com/smart-homeowner/things-every-homeowner-must-know/

http://www.mymommystyle.com/2015/05/29/25-items-you-should-invest-in-once-you-own-your-own-home/

http://sincerelysaturday.com/bought-home-now-11-things-move/

http://sellingwarnerrobins.com/maintenance-tips-new-homeowners/

http://hometipspro.com/finding-reliable-repair-service-dealing-malfunctioning-home-appliance/