New Homeowner Tips from Southwest Exteriors
San Antonio is growing fast! People are flocking here to find jobs and buy homes because it’s such a great city! This influx of people makes for lots of new homeowners.
Having a home that’s fully functional, updated, and energy efficient is important to most homeowners. Because of this, many of new San Antonio homeowners are looking to upgrade and repair their newly acquired real estate. As a new homeowner, the difficult part is knowing where to start when you have a long list of important updates to your new home.
Here is a handy list of the most important factors to check in your new home:
Check for Leaky Faucets
A leaky faucet will not only drive you crazy, but increase your water bill significantly. Make sure all the faucets are tight and working properly and repair or replace them if not.
Check for Drafty, Old Windows and Screens
Another huge energy waste for a home is old, drafty windows. Check your windows to make sure they open and close easily and have no drafts. Also look at to see that the window screens are in good shape without any rips or holes that bugs could climb through. It might be a good idea to have your windows replaced if they are old.
Check Doors
A door that doesn’t work properly can be a safety hazard as well as an energy waster. Take some time to inspect each exterior door to make sure they fit perfectly in their frames, open and close without sticking, and lock/unlock securely and easily. It also a great idea to change all the locks and get new keys when you move into a new home.
Inspect Exterior Structure
Many people don’t think to check the exterior of their home for damage when they first move in. However, things like mildew, fungus, rot, holes, and peeling paint can cause significant issues. Check your siding, gutters, roof, and porch for any signs of damage. If there is any sign of damage, replace immediately.
Air Filters, Smoke Detectors, and Carbon Monoxide Detector
Test and replace them with new filters and batteries. This will not only ensure that they work, but that they will work for a while and not create problems.
Buying a home is an exciting event, but can definitely be overwhelming if there are repairs that need to be completed. There are many resources out there to assist you in how to repair and replace various items in your home, but for the bigger projects we suggest hiring a professional. A home is a huge investment and probably one of the largest assets a person will own. While moving is stressful and there is so much to do, taking the time to check everything out before you are unpacked could save loads of money in the long run.
If you need any more advice on what to look for when it comes to windows, siding, or doors, just
send us an email or give us a call! We’d love to serve you and guide you in the right direction on your new home!