Congratulations! You did it! You purchased your first home…. Several years ago I made the same leap. It certainly is a huge life change. YOU are now responsible for being the steward of your home…
You should feel empowered! But landing that first house is just the start of teh game – now your strategy is going to be trying to stay one step ahead, or you will find yourself constantly playing catch up.
I have learned a lot since my home ownership journey began. In fact, it was in the early days of home ownership that I became interested in all things “home” which led me to become a home inspector.
I didn’t want to shell out piles of money to fix preventable problems, so I began to learn about proper upkeep and do-it-yourself repairs . However, if there is one thing I learned, it is to be prepared for the unexpected. Shortly after purchasing my home, I experienced a leak while having a bathroom vanity changed. Water pouring out of the can lights in the kitchen below this bathroom was not a fun thing to deal with. The next year my lawn irrigation system needed a new valve, and also had an outdoor hose bibb start leaking. Another year saw me replace a microwave, garbage disposer, and leaking kitchen side sprayer hose just a couple months apart. And still haven’t had the freezer ice maker fixed….
Point is, everything will be fully functional, until it’s not. Don’t ignore something that doesn’t quite seem right. Ask elders, or contact your friendly home inspector (me!). It certainly feels that I have experienced quite a lot since my first home purchase. Aside from full home inspections, Climb & Crawl LLC can evaluate single system components as well!
Oh! And make sure those downspout extensions are extended several feet away from the house! Ask me how I know what can happen…..