Purchasing your first home is an exciting time! Your brain is probably spinning with ideas for renovations, cosmetic changes, and of course, the not-so-fun maintenance that comes along with owning a home. Your home is one of the most significant investments you’ll ever make, so being diligent with upkeep is important. We’re reviewing three of the most common and costly mistakes first-time homeowners make and how you can avoid them.
Forgetting about regular check-ups
Periodically go around your entire house, including attics and crawl spaces, to ensure there aren't any leaks or other issues of normal wear going on. It’s easy to ignore these parts of your home until an issue arises, especially with the exterior of your home. Your roof, siding on your home, and door and window seals are all important to keep up with, as they protect the interior from seeing more damage than the average wear and tear. Exterior maintenance is especially necessary in Florida when the rainy season is almost half the year.
Not sweating the small stuff
Leaky faucet? A toilet that runs? Crack in your siding? These may seem like minuscule issues, but over time, they can turn into expensive home repairs. A leaking faucet or toilet can cause your water bill to increase. A crack in your siding can cause wood to rot or cause you to replace an entire section of siding instead of repairing one section. Don't dismiss small repairs; if you're not careful, they'll turn into a bigger problem over time.
Neglecting your appliances and systems
HVAC systems, water heaters, washers and dryers, refrigerators, etc. They aren't the most glamours appliances you may own in your home, but keeping up with their repairs will help with longevity and save you money in the long run. As a Floridian, you probably understand the importance of keeping your A/C unit running smoothly. System repairs can be costly and replacing an entire unit, even more so. Making sure to change your air filter every month will keep your system running smoothly and efficiently. It’s all about proactive maintenance.
Most importantly, have the right homeowners insurance coverage. Cheap homeowners insurance can seem like a good idea to save a few dollars, but in the end, it’s better to be safe and adequately covered than sorry. If you’re looking for an insurance agent in Orlando, Harrell Agency Services is happy to answer any Central Florida homeowners insurance policy questions you might have!