Owning a house can be more difficult than you might assume. That’s not to slight you or any other new homeowner, we all had to start somewhere, and that often means making mistakes. Moving from renting into the ownership market is beneficial in many substantial ways, but the one annoyance is that you no longer have a landlord you can call on to fix everything for you, all included in the rent.
This means that except for online advice and the conventional wisdom of friends, it’s easy to make mistakes you weren’t anticipating. So, let’s contribute our share to the “online advice” section and discuss some of the most common mistakes new homeowners make. Without further ado, let’s get started.
Neglecting Outdoor Furniture Maintenance
Outdoor furniture can complete a garden, but it can also become a real plight if you don’t take care of it. Too much water exposure, constant cold, improper storage, and more can lead to rust, rot, and simple staining, which means that when you finally use it in the spring, you may need to buy a whole new set. Using winter varnish coats and tarpaulin, as well as storing them inside, can make a big difference in preventing those outcomes.
Overlooking Hot Tub Cleaning & Care
Putting a hot tub in the garden can be a wonderful idea, but it’s important to cover and clean it correctly. Pay special attention to the filter and the pH of the water, as inconsistent treatment can lead to damage. It must also be serviced on the recommended timeline, and you can use hot tub accessories to complete the set of items you need for good long-term operation. This way, you can prevent taking a new toy like this for granted.
Ignoring Gutter Cleaning Responsibilities
It’s easy to think that unless you see water pooling or cracks in your guttering, there’s no real problem. But we all know how pesky and annoying leaves are and how quickly water issues can lead to foundational problems or destroy the soil condition of your garden. Regular gutter cleaning inspections are key, as is cleaning during the more debris-filled seasonal periods. Trust us, it will save you a great number of headaches later on down the line.
Delaying Pest Control Measures
You may live in an area that seems to be less frequently attended by pests. The pests might have something else to say about that. From humble mice to rats to bats to termites, it doesn’t take much for a little critter to think your house is actually quite nice, too – after all, you’ve decided to live there, haven’t you? The only problem is that they rarely offer to pay rent, and if they do manage to vocalize that, you’ve probably got bigger problems on your hands. Pest control measures such as sealing crawlspaces, putting out traps or deterrents, and understanding the correct procedure if they do show up (bats are protected in the UK for example), can help you get most of the way there.
With this advice, you’ll be sure to avoid the most common mistakes new homeowners make. Enjoy life in your wonderful new residence!