20 Survival Tips for Homeowners

Whether you live in Louisville, KY or elsewhere, here are some tips you need to thrive as a homeowner!

Remember when you bought your first home? It was such an exciting time, and you probably loved the freedom you had to make it your own – no more vertical blinds, ugly flooring, or outdated bathrooms like the ones you had to tolerate as a renter!

Once the newness wore off, though, you eventually realized that, as a homeowner, you’re the one in charge of the repairs, maintenance, finances, and improvements. Therefore, it’s important to stay up to date about how you can make life as a homeowner less stressful and more rewarding.

If you know me well, you know I’m an organizer and I love to have everything in its place. I thought I’d share my Top 20 “survival” tips that I use at my home. I hope these will help you in your home for years to come.

1. Create a home manual for your home. Mine is an old-school binder with plastic pockets that hold documents, but you can also use iCloud folder(s) with scanned documents, or one of the many home maintenance apps out there you can download. Pick whatever system will keep you organized and stay on track!

Keep information about your home and its systems, and any owner manuals (or know you can access them online or through a home maintenance app).

Keep track of service records; warranties; the age of your roof, furnace, water heater, washer/dryer, refrigerator and other important appliances; even include paint colors and other decorating information; receipts for major home purchases. Don’t forget to include any landscaping work and tips on how to care for your plants, shrubs, and flowers.

2. Maintain an updated list of phone numbers of contractors and other professional services. Include yourplumber, electrician, utility company, landscaper, HVAC, etc so you can contact them quickly when you need to. I keep this list in the notes section of my cell phone, and I also have their numbers listed in my contacts with name and “job” (like Tom Pilon, Perfect Earth Landscaper). Also keep notes on each of their visits where you can easily find them (I use the notes section under their contact) and get second opinions for larger repair or replacement recommendations.

3. Keep records and receipts of your home improvement and maintenance costs. When you sell, it shows where you have added value and what you’ve done to keep up your home. Several types of improvements also can qualify for tax incentives come tax time so be sure to share the receipts on a yearly basis with your CPA.

4. Keep a realistic pace and budget for buying things you need for your home. Having a home means there’s always a long list of big and little things you need to buy or want to upgrade, especially if you’re a first-time buyer. The list could go on and on — from window treatments, lawn mower, rakes, cleaning supplies, vacuum, a sectional couch, deck furniture, lamps, etc.

You’re going to grow with this home so make a plan and a budget. If you do need to buy, keep your eyes open for sales.  Buy off season or at the end of a season for major savings on bigger items. Shop at outlets like Frontgate and discount stores like Ikea and Costco/Sam’s Club.

5. Have an emergency fund for any unexpected costs. No matter how well your home has been taken care of by you or the previous owner, there are going to be some unexpectedsurprises, so be prepared. Something will break and you won’t be able to delay fixing it – a hot summer day and your air conditioner stops working, a tree falls on your house, or a water heater conks out. Expect the unexpected!

6. Cut the costs of utility bills by conserving how much heat, electricity, A/C, and water you use in your home. You’ll save the planet and your wallet! Keep the curtains closed in the summer to keep the heat out; turn down your heat and wear sweaters in the winter; and set an automatic thermostat at an efficient temperature in the summer and winter months.

7. Hire an accountant so you know how to prepare your taxes correctly and can maximize your refund and get the deductions you deserve. Even getting them done by a professional one year so you have a template for future years is a good idea. You may learn you’ll get tax credits on energy efficient appliances etc.

8. Make sure you have enough homeowner’s insurance, and that it doesn’t miss anything like flood and fire protection. Look into additional coverage for artwork, jewelry, luxury vehicles, golf carts, boats, and other valuables. Consider an umbrella policy to cover liability in excess of your other insurance policies, especially if you have teenagers. And be sure to take out life insurance so you have coverage in the event of an illness or catastrophic injury.

9. You never want to ignore any problems or damage you see in your home. A minor problem can turn into a big, more costly one before you know it! Consistent, regular maintenance of your home is important to combat the usual wear and tear, as well as any issues from severe weather conditions such as flooding, snow, ice, and heat. Plus, deferred maintenance can be costly when the time comes for you to list your house.

10. Create an inspection list and go through your home twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall, to check on the condition of each item.  I’m not suggesting you hire a home inspector every year!  Instead, go through your home once a year with a keen eye, just as your inspector did before you bought it.

Your list should include both inside and outside items: roof, windows, foundation, gutters, attic, insulation, HVAC, chimney, driveway, and etc. Look for damage from water leaks, mold, and pests such as termites, mice, squirrels, rats.

Flag any key life expectancies when you conduct these inspections and be sure to look at them even more carefully as that time approaches. For example, your roof can last 15-20 years if it has asphalt shingles, or up to 50+ if it has slates.

11. Know your major appliances – such as fridge, stove/oven, dish washer, washer/dryer — and how they work, how to maintain them (like changing your filter), who to call for repairs, and how old they are now and their life expectancies. How long they last depend a lot on your care of them and also your specific product. 

For example, a fridge can last from 9-13 years; air conditioning unit from 8-15 years; a water heater 10-11 years. Again, refer to owner manuals and keep necessary receipts in whatever home organization system you have chosen.

12. Buy tools you’ll use regularly to maintain your home and to make minor repairs. Every homeowner should have a toolbox, but don’t go out and buy something you may only need once. Experts suggest you have a tape measurer, utility knife, four-in-one screwdriver, hammer, putty knife, saw, wrench, pliers, drill/driver. You’ll also want to have picture hangers/nails and a level on hand.

13. Learn some basic DIY skills that can save you time and money on repairs. There’s lots of information out there on YouTube and other online resources. You can learn basic how-to’s on just about everything from how to unclog a drain or replace a showerhead.

Consider taking some classes at your local hardware store.  You can save so much per year if you can do some of the basic repairs and upkeep yourself…and you might even enjoy doing it!

14. Hire a qualified, professional contractor or recommended handyman for bigger or more complex jobs. If it’s something more complicated than a clogged drain, for example, maybe that’s where you should draw the line on DIY. Plus, you want your larger or more complex repairs to get a higher level of expertise so you can maintain the value of your home. When you sell your home, shoddy work is something you can’t hide from buyers (or home inspectors)! Know the limits of your DIY skills.

15. Be patient and don’t expect your home to look like a HGTV makeover overnight. I love Property Brothers and Fix or Flop as much as the next guy, but that’s not reality-TV any more than The Real Housewives is! However, the home improvement shows are worth watching since they can inspire you with ideas for all the rooms in your home yard.  If you’re like me, you probably won’t feel like your home is ever “done” but you can continue to make it more “yours” in a way that matches your budget.

16. Live in your home for a while to get a feel for the ebb and flow of it, which can help you decide what furniture you really need and what will function best in the space. There’s no harm in empty rooms or a drafty corner for a while after you move-in! If you plan to eventually remodel, this time is well spent on learning how your family moves about your home and uses certain areas. Maybe the basement theater room is everyone’s favorite, but maybe everyone prefers the family room closer to the kitchen; wait and see. Budget and pace yourself with your purchases of furniture, window treatments, and accessories.

17. Paint is a cheap, quick fix-up. A fresh coat of paint will completely transform a room.  Enough said! I have a list of popular colors if you ever need suggestions. And I have a list of painters if your DIY skills don’t cover this type of project.

18. Forge a good relationship with them since you may live near them for a long time. You don’t have to be overfriendly if that’s not your style, but neighbors can be a good source of information about the community and they can help you out when needed (borrow a shovel, keep an eye on your home when you’re traveling, check on utility issues).

19. Do what you can to help to create a positive community feel to your condo, street or neighborhood and make it a place you will love to live in. Get involved and attend your condo meetings, help host an annual block party on your street, or hold regular summer happy hours, etc. Plus, having a great community feel can be a good selling point when the time comes.

20. Sign up for a neighborhood Facebook group or a community blog like Nextdoor to get all the inside information. You’ll know what’s going on in your neighborhood (someone just spotted a coyote or porch pirates are striking) and get recommendations for a handyman, plumber, mother’s group, or even a piano teacher. Plus, they may be a source of entertainment at times!

That’s it – my Top 20. Keep these tips in mind so your home will run smoothly, and you hopefully will avoid any mishaps! If I missed something (and I’m sure I did), please send me an email and let me know. And if you have other tips, please share those too!

As always, if you have any questions, need recommendations for contractors or just want to run a project you are thinking about by me to know how much value it may add to your home, I’m here for you. Reach out anytime.

My goal is to be your go-to resource to help you thrive as a homeowner. I love to hear from you – and I love referrals!