As a new homeowner, you are likely overwhelmed by all there is to learn, like what it means to pump a septic system or how often you need to clean out your ducts. You need to learn as much as you can to not only stay on top of home maintenance to reduce the risk of damage but also to make the right decisions for your home to improve its lifespan and protect your investment.
Here are seven things you need to ask yourself to learn more about your home:
Where Does Your Energy Come From?
You know that if you flip a switch, the light comes on, but do you know what powers that light? The power company is not the answer. Do you know if your home is run by nuclear power or coal? Or does your power company get some juice from solar panels or wind turbines?
By knowing where your energy comes from, you can make better choices that will reduce your consumption. For example, you can compare energy providers in your area to find the best rates and the cleanest energy sources. Or you can choose to install solar panels to produce some of your own energy to offset your costs. Learn more about new energy plans online.
How Is Your Water Treated?
The quality of your water has a big impact on your health. Your local water management facility treats the water with certain chemicals to remove impurities and add beneficial elements, like minerals or fluoride.
Knowing how your water is treated will help you make the right decisions for your health and your home. For example, if you know that you have hard water, you might choose to install a water softener to reduce staining and damage to your pipes.
What Kind of Pipes Do You Have?
Different pipes have a different lifespan and durability. You may have copper pipes, iron, or even PVC. You need to know what kind of pipes you have to make the best decisions to prevent damage. For example, PVC is more vulnerable to roots and other damage that can cause a major leak. You may choose to replace these pipes with something more durable.
What Kind of Foundation Do You Have?
The common types of foundations for homes include concrete slab, wood, and raised foundations. In knowing what kind of foundation your home has, you can better understand the common risks. For example, concrete slab foundations are vulnerable to cracks. Some are minor cracks that can be filled, and others indicate structural weakness. Knowing about these risks can help you stay alert to problems and call in professional help quickly when needed.
What’s Under Your Floors?
A good vapor barrier is essential to keeping mold and mildew out of your home. Make sure you have the right insulation and vapor barrier under your carpets, wood floors, or tile. When you investigate what’s under your floors, you may even find that some gorgeous, antique hardwoods are hiding out.
What Kind of Insulation Do You Have?
The right insulation can make your home more energy-efficient and save you thousands of dollars over the years. You need to know what is lurking in your walls, above your ceiling, and under your floors. You may want to upgrade your insulation, and you may want to add insulation to places where it’s typically absent, such as on the underside of your roof.
How Long Will Your Roof Last?
The typical shingle roof can last between 15 and 25 years, and designer shingles tend to last longer (you can learn more here about one of the designer options available), while a clay tile roof can last 50 years or more. Without knowing the expected life span of your roof, you may let it go untended for far too long, leaving yourself vulnerable to a catastrophic leak and water damage. In case you notice any damage to the roof, it would be a wise decision to call up professional services like Precision Roof Crafters (find them at www.precisionroofcrafters.com/texas-roofers/galveston/) to take a peek at your roof and mend it.
If you aren’t sure the answer to any of these questions, you can work with a home inspector or contractor to get to the bottom of them. As a homeowner, knowledge is power. Find out as much as you can.
