Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Owning a house is like having another part time job

As the title suggests, owning a house can be quite a bit of work.  Mind you, there are quite a few benefits to owning a home, but you have to remember to take care of it.  There are plenty of things that probably should be done by a professional - like cleaning and servicing your furnace and air conditioner - but there is quite a bit that you the owner can do.  And it's simple stuff that could save you hundreds of dollars.

Simple things like replacing the air filters on your furnace every month or so helps the furnace run more efficiently...you know, so your bill can stay a bit lower.  Failing to replace your air filters can result in your heater not adequately warming your home, causing it to continue to run...eventually causing something to break that could cost you several thousand dollars.  Ouch!  Especially when a filter only costs a few dollars.  Cleaning out your gutters, especially in fall, can help keep water from getting into your basement or your crawl space by allowing the gutters to do what they are designed to do.  Get the water AWAY from your foundation.

Do how do you keep track of all these things to do?  I suggest a spreadsheet - or at least a list.  Divide out the tasks by month and by year or season.  Then get them on your calendar.  Yes, I hear you, "Really, Chris?  You want me to create a spreadsheet?"  I know...which is why I provide one for you to use and customize to fit your home and your needs.

Home Maintenance Work Sheet

Spring is on the way people!  Give your house some love, and it will love you back with lower utility bills and longer lasting mechanics.