Fix, Defend & Create: Tips for the First Year of Homeownership

You’ve finally staked claim to your personal corner of the world, but as king and queen of your new castle, you are also the resident handyman, security guard, gardener, and decorator. If you are a first time homeowner, let the following tips show you how to wear all of these hats gracefully.

Faucet Leaks

When water begins to drip out of the side of your tap, those drips will add up on your water bill in a surprisingly short time. Left untreated, your leaky tap could quit working altogether. Rather than hiring a professional, take a stab at the leaky tap yourself. While plumbers charge hefty rates for a house call, most taps can be repaired with a few o-rings. These cheap rubber rings cost under a dollar most of the time, and once you replace them, you usually have a working faucet. Helpful instructional videos are available on YouTube to walk you through the fixing process step by step.

Resource Management

To deal with bigger leaks, you need to know how to shut off the main water supply as well as the electricity. This Old House recommends looking for a metal wheel or a flat handle like a paddle when trying to shut off the main water supply. In some cases, your shut off valve may be under a manhole cover on the ground. Remember to turn off the power as well—water and live electricity are never a good combination.

Safety

Now that you’re not in a big apartment complex with a security guard posted at the door, take charge of your own security. If you are in a high crime area, look into security systems, but keep in mind that you should choose a system that protects you from more than just home invasions—your system should also alert you if there is a fire or a carbon monoxide threat. In the event that your possessions are stolen, you need contents insurance. Companies like Budget Direct Home Insurance can help you craft a policy that’s right for your security needs.

Painting

You’ve stemmed the errant leaks, installed some security, and maybe even started a garden! Focus your efforts now on aesthetics and start thinking about interior paint. Perhaps the most affordable way to make any home your own is by selecting a new paint color and giving your walls a fresh coat. Visit your local hardware store and pick up paint samples to test on small areas before committing to coating an entire wall. Colors may dry darker than they appear while wet, so give your test swatch adequate time to dry before deciding on your final color. Pay attention to the finish: do you prefer matte or high gloss, or somewhere in between?