{"id":25320,"date":"2021-09-08T16:23:39","date_gmt":"2021-09-08T16:23:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/?p=25320"},"modified":"2021-09-08T16:23:56","modified_gmt":"2021-09-08T16:23:56","slug":"7-essential-tips-for-new-homeowners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/7-essential-tips-for-new-homeowners\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Essential Tips for New Homeowners"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<!-- SEO Ultimate Plus (https:\/\/seoultimateplus.com) - Code Inserter module -->\n<script async>(function(s,u,m,o,j,v){j=u.createElement(m);v=u.getElementsByTagName(m)[0];j.async=1;j.src=o;j.dataset.sumoSiteId='b68b392479b5981b8acf46565e9fe32a0734fc21a1f7c1e60121eaa6ca1a1c64';v.parentNode.insertBefore(j,v)})(window,document,'script','\/\/load.sumo.com\/');<\/script>\n<!-- \/SEO Ultimate Plus -->\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a new homeowner, few things are more exciting than buying new furniture and designing your home exactly how you want it. There\u2019s the honeymoon period where life\u2019s pretty sweet inside your new abode.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unfortunately, it\u2019s not all fun and games. Homeowner maintenance is essential as a new buyer. You can\u2019t pass off faults or issues to a landlord or parent. That\u2019s why we\u2019ve partnered with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jimsplumbing.net.au\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jim\u2019s Plumbing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to put together 7 essential tips for new homeowners. You can stay ahead of the game.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Organise a Full Property Inspection<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A property inspection should take place before you commit to buying. However, if the step is skipped &#8211; or perhaps done by the seller and you still have questions &#8211; have your own inspection completed before moving forward.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Home inspections are a thorough way to uncover any issues. From the roof through to the footings, and all the plumbing and electrical in between, everything will be addressed. You will then have the opportunity to take care of those concerns sooner than later.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Still, it\u2019s best to have the report completed before any purchase. A negative property inspection could be the deciding factor in saying yes or no to your dream home.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sign Up for Full Home Insurance<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even if everything is perfect right now, something could go wrong when you least expect it. That\u2019s why homeowners insurance must be your new best friend. Don\u2019t waste time in signing up, either.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A burst pipe, leaking roof, mould infestation or electrical fault could all lead to costly repairs. And if you\u2019re uninsured it will have to come directly from your hip pocket. Besides, with inclusions like accidental damage, home emergency or possessions cover, top-level <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rac.co.uk\/insurance\/home-insurance\/guides\/why-is-it-important-to-have-home-insurance\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">home insurance is worth it<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take Care of Blocked Drains Straight Away<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How well are your drains flowing? Because if you have any issues with a slow running drain, don\u2019t delay the repairs. Blocked drains could be a nightmare if you have backed up sewage flowing into the house.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nasty drains are highly likely in a house that has been sitting unoccupied for a long time. Tree roots require a small opening as an invitation to take hold. They\u2019ll continue to grow while chasing a water supply.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blocked drains will continue to hamper your daily routine as a new homeowner. Clogs will lead to repeated plunging efforts or regular drain cleaning expenses. Instead of paying for routine repairs, bite the bullet and take on upfront drain cleaning. Pipe relining or a full sewage pipe replacement may be also necessary, but beneficial in the short and long term.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Repair Pesky Leaking Taps<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Few things are more annoying than a leaking tap that drips\u2026 drips\u2026 drips all night long. Often the solution is as simple as a new washer, although mixer taps are a little different to traditional three-piece settings.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Still, this is another job you want to tick off any to-do list quickly. Dripping taps are a surprising water waster and such an easy fix. So whether you opt to do it yourself or want to call a local handyman plumber, new homeowners should always take care of small plumbing issues promptly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even a fresh change of tapware could be a perfect choice. You can better tailor the home to your taste. It\u2019s a surprisingly affordable step for additional peace of mind in the long run.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-25321 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Screenshot-2021-09-08-at-17.20.50.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"558\" height=\"365\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flush and Service the Water Heater<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Among the most important plumbing tips for new homeowners is to always look after your water heater. And if you\u2019ve inherited a property where the system likely hasn\u2019t been in regular use, you probably want to flush it out. A service also wouldn\u2019t go amiss.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sediment from mineral deposits can settle at the bottom of a water heater\u2019s boiler. Over time this hardens into a crusty layer. In order to heat water, the element has to work harder to heat through this unexpected secondary layer. You\u2019ll pay more for energy usage as a result.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s best to start fresh. Call in a licensed plumber to service your hot water heater. They can also fully flush and clean the system for a freshwater supply. Additionally, if the unit needs to be upgraded for efficiency, that can also happen early on.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Look After the Roof and Gutters<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Too often we hear of new homeowners who fail to look after their gutters. Blocked gutters are a real handful, especially when the rain lurks for days and days. That leaves fresh homeowners with mini waterfalls on the roof and overflowing gutters and stormwater drains.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ultimately this leads to flooding and severe water damage. Mould and mildew can develop, while roof leaks quickly turn into ceiling tsunamis. Avoid the hassle and clean the gutters at least once a year after leaves fall in autumn.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tackle Mould and Ventilation Issues<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Perhaps the most important plumbing tip for any new homeowner is to keep on top of mould and bathroom ventilation. Mould thrives in moist, warm conditions. A bathroom that is poorly ventilated and consistently damp is basically like a petri dish for microscopic organisms.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It can also be quite dangerous if left unattended. Minor amounts of mould can trigger allergy symptoms, while a serious infestation can really impact people with weak immune systems or lung diseases.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Often mould is found in tile grout or the corner nooks and crannies of bathrooms. It spreads around via microscopic airborne particles, which can be breathed in. Mould bacteria happily feast on organic matter in the dust to stay alive, too.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Therefore, you want to keep your bathroom clean and dry to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bathroomcity.co.uk\/blog\/how-prevent-and-get-rid-mould-bathroom\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prevent mould growth<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Mop up any water after a shower or bath, while allowing the exhaust fan to run until the air no longer feels damp. You can also open a window for additional airflow.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Like the other tips mentioned, mould is something that starts small. It can catch anyone off guard. That\u2019s why the most essential tip for new homeowners is to always act early.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h6>Ref number: THSI-2399<\/h6>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As a new homeowner, few things are more exciting than buying new furniture and designing your home exactly how you want it. There\u2019s the honeymoon period where life\u2019s pretty sweet inside your new abode.\u00a0 Unfortunately, it\u2019s not all fun and<span class=\"ellipsis\">&hellip;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"read-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/7-essential-tips-for-new-homeowners\/\">Read more &#8250;<\/a><\/div>\n<p><!-- end of .read-more --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":81,"featured_media":25322,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wl_entities_gutenberg":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","spay_email":""},"categories":[7,1,14,16],"tags":[],"wl_entity_type":[602],"modified_by":"THS","_wl_alt_label":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Screenshot-2021-09-08-at-17.20.59.png","wl:entity_url":"http:\/\/data.wordlift.io\/wl0502\/post\/7_essential_tips_for_new_homeowners","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25320"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/81"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25320"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25320\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25323,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25320\/revisions\/25323"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25322"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25320"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25320"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25320"},{"taxonomy":"wl_entity_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wl_entity_type?post=25320"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}