Homeowners face multiple challenges when remodeling a house. Finishing a project can be stressful, between unexpected problems, budget concerns, and design limitations. So, most people look for easy solutions to everyday issues. And it’s because they want their home to look fantastic for as long as possible.
Fortunately, you can maintain new construction with durable materials, gentle cleaning products, and intelligent techniques. Plus, you can stipulate exact specifications based on your lifestyle when determining material allowances. Playing favorites gives you more control over the budget and outcome. But here are ten more practices to help hold on to that new home feeling:
#1. Read Your Owner’s Manuals
Manuals tell you everything about the appliances and fixtures in your home. They give you warnings, provide tips, and offer instructions to maintain equipment. So, read them to understand the dos and don’ts because each item is different. Then, organize your manuals in a safe spot where you can easily access them later.
TIP: Use space wisely in your basement, attic, or garage. Organize copies and swap them out when you buy new stuff.
#2. Check the Humidity Levels
Too much humidity in a room can wreck the décor and put your structure at risk. That’s because moisture seeps into beams and floorboards, warping the materials and weakening their hold. So, either waterproof each space or monitor the humidity closely. Then pay extra attention to wood surfaces and porous materials.
TIP: Install a dehumidifier in rooms exposed to high levels of moisture. And be sure to empty the tank often.
#3. Clean Your Gutters
Did you know that leaky gutters can cause problems inside your home? If you’ve ever seen mold or smelled mildew in a new house, that’s probably why. When water pours down the side of your house, it seeps into the cracks around your windows and doors. And over time, excessive moisture can lead to significant issues that cost big money to fix.
TIP: Maintain gutters and downspouts around newly installed doorways and windowsills.
#4. Clear Your Intake and Exhaust Vents
Clogged intake and exhaust vents can spell trouble. That’s because restricted airflow leads to foul odors and potential fires. So, cleared ventilation systems help do more than dry your laundry and freshen the air in your house. They can prolong the life expectancy of your appliances as well. Plus, insurance companies appreciate homes with functional openings.
TIP: Pay to have your ventilation system flushed at least once per year.
#5. Keep Furnace Filters Clean
Dirty filters make your furnace work harder than necessary. And the appliance can’t filter out particulates in the air as efficiently. But that’s not even the worst part. Furnaces can get hot when they’re not running correctly. Then that excessive heat can spark a house fire. So, avoid this vicious cycle by changing your filters every three to six months.
TIP: Install high-efficiency furnace filters to save some time and money in the long run.
#6. Inspect Your Landscape
Make sure the yard plays its part. First, check the drainage and learn the lay of the land. Next, look for pests and get rid of them. Then clear pathways to create uninterrupted flow around your property. After that, try to keep the bugs and weeds at bay with regular landscaping. This detail is especially crucial if you have a walkout basement or outdoor space for entertaining.
TIP: Build enclosures to protect guests and create cozy nooks year-round.
#7. Remove Your Shoes
Installing new floors is a chore. So, form the habit of removing shoes before entering the home. Or create a mudroom to hang coats and take off boots immediately. That way, you don’t scuff the woodwork or stain the carpet with dirt. Everyone gets a designated space for storage in the meantime. And you have less to clean up when everybody goes home.
TIP: Use clever built-ins to provide maximum space storage with the least space.
#8. Use Specific Cleaners
Wood, tile, stainless steel, vinyl are all standard materials in modern homes. But each one requires a different cleaning product to maintain. So, you can’t use a wood cleaner to wipe up tile. And you can’t use an all-purpose cleaner to scrub wood. Forget these simple rules, and you’ll ruin the beautiful work from your recent remodel.
TIP: Look in your owner’s manual or ask a designer for specific cleaning instructions.
#9. Replace or Update Electrical Components
Many modern homes use high-tech features to streamline the layout and satisfy occupant needs. But technologies don’t last forever. And most tech components require regular updates to function correctly. So, enjoy your home well into the future with routine preventative maintenance. Then don’t forget to replace obsolete parts as innovations develop.
TIP: See if some of your home tech equipment offers free or automatic updates.
Energy-efficient bulbs, smart device updates, appliances
#10. Hire Experts for Repairs and Renovations
Expect wear and tear in your new home, even if you maintain it like a pro. But don’t try to repair, replace, renovate, or remodel portions of your house without help. DIY projects may be cheaper, but you don’t get a warranty on the work. So, you’ll have to pay out of pocket if something goes wrong. And your insurance company may not cover some accidents or negligence.
TIP: Hire a home remodeling company that’s bonded and insured for your protection.
Reach out to your design team for specific instructions and suggestions. Then try to keep a detailed record of your repairs and replacements. Later, you can use that information when consulting insurance providers and home remodeling companies.
What NOT To Do After Remodeling a Home
You know how to maintain your remodel. But now, what should you avoid? Are there ways to mess up a beautiful home even when you take care of business? The answer is yes.
Here are five things you should NEVER do after remodeling a house:
- Leave Messes: Always clean up after yourself and guests immediately.
- Panic Over Slight Changes: Give your new house time to settle.
- Give Up on Maintenance: Convenience doesn’t mean complacency.
- Sell Too Soon: Wait to fall in love or receive reasonable offers.
- Keep It To Yourself: Show off your beautiful house whenever possible.
Remodeled houses can be gorgeous and efficient examples of innovative engineering and tasteful home design. However, properties don’t stay perfect forever. You must maintain the splendor after builders go home. And you have to know when to call for help.
Protect Your Home, Connect with Cornerstone
This is your home, and it’s your chance to make the most of it. Remodel the layout to suit your lifestyle and learn how to protect your investment. Cornerstone Remodeling designers can help you choose durable materials with timeless details. So, snag an online quote to discover the possibilities. And don’t forget to ask about financing for those who qualify.
