Below are five basic steps that home owners should take before spending any time or effort on costly home enhancements such as gourmet kitchens and designer bathrooms.
1. Ensure your home's safety. Install both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and that they are maintained in good working order by checking them at least twice per year. Check all fuel-burning appliances for proper gas connections and check for gas leaks. Ensure that these appliances are properly vented. Ensure that the home's electrical system is adequate for what your needs call for. Be aware that flickering lights and/or popping breakers are a sign that there may be a problem. Make sure current electrical system can sustain the addition of additional appliances as central air conditioning and hot tubs. Ensure that all hand rails and banisters are properly anchored.
2. Perform regular preventative maintenance. Perform regularly-scheduled checks of your home and make repairs as needed. Caulk around all tubs and showers, repairs any leaks in the roof, patch cracks in concrete, replace any damaged decking, seal any gapes in siding, paint any bare wood, have regular termite inspections performed.
3. Work to conserve energy. Consider installing a programmable thermostat. Weathersrtip all doors and windows to prevent drafts. Upgrade the insulation in your home. Repair or replace any leaky windows. Repair or replace any leaky faucets.
4. Go green. Seek out and purchase only environmentally-friendly material for doors, siding, windows, decking, flooring, insulation, fencing and roofing.
5. Improve the comfort of your home. Remove clutter. Create open spaces, update older window treatments to allow for maximum light. Organize storage areas and closets.
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