Tips and Tricks for New Homeowners
3 min read
Did you recently purchase an older home or complete fixer-upper, in the Youngstown area? If you’re feeling overwhelmed, Window World of Youngstown can help.
House prices in Youngstown rose by 1.5 percent last year, according to cleveland.com, and that number could continue to grow throughout 2015. As families look to purchase homes for the first time, or downsize for retirement, many will opt for an older, more affordable home, versus a brand new build.
In fact, according to the cleveland.com article, a chairman of the index committee at S&P Dow Jones Indices suggested that sales of existing homes in early 2015 were consistent with normal trends, while new homes sales remained weaker.
As more people purchase older homes, they may find themselves overwhelmed at first glance. So where does one begin when it comes to home remodeling? Window World of Youngstown is here to be your guide!
While transforming an old home or fixer-upper can be a lot of fun, it also requires a lot of time, money and energy. If this is your first experience fixing up your home or your first time purchasing a new home, here are a few things you should keep top-of-mind.
Whether your home is composed of bricks, wood or vinyl siding, it is imperative to assess and understand the condition of your exterior material. Is your foundation sturdy? Are there cracks in your home’s exterior that could lead to leaks or unwanted temperature changes in the future? Even if your home passed rigorous inspections before you purchased it, it’s smart to give it one more once over while you’re working through renovations.
Windows, entry doors and garage doors serve a purpose other than adding curb appeal to your home. If your home is equipped with old, non-insulated windows and doors, consider an upgrade. Adding energy-efficient windows and entry doors with proper insulation to your home can help save you a significant amount of money on energy bills. And, it doesn’t hurt that new windows & doors can make a huge difference in overall appearance!
Moving virtually ensures you’ll have plenty of boxes to unpack. Save yourself an extra headache by unloading your boxes strategically. Consider what you may need first and unpack boxes filled with essentials first. For instance, your kitchen items, pillows and clothes are more important than a picture frame or your pickleball paddles.
A new home means you likely have new neighbors. They’ll likely be living next door for years to come, so it’s sensible to make friends as soon as you can! Establishing yourself in the neighborhood can help you learn tips on where to shop or local services—not to mention the potential to build relationships that lead to lifetime friendships.
The home purchasing process is just the beginning of your homeowner’s journey. Once you’re all moved in, review your budget again to see if anything needs to be added or adjusted. This can also help you understand your financial health and make decisions on next steps for upgrades or repairs.
A new home allows you opportunities to make your mark on your home inside and out. Don’t forget to nurture your new outdoor spaces. Adding your personal style into your front and backyard can give your neighborhood an idea of who you are as well as increase overall curb appeal. A simple wreath on the front door and a new welcome mat add a good personal touch!
You should always be up to date on your home’s warranty as well as the warranties on appliances. This will protect your home should the unexpected occur. It’s also a good idea to buy coverage for areas the warranty may not cover. Keep your warranty in an easy-to-find location, just in case you need it.
Once you know the home warranty inside and out, look into your insurance coverage. This allows you to create and personalize the type of protection your home may need in areas that aren’t covered by your warranty. For Akron, you may find it practical to purchase insurance for fire or flood damage.
DIY projects can be fun, but as a new homeowner, you already have a lot on your plate. Lean on the experts for projects that may cause injury, need extensive learning or just take a lot of time to complete. Generally, leave electrical, plumbing and home siding to the pros!
Still feeling overwhelmed? Stop by our showroom or request a free estimate for new windows, doors or siding today! We are happy to help guide you in your decisions and provide you with information that will help you transform your new old home. Contact Window World of Youngstown today!