🏠 20 Survival Tips for Homeowners

Being a homeowner is exciting—you get to make your space truly yours! But it also comes with responsibilities: repairs, maintenance, finances, and improvements all fall on your shoulders. Whether it’s your first home or your fifth, staying organized and informed can make your life as a homeowner far less stressful—and a lot more rewarding.

Here are 20 survival tips to help you thrive in your home for years to come:

1️⃣ Create a home manual just for your home. Use a binder, an iCloud folder, or a home maintenance app. Keep track of warranties, service records, appliance ages, paint colors, furniture receipts, and landscaping info.

2️⃣ Maintain a contractor and professional services list. Include plumbers, electricians, landscapers, HVAC, etc., plus notes on visits and recommendations.

3️⃣ Keep home improvement and maintenance receipts. These can show the value you’ve added when selling and may qualify for tax incentives.

4️⃣ Plan purchases with a realistic budget. From cleaning supplies to furniture, shop smart—look for sales, off-season bargains, or flea market finds.

5️⃣ Have an emergency fund. Things break—furnaces fail, trees fall, windows get smashed. Be prepared! 💰

6️⃣ Cut utility costs. Conserve water, heat, AC, and electricity. Save money and the planet! 🌎

7️⃣ Hire an accountant. Know your tax deductions and credits, especially for energy-efficient upgrades.

8️⃣ Review insurance coverage. Make sure you have homeowners, flood, fire, life, and disability-income insurance.

9️⃣ Address problems immediately. Small issues can snowball into costly repairs.

🔟 Inspect your home twice a year. Check roof, gutters, HVAC, windows, foundation, and look for water damage, pests, or mold.

1️⃣1️⃣ Know your major appliances. Track age, maintenance, and life expectancy. Replace or repair as needed.

1️⃣2️⃣ Buy essential tools. Tape measure, hammer, pliers, drill, utility knife, and caulk tube are a good start.

1️⃣3️⃣ Learn basic DIY skills. Save money and time on minor repairs with YouTube tutorials or classes.

1️⃣4️⃣ Hire pros for complex jobs. Protect your home’s value and avoid shoddy work.

1️⃣5️⃣ Be patient. Homes aren’t HGTV makeovers overnight. Decorate and upgrade at your pace.

1️⃣6️⃣ Live in your home first. Understand your space before making major changes.

1️⃣7️⃣ Fresh paint goes a long way. Quick, affordable, and transformative. 🎨

1️⃣8️⃣ Build good relationships with neighbors. They’re a source of info, help, and community.

1️⃣9️⃣ Create a positive neighborhood feel. Host block parties or summer happy hours—community adds value.

2️⃣0️⃣ Join a neighborhood listserv or blog. Get insider info, recommendations, and even a little entertainment!

Phew! 😅 Keep these tips in mind to help your home run smoothly and avoid mishaps.

If you have questions, want contractor recommendations, or want to run a project idea by me to see how it could add value to your home, I’m here for you. I’m your go-to resource to help you thrive as a homeowner!