Has another year rolled around and your to-do list is not finalized yet? It’s not too late to get 2012 off to a good start by taking charge of the projects that need to be done around your home.
Here are six resolutions that will help you maintain the value in your home while making life easier for you and saving you some money.
I resolve to do regular maintenance.
There are things you should do every year to keep your home in working order. In the long run, you’ll end up saving money as routine maintenance can help avoid larger, more expensive repairs. This includes things like cleaning the furnace annually and changing furnace filters monthly, cleaning roofs and eavestroughs, checking decks, balconies and porches to ensure they are not rotting and inspecting weather stripping around doors and windows to determine if air is getting in and you need to re-caulk those areas. Putting maintenance off until later might not only be costly, but also dangerous.
I resolve to keep track of my receipts.
Create a simple system to keep track of any maintenance or repairs that were done to your home and by what supplier. That way you’ll know exactly when you replaced the roof or upgraded the furnace and who to call if you have issues. Keep all your receipts for home improvements throughout the year in one central spot or file folder. This will make things easier for you at tax time, plus you’ll know the value of home improvements over your entire ownership when the time eventually comes to sell.
I resolve to uncram my closets.
Funny thing about closets, no matter how big they are they end up getting crammed full of stuff. Clean out your closets so you don’t waste time looking for things. Donate what you no longer need, and organize the rest to that you can easily find the things you use frequently. Drawers, cupboards, and shelves need to be occasionally purged and rearranged. Tackle one or two drawers at a time so it’s not a huge task.
I resolve to be safe.
It’s important to test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they’re in working condition. One easy way is to change your batteries twice a year during the spring forward and fall back time changes. Check electrical systems for worn or exposed wires, and check heating systems and appliances for gas leaks and adequate ventilation.
I resolve to beautify my home.
No one likes to wash windows, but it is amazing what clean ones can do for your home’s appearance. Don’t forget the screens. Remove and hose them down if possible. If you don’t want to do it yourself, consider hiring a professional from time to time to really brighten up your view of the world. Thinking about landscaping? Do it yourself or hire a landscaper. It will add to the curb appeal of your home and increase your home’s value.
I resolve to repaint at least one room in the house.
Changing your wall colour makes a room look so fresh, and it’s an easy and inexpensive way to update your home décor. Once you’ve done one room and it looks great, you’ll probably be inspired to move onto another.
