Your house may be your biggest financial investment. Take steps to maintain and even increase its value. Let’s take a look at a few things you can do to be a better homeowner.

Be a Better Homeowner by Being Mindful of Water Use

Using too much water isn’t simply wasteful. It will also affect your bank account. Here are some ways to save water at home.

  • Install a low-flow showerhead.
  • Switch to soaker hoses outside and eliminate your lawn sprinkler system.
  • Add a rainwater collection tank and store runoff to use in the garden.
  • Simply turning off the faucet while you brush your teeth can make a big difference.

Research Which Improvements Make the Most Sense

Be a better homeowner by doing a little research before taking on any major remodeling projects. Some renovations bring a better return on investment than others. For instance, you’ll typically recover the price of a new garage door more easily than the cost of installing a new hot tub.

Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

Save on utility costs and lower your home’s carbon footprint by improving energy efficiency around the home.  Caulk drafty doors and windows and add insulation in the attic and garage.

Be a Better Homeowner by Checking the Gutters

It’s common to overlook gutter maintenance. Twice a year, remove all debris from your gutters. Fall is the most important time to clean the gutters. It can help prevent ice damage to the gutter system during cold winter months.

Start a Neighborhood Watch

Keeping an eye out for all your neighbors is a great way to make sure your home is safe too. Get the neighbors together and form a neighborhood watch group with the aid of local law enforcement.

Develop a Few DIY Skills to Be a Better Homeowner

Learn how to perform some of the smaller home maintenance tasks on your own. You’ll save money when you paint the living room, replace a leaky faucet, or refinish the staircase by yourself.

Improve Curb Appeal

Boosting your home’s curb appeal isn’t something you should only do when selling it. Make your home more attractive at any time. Here are easy some ideas to improve the exterior.

  • Paint the front door a bold new color.
  • Trim overgrown shrubs and trees and add mulch to the flower beds.
  • Stain or paint the wooden fence.
  • Pressure-wash the sidewalks and driveway to tidy them up.

Inspect for Termites

Termites are pests that can do a tremendous amount of damage to your home, especially if they eat through major supporting beams. Look for telltale signs of termites and bring in a termite professional if you have concerns.

Change to Energy Efficient Bulbs

Are you still using incandescent bulbs? Replace your bulbs with more energy-efficient options like LEDs or CFLs. The bulbs will last longer and you will save money on your utility bill.

Check Smoke Detectors for Bad Batteries

Keep your family safe. Test your smoke detectors every month and replace their batteries twice every year. This way you’re sure to be alerted in case of smoke or a house fire.

Elite Home Inspections offers home inspection services to customers in Louisville, KY, and surrounding areas. Contact us to request an appointment.