20 things every homeowner should know
By Elizabeth Trach•Last updated Jun 29, 2023
Last updated Jun 29, 2023
Table of Contents
- 1. Your home’s roof is its first line of defense
- 2. Clogged gutters can lead to damage inside and outside your home
- 3. HVAC systems should be tuned up at least once each year
- 4. HVAC filters should be cleaned or replaced every 2-3 months
- 5. Beware of warm wall outlets
- 6. Wall anchors keep shelves and artwork secure — no studs required
- 7. Changes to your wood can mean big problems
- 8. Dryer lint is a major fire hazard
- 9. A musty smell may mean serious water and mold issues
- 10. Strange noises could indicate rodent problems, HVAC troubles or other issues
- 11. Know where your main water shutoff valve is located — and how to shut it off
- 12. A home energy audit can save you big bucks
- 13. There are rebates and incentives available for energy-efficient home improvements
- 14. Some home projects can improve your home’s value better than others
- 15. Some home projects may require permits
- 16. Getting multiple contractor estimates helps you get the job done faster
- 17. There’s a difference between contractor licenses and certifications
- 18. Contractors need insurance, too
- 19. Your homeowners insurance may not cover what you’d expect
- 20. A little home maintenance can prevent big, costly repairs
- Thumbtack makes it easy for homeowners to stay on top of maintenance
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Owning a home is the American Dream, but there’s a lot that they don’t tell you before you sign on the dotted line. You’re suddenly responsible for maintaining — and sometimes improving — your biggest investment. Without a user’s manual, it’s easy to feel lost. So where do you start?
You can boost your confidence and get a better grasp of homeownership basics. Here’s what every homeowner should know to keep a dream house in working order.
1. Your home’s roof is its first line of defense
Your roofing system is arguably the most important part of your home’s exterior. It protects your home from the elements, especially water.
Strong winds, rain, fire and sunlight can damage your roof. If it becomes too damaged, you could end up dealing with expensive problems, including mold, water damage, missing shingles or even a full roof replacement.
Inspect your roof throughout the year, especially after severe weather, for debris and signs of damage.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your roof, consider durable materials like metal and concrete, both of which can help protect your roof from fire.
2. Clogged gutters can lead to damage inside and outside your home
Cleaning your gutters at least twice a year is essential maintenance. When leaves and debris clog your gutters, it’s not just unsightly — it can severely damage your home. Water can’t drain properly when gutters are clogged. In winter, this can lead to freezing and thawing issues that crack gutters and cause ice dams to form along the edge of your roof. That can ultimately lead to rot, leaks, water damage, mold and broken shingles.
Even without freezing temperatures, clogged gutters can threaten your home’s integrity. Clear gutters and downspouts direct water away from your home. Clogged gutters, on the other hand, can cause pooling water around your foundation, which may lead to cracks. They can also cause interior leaks, flooded basements, broken gutters, pest infestations and more.
Related: How much does gutter cleaning cost?
3. HVAC systems should be tuned up at least once each year
Your furnace is one of the most important parts of your home, so having a professional perform a maintenance check each year is critical. Combustion systems need to be checked for safety hazards like carbon monoxide leaks.
A tuneup also helps ensure your system is running at peak efficiency, which can keep your utility bills lower. Don’t forget to service central air when you book an appointment.
4. HVAC filters should be cleaned or replaced every 2-3 months
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends cleaning or replacing filters in your furnace and air conditioners every 60 to 90 days to improve indoor air quality. If you have pets, you may need to check your filters every month.
Clean filters also help your system run efficiently, which can save on fuel and electricity costs over time. The Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that “replacing a dirty, clogged filter with a clean one can lower your air conditioner's energy consumption by 5% to 15%."
5. Beware of warm wall outlets
If you notice your wall outlets feeling warm, call an electrician right away, states the National Fire Protection Agency. This can be a sign that your wiring is damaged and overheating, which could cause a fire.
Scorch marks, frequent tripping circuit breakers, discoloration, burning odors and smoke are also signs you should never ignore.
6. Wall anchors keep shelves and artwork secure — no studs required
When you want to hang a picture but can’t find a wall stud, you don’t have to change your whole decorating plan. Instead, insert a wall anchor to lock a screw into drywall. These small tools help keep shelving, artwork and other wall hangings secure and protect drywall from tear-outs.
7. Changes to your wood can mean big problems
Keep an eye out for discoloration, peeling paint, bubbling paint, warping or lots of small holes in your wooden walls, siding, deck and other woodwork. These can be signs of termites, wood rot, mold, water damage and more.
When in doubt, get a professional’s opinion. For example, if you suspect termite damage, call a pest control service that can conduct a wood-destroying organism (WDO) inspection.
8. Dryer lint is a major fire hazard
Allowing lint to build up in your dryer could lead to a fire. "Failure to clean (31%) was the leading factor contributing to the ignition of clothes dryer fires in homes from 2018‑2020," states the National Fire Incident Reporting System.
Remember to empty the lint trap with each load and clean out the vent 1-2 times a year. You can do this yourself or hire a professional to inspect and clean your dryer vent.
9. A musty smell may mean serious water and mold issues
A musty smell is more than just unpleasant — it’s often a sign that your home has water damage, perhaps caused by a hidden leak or poor ventilation. Either way, the smell could indicate mold and mildew. Don’t ignore it, as it can make allergies worse and may even be toxic.
Even without mold, water damage could lead to rot and bigger leaks in the future — all of which could spell expensive trouble for your home’s structural integrity.
10. Strange noises could indicate rodent problems, HVAC troubles or other issues
If you hear odd sounds in your walls, it may be time to call an exterminator. Mice and other rodents often travel through walls, so you may not see them until there’s a large nest. Shuffling, scraping and scurrying sounds in the walls usually mean rodents or pests are making your house their home.
Rodents are a health hazard and can damage your wiring or anything else they decide to gnaw on. It’s better to investigate sooner rather than later.
Rodents aren’t the only possible cause of strange sounds. Depending on what you hear, you could have an HVAC, furnace, plumbing or appliance issue. Pay attention to where the sound is coming from and let a professional know what you’ve been hearing so they can help identify and fix the problem.
11. Know where your main water shutoff valve is located — and how to shut it off
If you have a burst pipe or other plumbing issue, the first thing you’ll need to know is how to turn off the water to limit damage to your home. Find your main water line and locate the shutoff valve, typically a ball or gate valve, to make sure it works. Knowing how to shut off the water in an emergency could spare you a lot of expensive damage.
12. A home energy audit can save you big bucks
A home energy audit can lead to big energy savings over time, according to the DOE. An auditor will inspect your home for energy loss and help you find ways to make it more efficient. For example, they’ll let you know if you need additional insulation, new windows or weatherstripping.
13. There are rebates and incentives available for energy-efficient home improvements
If you’re planning a renovation or need to replace a major appliance, HVAC system, insulation, windows, doors or roofing, check with your state and local government to see what rebates and tax breaks they may offer.
Many states offer incentives to make your home more energy efficient. Consider choosing the right materials, appliances or systems that could put more money back in your pocket.
14. Some home projects can improve your home’s value better than others
There will likely come a time when you want to improve a certain area of your home, whether it’s your bathroom, kitchen, landscaping or something else. Make sure you know which projects are worth the financial investment.
For example, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) found that new wood flooring, hardwood floor refinishing and new roofing recoup more than 100% of the cost to complete those projects.
15. Some home projects may require permits
If you’re a DIYer, make sure you look up the building codes in your area before you start your project. In many cities, you’ll need to obtain a permit before tackling a major project.
These projects typically include:
- Deck projects
- Fence projects
- Home additions
- Projects that involve gas lines
- Siding projects
- Water heater replacement
- Major plumbing projects
- Major electrical projects
Do your research on permits to avoid delays with your project — or, worse, being hit with a hefty fine.
16. Getting multiple contractor estimates helps you get the job done faster
When you need to contact a professional for home repairs, it’s good practice to get a few estimates — and not just to save money.
A detailed estimate will outline the scope of work and show you how each contractor would approach the job. You should also ask for a proposed start date and estimated time to completion, which will help you choose who to hire so the work doesn’t take longer than expected.
You can also check out our cost guides to get an idea of how much various home projects typically cost.
17. There’s a difference between contractor licenses and certifications
Some states require contractors to have licenses, depending on their field. A license proves that the state has vetted the contractor. It also means the pro has met the requirements for education and experience, so you know they’re qualified and legally eligible to perform the work.
Certification, on the other hand, is offered by private entities like professional associations. Certification may indicate extra know-how, but it’s no substitute for a full license if one is required in your state.
The best-case scenario? The professional you’re thinking about hiring has a state license as well as a certification or two.
18. Contractors need insurance, too
Any time you hire a handyman or contractor to do work on your home, make sure they have insurance. If they don’t, and something happens that causes damage, you’ll be on the hook to pay for it.
Reputable contractors will be happy to share their insurance information with you. If they aren’t willing to, steer clear.
19. Your homeowners insurance may not cover what you’d expect
With intense storms, fires and other natural disasters occurring every year, it’s important to understand what your homeowners insurance does and doesn’t cover. Most standard policies will cover home repairs caused by natural disasters and severe weather (hurricanes, fires, hail, etc.), as well as personal belongings destroyed by various disasters.
However, standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding or earthquakes. You’ll likely need additional coverage or a separate policy for those disasters. Many policies also won’t cover repairs that result from poor maintenance.
20. A little home maintenance can prevent big, costly repairs
Performing home maintenance tasks isn’t exactly fun, but the reward is worth the work. Cleaning your gutters, servicing your HVAC and cleaning out your dryer vent can help protect your home and help you avoid major repairs later.
But there are other personalized maintenance tasks you should complete. Depending on the type of home you have, you should complete other projects as the seasons change, including pressure washing, painting your home’s exterior, sealing your deck, chimney sweeping, pool cleaning and much more.
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