Buying a home in the Natick real estate market is an exciting step. The more you know about your new home, the better you can take care of it and even prevent costly damage. Here are five things you should know about your home.
Your Furnace needs to be Serviced Regularly
No matter what kind of condition your furnace is in, it needs to be serviced regularly. Experts suggest that you change your filter about four times a year, and even more often if you have pets.
When you have a technician inspect your furnace, you can catch small problems and potential issues before they get out of hand, become more expensive and more damaging. Leaking air ducts is one of the biggest factors that leads to inefficient furnaces, so making sure these are in good repair is also important.
Your Home’s Roof, Basement and Foundation are Susceptible to Water Damage
Water damage can be very expensive to repair, and leaks and floods can lead to major problems. To avoid this, protect your roof, basement and foundation, which are especially susceptible to water damage.
Make sure your roof is in good repair, use a sump pump in your basement and watch for cracks, mold and dampness, which are all signs of water leakage.
You May be required to Get Specific Insurance Coverage
Contact your home insurance provider to find out what kind of insurance you are required or recommended to have. Depending on where you live, your provider might recommend specific types of coverage, like flood coverage, which is extremely important in case of an emergency.
Your Home May Need Safety Updates
Older homes are more likely to need safety updates, but you should have your home inspected no matter how old it is. Safety codes and regulations are enforced by law and will protect your home and family.
Some insurance providers actually provide discounts when you have some safety features in place in your home, so check with your provider to find out if you qualify for a lower monthly premium.
There are Utility Lines Throughout Your Property
When you buy a new home, you don’t know where power, water, gas and Internet lines are. Digging on your property can be dangerous if you don’t know where utility lines are, and you could accidentally cause damage to them.
Before you dig in your yard or garden you can call 811, which is a national hotline that helps homeowners find utility lines before they dig on their property. When you call this number, you can request that a technician come to your home and mark your utility lines. Then, keep a record of where these lines are for future reference.
When you know about how to care for your home and avoid damage, your home and its systems will stay in excellent condition for years. Find out more about what you should know about your home on the Christine Norcross & Partners website.
If you are interested in buying a home or listing your Natick home for sale, contact Christine Norcross at 781-929-4994. You can also connect with us on Facebook for more tips and advice.
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