Our homes are like a part of our family. They keep us safe and give us a place where we can live, work and play in a healthy environment. However, like everything else, our homes need to be taken care or we can potentially put our health at risk.

ESTABLISH YOUR NEEDS

All homeowners require an emergency fund, but it’s a good idea to know your needs before creating one. That’s why you should assess your property for warning signs, as they indicate something could eventually become a serious problem. These indicators might be discolored walls suggesting a leaky roof, but they could also be as trivial as a light that sometimes flickers. For true peace of mind, consider bringing in a licensed home inspector. Their experience will be telling since they can identify issues that might otherwise be overlooked. This step is incredibly important if you are thinking of selling your house, because keeping up with repairs will increase your chances of selling faster and for a higher price. A pre-home inspection with a licensed home inspector is a prudent idea before listing your home with a Realtor.

THINK GREEN

When something sudden happens to your home it can be tempting to panic and delay paying monthly expenses or even resort to a payday lender. Yet, save money and focus on sustainable and energy efficiency upgrades. For many homeowners, the best way to finance their energy efficiency upgrades is through an energy efficient mortgage (EEM). With an EEM, you can purchase or refinance a home that is already energy-efficient or you can purchase or refinance a home that will become energy efficient after energy-saving improvements. Appliances, new windows or new roof are all considered upgrades that will save energy and money in the long run.

ADOBT A BUDGET

By having a budget in place, you can be sure to grow your finances and build up savings. Of course, that can be easier said than done if you are unsure where to begin. So, take a month to determine your spending habits and document all your income and expenditures. Once this is completed, you can create a budget, but be careful with frugality, as you don’t want to limit yourself entirely. If someone in the family has trouble making adjustments, explain how tightening the family’s finances can benefit everyone. A budget can be difficult to master, and it may take time to figure out completely, but the effort can increase your savings.

HIRE THE BEST CONTRACTOR

Costs can quickly spiral out of control, whether for repairs or renovations, but bringing in reliable contractors can prevent this. For instance, putting in a central air conditioning unit is a huge project that is best left to professionals. Yet, your estimates could far exceed the average of $3,000 to $10,000 if not done properly. Yes, those numbers depend on the type and quality of your model choice, but the contractor matters, too. So, avoid all contractors who try to get money up front, or push scare tactics to get you to spend more. Everything, including payment information, should also be put in writing, and always ask for a warranty. It’s natural to be trusting, but you cannot take risks when it comes to your house or finances.

MAINTAIN YOUR HOME

Every part of the home has a lifespan, even down to the foundation. Of course, this varies by type, as appliances like dishwashers typically last about nine years compared to a decade’s use for a roof. So, know how old everything is, and repair or replace things according to age. If your roof is still new but has loose or missing shingles, then deal with it immediately, as that can easily worsen in a short amount of time. Likewise, appliances that are not serviced or have frayed wires could cause fires or other major problems for our homes. By keeping everything maintained, we can protect ourselves — even just a little — from the unexpected.

PEACE OF MIND

Looking after a home is no small feat, but it truly makes all the difference and can offer peace of mind if everything is in working order. When we are financially prepared and make sure we get the help we need, a house can last a lifetime and be our best investment. This is a place to make memories, live happily, healthily and hopefully debt-free in the end.