Virily Editor
Becoming a homeowner is a dream for millions of Americans. Owning property is a privilege that provides a retreat from the rest of the world for you and your family. It is also an investment that benefits you in the future far more than renting. Additionally, you have the freedom to take on home improvement projects to alter the property and make it more of a fit for your needs.
Along with the many benefits of homeownership come a few responsibilities. Taking care of the home is not up to a landlord or the maintenance team…it is up to you. That means when repairs are needed, you are the one who has to get the job done or at least foot the bill.
Maintaining a safe home in Portland, OR is important to get the most out of your investment. Here are a few tips to follow to ensure that your property is safe for all who live in it.
Cleanliness
Not all safety tips require expensive repairs or massive investments of time. A cleaner home is a safer home. Even the laziest homeowners can clean and decorate their homes so that clutter is minimized, making the space safer for all within. Clean the glass on the windows for better visibility and natural lighting. Think minimalistic when planning your furniture and decor purchases. Have one common bath and shower area so that it is easier to keep up with cleaning.
Change Locks
Securing your home can be as simple as the locks on the doors. When you move into a new Portland home, chances are that the doors require keys to open. One thing to consider is that the previous homeowner may not be the only party with a set of keys to the house that will be turned over to you. You never know if any copies were made or if other people have keys that were given to them by the previous owner. This is why it is wise to change the locks when you move into a new home and get a fresh set of keys.
Keep Up With Repairs
A home is made up of many complex systems. Plumbing, electricity, appliances, and HVAC systems are just some of the features of your home that may require maintenance or repairs. Staying on top of this is crucial to protect your home from significant damage while preventing even greater repair costs. For example, a leaking pipe could cause significant water damage in your home. If you ignore the problem and fail to contact someone to help with water damage restoration in Portland, Oregon, then the problem will grow worse over time, and therefore, more expensive.
Invest in a Security System
Not all dangers for homeowners come from within the house itself. Unfortunately, there are people out there that will take advantage of an unoccupied home to commit a burglary. Home security systems have helped deter potential burglars and thieves for decades. Installing a high-quality security system can warn you when a break-in is attempted. This will help keep you safe when you are home and keep the building secure when you are not.
Upgrade Old Features
Normal wear and tear tend to affect every aspect of a home. From electrical appliances to key structural framing, time can lead to deterioration that makes a home unsafe. If there are elements of your property that are particularly old or showing signs of aging, it may be wise to replace them with a newer model. For example, old siding or roofing could be causing leaks when it rains or forcing your HVAC systems to work harder. By replacing these materials, you can ensure that the home is safe.
Consult the Inspection Report
Whenever people purchase a new home, an inspection occurs, (unless it is waived during the price negotiations). This inspection is a thorough analysis of the state of the property and all its flaws. It also reveals potential problems that could arise in the future. Keeping the inspection report where you can access it is a smart decision when you move into the home. Consult this report every once in a while to get a sense of what your home may need in the next few years to stay safe for you and your family.
Safety Requires Effort
A safe home does not magically appear out of thin air. It takes work to turn your property into a safe haven for you and the family. Whether that means keeping up with repairs, investing in better security measures, or simply de-cluttering the space so there are fewer tripping hazards. If you want your Portland, OR home to be as safe as it is comfortable, then you need to put effort into making changes that secure the space.
