Losing weight, exercising more, and getting finances under control are some of the most common New Year’s resolutions. As a homeowner, however, you might consider making a home improvement resolution this New Year. After all, like most, your home is likely your biggest asset, not to mention a place filled with so many of your most treasured memories. Whether you may be feeling like you’ve neglected some basic maintenance, are getting tired of the messy junk drawer or might have a vision for sprucing up the yard, the new year might be time to make that commitment to get some things you want and need to do done.
If you like the idea of making a home improvement resolution this New Year, here are 10 great resolutions to consider for getting you started.
#1 – Maintain Your Furnace
A well-maintained furnace minimizes the amount of dust circulating in your home. Not only does this reduce the amount of dusting you need to do each week, it also improves the air quality in your home, creating a healthier and happier living space. You should check your furnace filter once a month and, if it is dirty, replace it with a clean one. If you are planning to sell your home, potential buyers will appreciate being greeted with a warm breath of fresh air when they come to view your home.
#2 – Improve Fire Safety
None of us expect our home to fall victim to a fire, which is why it’s important to check and update your home’s fire safety on a regular basis. This year, you may resolve to improve fire safety in your home by testing and maintaining your smoke detectors, installing fire extinguishers in easily accessible areas, and checking for and eliminating potential fire hazards.
#3 – Organize Your ‘Miscellaneous’ Drawer
We all have one, and if you’ve lived in your home for a long time, there’s probably a whole lot of forgotten items hiding in your miscellaneous drawer. This New Year, challenge yourself to sort trash from treasure and get rid of the items you no longer need. If you are planning to sell, this is a great way to kick off decluttering your entire home.
#4 – Do A Deep Clean
Your weekly housekeeping likely doesn’t include commonly neglected areas such as dryer vents, refrigerator foils, air conditioners, shower heads, and your dishwasher. In fact, these areas may not have crossed your cleaning radar for quite some time. If this is the case, you may resolve to perform a deep clean on your home and tidy up those overlooked places. If you are planning to sell your home this year, a deep clean is a must before showing your home to potential buyers.
#5 – Eliminate Air Drafts
Air drafts make your home less comfortable in severe weather conditions and drive up heating and cooling costs. This year, you may resolve to pinpoint and eliminate draft entry points in places like windows, doorways, and the attic. Not only will this improve your living space and reduce energy costs, a comfortable and consistent interior temperature will make a good impression on potential buyers if and when you show your home.
#6 – Test Your Water
A clean water supply plays an important role in maintaining a healthy home environment. As a homeowner, you should test your water every year to ensure the levels of contaminants like lead in your water supply are safe. If you are planning to sell your home this year, you can present these test results during inspections and showings to put the minds of potential buyers at ease.
#7 – Optimize Your Soil to Green Up the Yard
The greenery in your home’s landscape depends on rich and healthy soil to flourish. If you haven’t tested your soil in the last three years, if you just moved into a new home, or if you are planning to sell your home, you should test your soil to ensure it is conducive to plant growth. If macronutrient levels are too high or too low, purchase a soil treatment or enlist the services of a professional to optimize your soil and get your landscaping looking its best this year.
#8 – Boost Your Curb Appeal
Coming home to a beautifully landscaped yard is a wonderful feeling and pristine front yard landscaping is one of the best ways to attract buyers. If you haven’t updated your landscaping in a few years, consider taking it on as a project this year to boost your home’s curb appeal. Not only will this help your home look its best, it will also increase its market value.
#9 – Repair Your Foundation
Over time, the foundation of your home may have developed cracks that increase the risk of flooding and may allow rodents to enter your home. You certainly don’t want to be faced with these issues at any time, but they are particularly cumbersome when you are preparing to show your home to potential buyers. By resolving to check the foundation of your home for cracks and to repair them if and where needed, you can go into the New Year confident that your home will be well-protected against water damage, mould and vermin.
#10 – Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Homes with a low carbon footprint are a growing trend and can be a selling point for potential buyers. Improving energy efficiency is one way to reduce your home’s carbon footprint while simultaneously reducing energy costs. This year, perhaps you would like to resolve to lower your home’s carbon footprint by adding additional insulation or making a switch to renewable energy.
If you are considering selling your home in the next year, a home improvement New Year’s Resolution can help ensure that the inspection goes smoothly and that your home is well-equipped to attract buyers when you go to market. On the other hand, if you have recently purchased or are considering the purchase of a new home this year, a home improvement New Year’s resolution can help you get the most out of your new living space. There are no limits on how many resolutions you can make, so commit to as many of these as you like. You may even be inspired to add some additional home improvement resolutions of your own.
