Congratulations, you’re homeowners! Woohoo, yea….okay, really, what now? Not to worry–these basics will help you handle the responsibility that comes with all of your new square footage.
A Cover-Your-Butt Plan
Here’s the thing: You’d much rather spend your energy choosing paint colors and deciding between textured throw rugs, than worrying about whether or not your house will get hit by a natural disaster. But this one isn’t optional–you’ll need to get homeowners insurance before you even close escrow. Yes, chances are slim that your house will get damaged by fire, flood, wind or theft, but at least you’ll know you’re covered should you need to rebuild, replace or relocate. You’ll shell out between $300 to $1,000 each year, but there are tricks to cutting down costs, like packaging your home insurance with the company that insures your car.
A Stay-Safe Strategy
Is that just the house creaking or is someone creeping down the hall? Could a regular-sized human crawl through that window and rob you blind? These are the things you don’t worry about as much when your house is safe and secure. If you can afford it, invest in a home security system, one that contacts the police and the fire department if the alarm gets tripped or the smoke detectors go off. The sign on your lawn alone will be enough to deter dirty thieves and you really can’t put a price tag on peace of mind. At the very least, you’ll want to install sturdy deadbolts in all of your doors, get latches for the windows, and maybe even get a dog, preferably a big, barking, ferocious-looking breed (sorry, a teacup poodle isn’t scaring anyone).
Mr. Fix It on Speed-Dial
Okay, so maybe you’re no stranger to tools, the kind of person who could totally renovate the bathroom yourself. Still, just in case you, oh, accidentally hit a pipe with that sledgehammer you’re expertly wielding, you’ll want to be able to call someone who can fix your mess. You want someone you can rely on, but contractors are notorious for falling off the grid, so get recommendations from friends. Handymen aren’t just helpful in-case-of-emergency though. If you want to paint a room, put up crown molding, restore some fencing or just have some light fixtures installed, it’s great to work with a Jack of all trades.
Mows and Hoes
Up until now, you may not have done much gardening, aside from watering your houseplants and trimming the artichokes you got at the farmer’s market. Well, now you have a whole lawn to mow (you don’t want it to look like an overgrown marshland, do you?). And what about that herb garden you’ve always wanted? Stop by your local nursery with pictures of your front and back yard and ask what they recommend for keeping your grass and plants healthy and hydrated. If you have dry, brown patches, you may want to consider reseeding and fertilizing. You’ll also want some kind of sprinkler system, whether it’s in-ground or a portable unit you hook up to your hose. And, of course, no suburban picture is complete without a lawn mower.
A Big Ole’ Grill
Steaks cooked in the cast iron pan. Chicken baked in Pyrex. Tasty, sure, but you’ve got to admit that barbecuing takes meats and veggies to a whole other level. Now that you have a yard–and a lush, green one at that–you can dine al fresco, whenever you want. Imagine sitting outside with a bottle of wine, a couple of filets and some sliced veggies, sizzling on the grill. That’s home life perfection right there.
Stove Savers and Fridge Fixers
Your new home comes equipped with a ton of appliances, some old, some new–and any one of them could crap out at any time. That first year, you don’t want to stress about fixing the stove or shelling out for a new one. With a home warranty, it’s all covered. So should the stove, er, burn out, the company will send someone out to fix it or even replace it if it’s unsalvageable, all as part of your coverage. The previous owners have been using these appliances for years, so ask who they used, and if they would recommend them. If not, again, get suggestions from friends and family.
Grown-up Stuff
By now, you’ve graduated way beyond the frat-life futon, and probably already have a nice, cozy transitional couch. Now that you’re living somewhere a lot more permanent though, you’ll want to consider investing in a simple piece of high-quality furniture, like a sofa for your living room. You’ll be using it for years to come, so you want something that will stand the test of time–sturdy enough to hold up against wear-and-tear (and future children) and classic enough to stay stylish.
An “Oh S$%t” Bag
Not to get all doom-and-gloomy on you, but every home needs to have a disaster kit, even if it’s just for a power outage. Stock yours with a three-day supply of water (a gallon per day, per person) and non-perishable food, a first aid kit, flashlight and batteries, a radio, warm jackets and blankets.
A Secret Key
No matter how responsible you are, every single homeowner has that moment when they’re carrying bags of groceries into the house, a sudden wind picks up, and SLAM…the front door bangs shut, with you outside. Thanks to the super-tight security system you’ve installed by now, your place is locked up like Fort Knox. So, you’ll want to have a spare key hidden somewhere outside. You can put it in a plastic bag and bury it in your yard or use a magnetic hide-a-key contraption and conceal it on your rain gutter or the back of your grill. You can even buy a hide-a-key device that looks like a rock, and tuck it away with your plants. Get clever with it–the, er, key, is to make sure it’s well-concealed.
A Good Neighbor
Whether you’re going out of town and need someone to pick up the mail, are low on milk for your morning coffee or just like having a friendly face nearby, it’s comforting to know your neighbors are looking out for you. Have their phone number to call in case of emergency, and leave them with a spare house key for those times you lock yourself out. Remember, you’re house-dwellers now—there’s no super (or doorman) to come bail you out.
