6 Things everyone should know about their home

Published on Fri Nov 13 2020 in Lifestyle

Buying a house is a big step. For many of us, it’s the biggest purchase we’ll ever make, and keeping everything in tip top shape is a point of pride. But whether you’re a first-time homeowner or have spent decades in the same place, your home might still be hiding a few secrets!

Here are six things everyone should know about their home.

1.Where the utility turnoffs are located

Knowing where your home’s fuse box, gas turnoff and water valves are is important. Quickly turning off the utilities could help prevent damage, such as flooding from a burst pipe or a gas explosion after an earthquake. At the very least, it might make it easier to get the power back on if the lights go out.

2. The age of major appliances

Unless your home was built new, you’ve likely inherited some appliances from the previous owners. Garage door openers, water heaters and air conditioners all have a lifespan, and knowing their age could help you decide whether to repair or replace them. Knowing when these appliances were purchased might also save you money if they’re still under warranty.

3. When smoke alarm batteries were last changed

Smoke alarms are an important safety feature. Regularly checking them could help save lives if a fire ever starts in your home. A good rule of thumb is to test all alarms and change the batteries whenever you move to a new house. Then, pick a time to check them again throughout the year, such as each Daylight Saving Time.

4. Who has a spare key

Many homeowners worry about a burglary, but may overlook spare keys as a way for thieves to easily break in. When you move house, it may be wise to change the locks to keep anyone with the previous owner’s keys from getting in. Making a list of who you’ve given spare keys to could help you keep track of who can access your home. You may want to check in on them once a year, and possibly change the locks if a key goes missing.

5. Who your neighbours are

Whether you’re new to the neighbourhood or just never got around to introducing yourself, getting to know your neighbours could be helpful. A trustworthy neighbour could help watch your home when you’re away, lookout for trouble or loan you tools when you’re in need. They may even have recommendations for great local restaurants or businesses!

6. What might happen if you pass away suddenly

If the worst were to happen to you, what would happen to your house? Families are sometimes forced to sell their home when a breadwinner passes away suddenly. Reviewing any protection and plans you may have in place in the event you were to pass away, such as a Life Insurance policy, could help protect your family’s future.

Owning a house is a big responsibility, but one that many people happily take on. Knowing as much as you can about your home, neighbourhood and how to help protect this investment could leave more time to enjoy your life there and less time stressing!

DIY or call a pro? Use this guide to help decide when to tackle a home repair or improvement.

About Author: Momentum Life is a leading provider of Life insurance and Funeral insurance in New Zealand.

The content provided in this article is for information purposes only. The information is of a general nature and does not constitute financial advice or other professional advice. To the extent that any of the content constitutes financial advice, it is limited to Momentum Life products only and does not consider your specific financial needs or goals. You should consider whether the information is appropriate for you and seek independent professional advice, if required.

All product information is correct at the time this article was published. For current product information, please visit the Momentum Life website.