Owning a home is a brand new life journey for some people.  Most of us learn as we go along, using the tidbits we picked up from watching our parents in childhood to blunder through the tasks of maintaining and repairing a home.  Because there is no required training for home ownership, even the most experienced homeowners can have questions.  Here are some must-learn tips from your favorite Tampa Bay home builders.

Tampa Bay Home Builders Give Expert Advice to Homeowners

How to Fix Toilet Problems

If you own a home, you will have problems with your toilet.  You should become familiar with the workings in the back of the toilet.  This can fix a constantly running toilet.  You should also know how to properly plunge a clogged toilet, and how to know when it’s fully unclogged and ready to be cleared (or flushed).  

Understanding your Water Heater

A leaky water heater is bad news and needs to be replaced immediately.  You should also be familiar with the temperatures on your water heater and where they are located, as well as their impact.  This will let you know if you are having issues with your water temperature, or if you just need to kick it up a notch.  

What Things Cost

Many homes have multiple forms of maintenance.  Is the air conditioner going to be more efficient in your home than running multiple fans?  Will your propane fireplace be more cost-effective, or should you stick with the fuel furnace?  Would an electric heater lower your overall cost or raise it?  These are questions that have basic “right” answers, but truly vary for each home.  Many contributing factors occur, and only time and monitoring can answer these in your home.  However, knowing these answers can save you a fortune for years to come.  

When to Lock your Doors

Daytime break-ins are much more frequent than they were in the past.  In fact, in most areas they have become the prime time for petty crimes.  Keeping your home protected during the day is just as important as at night.

Know Your Water Functions

Locate the main water valve.  Shut off your water when you go on a long trip.  These little tidbits can make a big difference.  Also, locate your water meter and be at least slightly aware of what it means.  You can easily get a high water bill if there is a mistake in the reading.

With these simple tips, you’ll be on your way to home maintenance expertise.  To make your maintenance load a little lighter, build a brand new home with Cogdill Home Builders, your Tampa Bay home builders.

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