Resolve to Handle the Basics

We always want to jump into the deep end of the pool head first. The key to keeping our resolutions, however, is starting small. Sticking a toe in the shallow end, as they say. Below, you'll find five basic "smaller" resolutions that'll ensure your bigger resolution to take care of your home gets off on the right foot.

1: Resolve to Assess Your Home  Before you can improve your home, you should know what it needs. To discover what it needs, you'll need to assess your home's overall condition. Kick off your home assessment by creating specific needs lists by type: mechanical and structural, cosmetic, and other. Then, take those lists and go room to room. Look for issues, and document the needs of your home.

2: Resolve to Build an Emergency Fund  It's easy to be caught off guard by sudden issues that arise with your home. Pipes spring leaks. HVAC systems stop working. These things sound like nightmares, but they don't have to be. Resolve to build an emergency fund for your home that you contribute a little to each payday. By doing so, you ensure that sudden repairs won't catch you by surprise!

3: Resolve to Maintain Your HVAC System  Your HVAC system is what keeps your home feeling nice and cozy, no matter the temperature. It can be a real pain when your HVAC system goes out beyond the realm of repair, forcing you to cover the cost of a new one. From changing your air filters to calling a pro to tune it for each season, resolving to properly maintain your HVAC system will keep it running like new.

4: Resolve to Test Your Alarms  This goes for both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors! Your smoke alarms are probably the best line of defense you have at detecting potential house fires, just as carbon monoxide detectors keep you safe from dangerous poisoning. Alarms with fading batteries, or alarms that are failing in general, put your family in serious danger. Make sure to swap out the batteries in your alarms as needed, or if your alarms have aged out and no longer work properly, switch them for new ones.

5: Resolve to Clean Your Gutters  Sure, cleaning your gutters can be a pain. To be honest, it seems like cleaning them really serves no purpose, right? That kind of thinking can be harmful to your home. Clear gutters keep the drainage system of your home performing efficiently. If your gutters are clogged, they can't drain properly, which can lead to serious water damage. As much of a pain as the task can be, resolve to clean your gutters at least once every three months. It makes a difference!