Purchasing your first downtown San Diego condo is an exciting moment. However, homeowners have many more responsibilities than renters, especially in regards to fixing and maintaining their place. Here are five of the most important skills you should learn as a first-time homeowner:
1. Cleaning Appliances
Always clear the lint out of the dryer vent before drying a load of laundry. Dishwashers and some refrigerators also have filters or traps that need to be cleaned regularly. You can remove grime from your dishwasher by running the cycle on “hot” with one cup of vinegar. Your oven should have a self-cleaning feature that you can learn how to use from the instruction manual.
2. Changing Air Filters
If you have pets, you should change the air filter every one to three months. If you have no pets or allergies, you can probably go three to six months before needing to change your air filter. This will greatly reduce the amount of dust in your home.
3. Fixing Running Toilets
A running toilet will increase your water bill and can be a huge nuisance. If the chain between the flush lever and rubber flapper is too long or too short, you’ll have to shorten or replace it. If the flapper is broken or warped, disconnect it from the chain and attach a new one. If the float for the pump is too high, bend the rod that connects the float and the pump.
4. Hanging Wall Fixtures
If you want to hang heavy shelves, TV wall mounts, wall lights, or other fixtures, use a stud finder that you can purchase from a hardware store to find a wall stud. Attach a piece of painter’s tape to the wall and mark the tape where you plan to drill into the wall.
5. Changing Locks
You should change your locks immediately after moving into your new home. After buying a new lock, remove the old lock and deadbolt simply by removing the bolts and screws, and insert the new lock and deadbolt with the deadbolt facing “up.”
Itching to be a homeowner? The trusted downtown San Diego real estate brokers at 92101 Urban Living can help. We can show you condos and lofts for sale in the East Village, Marina District, Little Italy and more, helping you find the right place in the right budget. Call us today at (619) 649-0368 today!
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