© Shutterstock

Beware of daytime crime -

To the surprise of many, burglary isn't a nocturnal activity. Most burglaries actually occur between 10 am and 5 pm. The most common ways for crooks to get in are through unlocked doors and windows. 

© Shutterstock

Get your neighbor’s contact information -

Have your neighbor's contact information in case of an emergency, or simply to invite them over for dinner. It's nice to know you can look out for each other. 

© Shutterstock

Have a homeowner journal -

Get yourself a ring binder to keep insurance papers, repair receipts, and all other paperwork belonging to the house. Organization makes life much easier. 

© Shutterstock

Understand electrical circuits -

To become a master homeowner, get an understanding of how the electrical circuits in your home function. This will allow you to make many DIY improvements.

© Shutterstock

A leaking water heater is a time bomb -

Water heaters can sometimes leak, and if the leak comes from the drain valve, then it's easy to replace. However, if it's leaking from the actual tank, then it can eventually burst and cause an instant flood.

© Shutterstock

Test and replace batteries in smoke detectors -

Make it a habit to monthly test your smoke detectors. Batteries should be replaced every year, even if they're still working. Also, smoke detectors have a lifespan of 10 years, so keep those dates in mind for when you need a new one. 

© Shutterstock

Before you buy a toilet -

If you want to get an elongated toilet bowl, make sure you measure the space first. Many make the mistake of installing one, only to discover that the bathroom door can't be closed. 

© Shutterstock

Choose timeless colors -

To avoid any costly remodeling in the future, go for neutral colors for fixtures, like toilets, tile, tubs, and countertops. You can instead easily go bold with inexpensive accents like rugs or pottery.

© Shutterstock

Spot and smell mold -

Whenever you spot mold on a hard surface, you need to deal with it immediately. Some mold can be harder to remove, especially stachybotrys chartarum, AKA toxic black mold. For this reason, you'll need to get rid of the materials entirely and address what caused it.

© Shutterstock

The lifespan of all the components of your home -

The reality is, nothing in your home lasts forever, this includes your appliances and old building materials. Keep a record of their lifespans, warranties, and maintenance schedules. 

© Shutterstock

Learn how to use a fire extinguisher -

Having a fire extinguisher in your home is super important, but do you know how to actually use one? Make sure you get informed, in case of an emergency. Also, don't forget to effectively inspect your extinguisher.

© Shutterstock

Clean the dryer vent -

An uncleaned dryer vent will cause it to run inefficiently, and it can risk causing a house fire. Make sure you get rid of any lint that will attract pests and cause unpleasant odors. 

© Shutterstock

Proper light bulb wattage -

Be careful not to use a light bulb with wattage too high for a given outlet. This can easily result in a home fire. Try to locate the wattage on each fixture outlet, and if it's not marked, stay under 60 watts.

© Shutterstock

What your countertop materials are made of -

To properly clean and maintain your countertops, make sure you know what materials they're made from. For example, natural stone, like marble, needs to be sealed annually and cleaned with a solution that's specifically formulated so as to not harm the material.

© Shutterstock

How to care for your hardwood floors -

If you want to keep those hardwood floors beautiful for years to come, then you need to care for them properly. Instead of using water on them, use a dry cloth to promptly mop up spills and use wood-friendly cleaners on a monthly basis. 

© Shutterstock

Don't squish ants -

Instead of squishing ants, place liquid bait around areas where you've seen them, like under the sink and along walls. This way they'll take the toxic bait back to the nest. 

© Shutterstock

How to clean a gutter -

It has to be done, since a clogged gutter with sticks and leaves can cause damage and leaks to your roof and walls. But if you clean your gutter yourself, be careful when going up there. 

© Shutterstock

The experts -

Make sure you have the contact details for recommended plumbers, carpenters, electricians, contractors, handymen, and exterminators. You never know when you'll need their service. 

© Shutterstock

How your home is ventilated -

In order to prevent harmful pollutants and unwanted moisture that can affect your health, make sure all exhaust vents are unobstructed and inspected yearly. 

© Shutterstock

The nearest hospital -

In case of an emergency, it's worth noting the locations of the closest hospital, emergency clinic, and vet. You should also double check to see if these places accept your insurance. 

© Shutterstock

Adjust your water heater -

Make sure you adjust your water heater before you go on vacation, or else you'll lose money on something super simple. Before leaving, turn your water temperature down so that it won't need to maintain the temperature of the whole tank while you're away. But don't forget to turn it back up when you get home!

© Shutterstock

The noise curfew -

Loud music once in a while can be fine, but neighbors won’t appreciate your speakers blasting all hours of the night, nor will they enjoy early lawn mowing. And you definitely want to stay on their good side in case on day you need their help!

© Shutterstock

Turn off the water before going on vacation -

No one wants to return home from a vacation to find their home flooded. So, before leaving, turn off the main water valve. It takes less than a minute, and you'll avoid one of the biggest homeowner nightmares! 

© Shutterstock

Where the main water shut-off is -

As a homeowner, you need to know where the main water shut-off is and how to turn it off. Quickly turning it off in case of a plumbing emergency will reduce further damage in the home.  

© Shutterstock

Your home’s electrical capacity -

If you want to add a new appliance or make a modernization update, make sure your circuit can handle the additional load. If not, you'll find yourself constantly having to reset your breaker. 

© Shutterstock

Waste pick-up days -

Each area has different days for garbage pick-up, recycling, and compost. Check with your local sanitation department to see which items go into each category and on what days they'll be picked up. 

© Shutterstock

Eliminate drain odor -

The traps in drains that aren't used often will eventually dry out, which can potentially release harmful sewer gas into your home. Get rid of this problem by adding some fresh water topped with a couple of tablespoons of cooking oil. The oil will float above the water and seal against evaporation. 

© Shutterstock

How to seal up drafts -

Knowing how to seal up drafts during winter is an important step to keeping your home warm. Plus, covering up any poorly-insulated areas will also lower your cooling bills in the summer. 

© Shutterstock

Deal with pests -

Pests are all too common, and you'll likely encounter them in your home at one point. From silverfish to cockroaches, mice to termites, you should know what to do if you ever have the misfortune of encountering one. 

Sources: (Apartment Therapy) (Family Handyman)

See also: How to improve the air quality of your home

© Shutterstock