New homeowners
often find there's more to keeping up a house than cutting the grass
and clearing snow from the driveway.
Tools
To start with, a new homeowner needs to have on hand a 'basic tool
kit'. A number of basic tools are a must: a metal hammer, screwdrivers
with a variety of heads, a small saw, electric drill, adjustable wrench,
pliers and measuring stick. Sandpaper and an assortment of screws
and nails are also very handy. These tools will help with simple repairs
such as securing loose tiles, adjusting a door, installing a lock,
etc.
Meters
Once you're equipped to perform the most basic repairs, take a look
around. Do you know where your gas/electricity and water meter are
located? Usually these are found outside the home by a side or back
wall. This makes it easy for the meter reader who can take the readings
without bothering you. Sometimes these meters, especially the water
meters in older homes, are located indoors -- usually in the basement.
As new homeowners, it's a good idea to check your
meters on a weekly or monthly basis. This will help you gain an understanding
of seasonal increases and decreases in consumption and enable you
to take measures to become more energy/water efficient.
Plumbing
Another area where a little knowledge can go a long way is in the
plumbing system. House plumbing is divided into two separate parts.
One is the fresh-water system that provides cold and hot water from
the various fixtures throughout the house; the other is the drainage
system that carries waste out of the house.
The fresh-water system can be completely shut down
by closing the main valve, which is usually located in the basement
near where the underground water line enters the house. Most lines
that branch out from the main line also have individual shut-off valves
so water can be turned off to one area without disturbing the flow
in another. Most plumbing jobs require at least the partial shut-off
of your home's water supply.
Meanwhile, the drainage system connects all the plumbing
fixtures to a main sewer line that carries waste out of the house
to a sewer or septic tank. The main sewer line extends above the roof
of the house to allow gases to escape. The opening of this pipe, above
the roof, is called a vent and must never be covered or allowed to
become clogged with debris.
Electrical
Knowledge of your home's electrical system is also valuable in case
you have to turn off all power in case of an emergency, such as a
fire. You should know the location of the main electric switch in
the house and how to use it. You should also know the location of
the fuse box or circuit breaker and how to reset a breaker or replace
a fuse in case one blows.
The main switch, along with the circuit breaker panel
or fuse box, are located near the electric meter at a point close
to where the power lines come into the house. They may be in the basement,
utility room, or even the kitchen. The older the home, the more likely
it will have a fuse box instead of a circuit breaker panel. Always
replace fuses with ones of the same capacity.
Heating
Another important aspect of your new home is its heating system. The
more familiar you are with it, the less likely you might find yourself
cold on a winter's day. Heating systems are usually fueled by oil,
gas, electricity or wood.
Gas-fired and oil-fired heating systems have burners
and should be inspected regularly, usually once a year before the
start of the heating season. Gas burners have pilot lights. You should
learn to re-light the pilot light on your gas burner in case it ever
goes out. You should also know the location of the gas shut-off valve
so you can turn off the gas in case the burner doesn't light or you
smell gas escaping.
Heating systems operate in a variety of ways. The
better you understand your system, the safer and more efficient you
can make it.
Hazards
Fire in a home is a major hazard that all new homeowners should be
aware of. Early detection is the key to protecting your family and
keeping damage to a minimum. Ensure your home has smoke detectors
installed in hallways and bedroom areas. Smoke detectors sound an
alarm when smoke is in nearby air, even if there is no intense heat.
Ideally, you should have a smoke alarm in each bedroom.
If you have a gas-fired heating system or a fireplace
in your home, it's also a good idea to install carbon monoxide detectors
in the bedroom areas. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless
toxic gas that, at high levels, can cause flu-like symptoms and even
death.
While carbon monoxide detectors are not a substitute
for proper care and maintenance of your home, they provide a good
second line of defense by sounding an alarm when carbon monoxide reaches
an unsafe level.
When we purchase a home, most of us want to turn it
into a safe and secure haven for our families. The more we know about
the home we have purchased, the more efficient and effective we can
be.
Ontario
Real Estate Association