2024 Homeowner's Guide

It's been just over a year since becoming a homeowner myself, and needless to say, it's already been quite the adventure: flooding, loose gutters, top-to-bottom painting, and a laundry closet that was too small to take out the old washing machine. Ironically, even though I created Minicastle to help my family with their house issues and track stuff I wanted to fix in my apartment, I really had no idea what to do when it came to actually owning a home myself.

Google and YouTube are amazing learning resources, but like anything else on the internet, this stuff can be as overwhelming as owning the house itself. After moving in, I found myself in search of a more curated list of suggestions, advice, and way of managing everything I was seeing.

So, here's a list of interactive suggestions to help new and seasoned homeowners take care of their house, from basic maintenance and chores, to easy upgrades, and things to help you get ready for different times of year, like winter. I plan to add more and improve what's here over time. Have any thoughts or suggestions? Send an email to help@minicastle.app.

Basic Routine Maintenance

Preventative maintenance is the best way to avoid having big issues blow up. You don't need to be a handyman or expert to do thefollowing. Everything should take just an hour or two at most, butonce you're done, you'll have a better sense of how your home isrunning and potentially catch bigger problems early.

• Collect any records or manuals for all major systems (Furnace, Water Heater, AC)
  1x per year
• Run systems and listen for issues
  2x per year
• Check water shutoff valve
  1x per year
• Check natural gas shutoff valve
  1x per year
• Test life safety systems
  1x per year
• Check circuit breaker to major systems
  1x per year
• Check for cracks around exterior of house
  1x per year
• Check for any water pooling around exterior of house
  1x per year
• Check attic for any signs of moisture or mildew
  1x per year
• Create an inventory of your stuff for insurance purposes
  1x per year
• Power wash concrete surfaces
  1x per year

Easy Chores

With a name like "Chores", it's hard to imagine any of this stuff can be fun. But here's a few quick tips: (1) turn on a sound system or throw on your headphones, (2) find your favorite podcast, audiobook, or new album, and (3) lift your broom, mop, sponge, or vaccum high above your head and charge into action. Think of cleaning less as an act of chore-doing and household drudgery, and more like a game that turns your home into a house of zen.

• Vaccum / Sweep / Mop
  1x per week
• Dust
  1x per week
• Do the dishes
  2x per week
• Do laundry (wash, dry, fold)
  2x per week
• Take Out the Trash & Recycle
  2x per week
• Scrub Bathroom
  1x per month
• Clean Windows
  1x per month
• Organize Closets
  1x per month
• Pay Bills
  1x per month
• Weed & Mow Yard
  1x per month
• Meal prep
  1x per week

Easy Upgrades

Just move in? (Or... thinking about selling?) Here are a few ways to increase the quality of your living space easily. Estimated costs range from free (!) to just a few hundred dollars.

• Clear out junk
• Clean windows
• Clean closets
• Clean storage
• Hang art
• Install smart lightbulbs
• Add houseplants
• Upgrade switch/outlet covers
• Install new cabinet pulls
• Install new door hardware (knobs, handles, hinges
• Install new light fixtures
• Re-paint trim
• Install removeable wallpaper
• Paint walls

Get Ready for Winter

If you live in cold places like the Northeast, weather from November to March is usually a whole different ballgame. Hopefully your winter is much sunnier and warmer than ours, but if you're in another cold climate, here are a few suggestions to help your house hunker down. Winter is coming!

• Disconnect AC system for winter
  1x per year
• Turn off water supply to all exterior pipes and faucets
  1x per year
• Check and clear gutters
  1x per year
• Power wash and re-stain wood decks
  1x per year