Buying a home comes with plenty of responsibilities, but even just knowing where to start with maintenance can be a challenge. One new homeowner turned to Reddit with a wish for "a manual for this home," prompting fellow homeowners to share advice on everything from uneven cooling to hidden moisture.
Here's what to know
Writing in Reddit's r/homeowners community, the original poster explained that they had purchased their house without an inspection. Now, they needed help choosing the right professionals and even advice on when one was needed.
Although the OP had yet to encounter any major issues, they did note that uneven cooling from room to room was one problem they hoped to solve. They also wanted to find out whether the heating and cooling equipment was safe and operating efficiently.
"I feel like I want a manual for this home — or to have the knowledge and professionals at my disposal to put one together myself — but I just don't know where to start. Any advice?" the OP wrote.
In addition to addressing minor issues, such as a nest near the roof where a bit of siding had come loose, the OP was also interested in getting a status check on other items, such as potential air leaks or the possible presence of hidden mold in the home.
What commenters said
Many commenters agreed with the OP's proactive approach to getting to know their new home and the status of its various systems. As an additional item, one commenter also recommended an electric company energy audit, which would identify any efficiency concerns. Similarly, others advised checking the home's HVAC performance, sealing, and insulation.
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
Other users gave the OP examples of warning signs to look out for, including musty smells, evidence of water damage, and discoloration in an attic or basement. Another commenter focused on the moisture that can allow mold to grow, whether from indoor humidity or from leaks in plumbing, roofs, or windows.
Other considerations
Writing from their own experience, one commenter recommended starting off by getting copies of the owner's manual for every appliance and device in the home and saving them in a central location, such as a homeowner's reference book. This central repository could also include information such as maintenance schedules and troubleshooting guidance for the furnace, stove, washer, and dryer. Some commenters advised that digital copies of owners' manuals could easily be found online.
With all the helpful recommendations, perhaps the most useful bit of advice came from a commenter who said that, to avoid feeling overwhelmed, it can help to recognize that a new homeowner does not need to learn everything all at once.
"Honestly, a lot of stuff is just learning as it comes up," they wrote.
Where can I learn more?
The OP was hardly the first new homeowner to feel overwhelmed by the number of projects and responsibilities that come with owning a home. These stories follow homeowners sorting through move-in repairs, inspection concerns, dirty HVAC filters, and more.
• An overwhelmed new homeowner received a DIY-first shortlist of fixes after moving in.
• After repeated floods and equipment failures, a homeowner urged buyers to inspect everything before purchasing.
• A buyer faced roof, HVAC, mold, and sewer surprises, prompting warnings to walk away.
• A buyer found a filthy HVAC filter after an inspector showed its clean-looking end.
• A new homeowner fixing a roof vent discovered an unconnected bathroom fan instead.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
Cool Picks
