7 Things Every Homeowner Should Keep Track Of
Owning a home comes with plenty of responsibilities, but one thing homeowners often overlook is keeping good records. Between repairs, improvements, warranties, and routine maintenance, it can be surprisingly easy to forget what was done, when it was completed, or who did the work.
Creating a simple home record can make maintaining your property easier and may even be helpful when it's eventually time to sell.
1. The Age of Your Major Systems
Do you know how old your furnace, air conditioner, water heater, or roof is?
Keeping track of installation dates can help you anticipate when major systems may need maintenance or replacement instead of being caught off guard by an unexpected expense.
If you replace something, save the receipt, warranty information, model number, and contractor's contact information.
2. Home Improvements You've Completed
Keep a running list of improvements you make to your home.
This might include new flooring, windows, appliances, landscaping, a remodeled bathroom, finished basement, new deck, updated electrical work, or other significant projects.
Take before-and-after photos when possible and save receipts or invoices. Years later, you may not remember exactly when a project was completed or how much you invested in it.
3. Paint Colors
This one seems minor until you need to touch up a wall three years later!
Keep a record of the paint brand, color name, finish, and room where it was used. Taking a photo of the paint label is an easy way to save the information.
It can save you from trying to match a mystery shade of beige later.
4. Appliance Information
When you purchase a new appliance, save the model and serial numbers along with warranty information and receipts.
This makes it much easier to find replacement parts, schedule service, or determine whether a repair may still be covered under warranty.
5. Routine Maintenance
Some home maintenance happens so infrequently that it's easy to forget the last time it was completed.
Keep track of things like HVAC servicing, chimney inspections, septic maintenance, gutter cleaning, water softener service, deck staining, and other recurring tasks specific to your property.
A simple calendar reminder can make staying on top of these jobs much easier.
6. Contractors You've Used
Finding a contractor you trust is valuable, so don't lose their information once the project is finished.
Keep a list of plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, roofers, landscapers, painters, and other professionals you've had a good experience with.
The next time something needs attention, you'll already know who to call.
7. Important Home Documents
Keep important property documents together in one safe location. This may include warranties, manuals, permits, surveys, improvement receipts, insurance information, and other records related to your home.
Digital copies can also be helpful so important information is easy to find when you need it.
Why Does All of This Matter When You Sell?
Good home records aren't just helpful while you're living in the property. They can also make things easier when you're preparing to sell.
Being able to provide information about the age of major systems, improvements you've completed, and maintenance you've performed can help you answer buyer questions more confidently.
It also makes preparing your home for the market easier because you'll have a clearer picture of what's been updated and what may need attention before listing.
You don't need an elaborate system. A folder, binder, spreadsheet, or digital file can work perfectly.
Your home is likely one of your largest investments. Keeping track of how you maintain and improve it is a simple habit that can make homeownership easier today and potentially make selling easier down the road.
Rachel Koth, Realtor
The Rachel Koth Real Estate Team
Keller Williams Legacy Group