Getting to Know Your New House

Now that you've bought that home of your dreams, it's time to see just what you've got yourself into. Whether it's a new or previously owned house, one of the first things you'll want to do is familiarize yourself with its features, learn how to operate its functioning parts, and develop a maintenance program that will keep it in good condition through the years ahead. If you hired a home inspection service before purchasing your home, you can use the report they provided as a checklist. Or, buy a blank notebook and create your own maintenance log. Get "up-close and personal" with every item on your maintenance list. Wait for good weather and spend a few hours examining the house exterior from top to bottom. If you don't own an extension ladder, make it your first homeowner purchase—you'll need it for chores and repairs anyway. Also, a pair of binoculars can help extend your visual "reach" to high exterior walls and roof.

• Open each window and door, and note whether they operate properly or need new weather stripping
  
  
• Check that the grading slopes away from all exterior walls, which keeps rainwater out of the basement
  
  
• Use a garden hose to run water in the gutters and be certain that it exits away from your foundation
  
  
• Bring along a flashlight to inspect cracks, crevices and other places where the sun doesn't shine
  
  
• Don't be timid about poking into every area - literally. Use a penknife or screwdriver to probe wood siding for soundness, caulked joints for elasticity and bond, and mortar joints for strength and adhesion.