1 . MAINTAIN YOUR FURNACE
A well-maintained furnace minimizes the amount of dust circulating in your home . Not only does this reduce the amount of dusting you need to do each week but it also improves the air quality in your home , creating a healthier and happier living space . You should check your furnace filter once a month and , if it is dirty , replace it with a clean one . If you are planning to sell your home , potential buyers will appreciate being greeted with a warm breath of fresh air when they come to view your home .
2 . IMPROVE FIRE SAFETY
None of us expect our home to fall victim to a fire , which is why it ’ s important to check and update your home ’ s fire safety on a regular basis . This year , you may resolve to improve fire safety in your home by testing and maintaining your smoke detectors , installing fire extinguishers in easily accessible areas , and checking for and eliminating potential fire hazards .
3 . ORGANIZE YOUR “ MISCELLANEOUS ” DRAWER
We all have one , and if you ’ ve lived in your home for a long time , there ’ s probably a whole lot of forgotten items hiding in your miscellaneous drawer . This New Year , challenge yourself to sort trash from treasure and get rid of the items you no longer need . If you are planning to sell , this is a great way to kick off decluttering your entire home .
4 . DO A DEEP CLEAN
Your weekly housekeeping likely doesn ’ t include commonly neglected areas such as dryer vents , refrigerator foils , air conditioners , shower heads , and your dishwasher . In fact , these areas may not have crossed your cleaning radar for quite some time . If this is the case , you may resolve to perform a deep clean on your home and tidy up those overlooked places . If you are planning to sell your home this year , a deep clean is a must before showing your home to potential buyers .
5 . ELIMINATE AIR DRAFTS
Air drafts make your home less comfortable in severe weather conditions and drive up heating and cooling costs . This year , you may resolve to pinpoint and eliminate draft entry points in places like windows , doorways , and the attic . Not only will this improve your living space and reduce energy costs , a comfortable and consistent interior temperature will make a good impression on potential buyers if and when you show your home .
6 . TEST YOUR WATER
A clean water supply plays an important role in maintaining a healthy home environment . As a homeowner , you should test your water every year to ensure the levels of contaminants — like lead — in your water supply are safe . If you are planning to sell your home this year , you can present these test results during inspections and showings to put the minds of potential buyers at ease .
7 . OPTIMIZE YOUR SOIL TO GREEN UP THE YARD
The greenery in your home ’ s landscape depends on rich and healthy soil to flourish . If you haven ’ t tested your soil in the last three years , if you just moved into a new home , or if you are planning to sell your home , you should test your soil to ensure it is conducive to plant growth . If macronutrient levels are too high or too low , purchase a soil treatment or enlist the services of a professional to optimize your soil and get your landscaping looking its best this year .
8 . BOOST YOUR CURB APPEAL
Coming home to a beautifully landscaped yard is a wonderful feeling , and pristine front yard landscaping is one of the best ways to attract buyers . If you haven ’ t updated your landscaping in a few years , consider taking it on as a project this year to boost your home ’ s curb appeal . Not only will this help your home look its best but it will also increase its market value .
9 . REPAIR YOUR FOUNDATION
Over time , the foundation of your home may have developed cracks that increase the risk of flooding and may allow rodents to enter your home . You certainly don ’ t want to be faced with these issues at any time , but they are particularly cumbersome when you are preparing to show your home to potential buyers . By resolving to check the foundation of your home for cracks and to repair them if and where needed , you can go into the New Year confident that your home will be well protected against water damage , mold , and vermin .
10 . REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT
Homes with a low carbon footprint are a growing trend and can be a selling point for potential buyers . Improving energy efficiency is one way to reduce your home ’ s carbon footprint while simultaneously reducing energy costs . This year , perhaps you would like to resolve to lower your home ’ s carbon footprint by adding additional insulation or making a switch to renewable energy .
If you are considering selling your home in the next year , a home improvement New Year ’ s Resolution can help ensure that the inspection goes smoothly and that your home is well equipped to attract buyers when you go to market . On the other hand , if you have recently purchased or are considering the purchase of a new home this year , a home improvement New Year ’ s resolution can help you get the most out of your new living space . There are no limits on how many resolutions you can make , so commit to as many of these as you like . You may even be inspired to add some additional home improvement resolutions of your own .
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