1. Cracking is normal

Cracking in drywall, tile caulking and grout, wood      products like millwork trim, exterior wood siding, caulking on millwork and siding, etc is normal wear and tear on a new home, old home or freshly remodeled home. Products like these are susceptible to shrinkage and expansion depending on the season and common settling. In the winter months, oftentimes you will notice more cracking because our heat is running more often. Heat draws moisture out of many things like caulking, drywall, wood, etc. so do not be alarmed if you see cracking occur during this time. Let it run its course and have it repaired if needed in a few months time.

2. Yearly maintenance items

Its recommended to have your furnace, water heater, AC/heat pump, septic/grinder pump, or other major appliances in the home serviced yearly to avoid costly repairs that could have been prevented by not neglecting routine maintenance. These things provide core mechanical function to your home and when they go out it can be pretty disruptive.

3. Check your electrical panel after a power outage

After the power comes back on be sure to check to make sure that all breakers that should be on are on, sometimes when the power comes back on, the power surge will trip a breaker and you wont know it until you go to use a fixture that is wired to that circuit.

4. Beware of easements and right of ways

If you do improvements in these areas, be sure to understand the implications of them if the rightful people or entity need to gain access. They could disrupt your improvements and it would be out of your control.

5. Have pride in your home

You worked for it! Take care of it and it will take care of you.