New Year’s Resolutions for the Savvy Homeowner
As another New Year approaches, it’s the perfect time to reflect on your home and the life you’re building inside it. Whether you’re planning to buy a new Ernest Home or simply want to make the most of the one you love, setting thoughtful homeowner resolutions can make the year ahead brighter, safer, and more organized. Here are a few smart ways to start strong in the new year!
- Increase Energy Efficiency
If you already own an Ernest Home, congratulations — you’ve started strong with one of our carefully designed energy-efficiency packages, included in every home. If you’re shopping for a new home, remember that all of our homes are specially designed to reduce energy usage and help protect the environment, so you can feel confident that your new residence supports this popular resolution. Explore our energy-conscious floor plans at ErnestHomes.com/plans. - De-Clutter and Improve Storage
This resolution is always a favorite for homeowners. Consider upgrading your closets or modifying cabinets to better suit your lifestyle. Adding storage racks to your garage can create tidy homes for sporting equipment, luggage, or seasonal items. Ask the experts at our Design Studio, the Gallery at Ernest Homes, how you can maximize your storage opportunities and make every square foot work harder for you. - Get Your Finances in Order
Strengthening your financial health can make homeownership even more rewarding. By improving your credit score, you may lower your insurance premiums. Work toward paying down debt and paying bills promptly. If possible, consider making additional mortgage payments — even small extra amounts each month can reduce your outstanding balance and shorten the term of your loan over time.
If you think you might be eligible to refinance, check with your lender to see if it would be beneficial. Review your property taxes as well; sometimes a reassessment of your home’s current value can save you valuable dollars each year. - Put Safety First
A quick safety check can help you avoid preventable accidents and protect your investment. Test all smoke alarms and replace batteries as needed. If you don’t have carbon monoxide detectors, install one on each floor where there’s a bedroom.
If your home hasn’t been tested for radon, invest in a kit from a local hardware store. For about $20, you can make sure your home is free from elevated levels of radon, a colorless, odorless gas responsible for more than 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year. Set your water heater to a maximum of 120°F to prevent scalding accidents.
Clean out the vents and ducts behind your dryer — lint build-up can become a serious fire hazard. If you don’t have an alarm system, consider installing one; many insurance carriers offer discounts when your home is protected by an alarm. And if your neighborhood doesn’t have a watch group, you might think about starting one to help keep everyone safer. - Get Handy with Simple Home Projects
Instead of calling in the professionals for every small task, brush up on basic DIY skills. Painting, cleaning gutters, doing lawn work, caulking, weatherproofing, resurfacing or installing new cabinet hardware, laying new flooring, or replacing bathroom fixtures are all projects that can refresh your home and save you money.
Just remember — don’t tackle the big jobs yourself. When it comes to electrical or plumbing issues, it’s best to leave the work to licensed professionals to protect your safety and your home.
Start the New Year in a Home You Love
Whether you’re setting ambitious goals for the year ahead or simply looking to make daily life at home easier, Ernest Homes is here to help. From energy-efficient designs to thoughtful floor plans and personalized features, our homes are built to help you live better every day.
Ready to explore new homes in coastal Georgia? Visit ErnestHomes.com, reach out to our team at (912) 756-4135, or send us a message online. We’d love to help you start your new year in the perfect Ernest home.
