Becoming a rookie homeowner can be difficult, so congratulate your clients and loved ones with one of these essential housewarming gifts (that they will absolutely thank you for).

Tool “Starter” Kit
Rather than continuing to rely on a friend or family member to borrow tools as the need arises, any new homeowner in your life will greatly appreciate a basic tool starter kit or drill set of their own.

Yard Gear
Anything from basic supplies like shovels, to larger investments like lawn mowers, yard gear is an extensive category that often can be neglected when it comes to housewarming gifts. Again, these basic tools will be greatly appreciated in the long run.

Organizers (Tools, Lids, Under-the-Sink Bins, and More)
For new homeowners, things can pile up surprisingly quick. Pretty soon those things are buried under other things until nothing is accessible and storage becomes an intimidating mess. Sorting containers for under the sink, organizers for small tool items like screws and nails, and holders for food container lids save a surprising amount of rummaging time and will surely cut down on unneeded frustration.

Lightbulbs and Air Filters
One eye-opening realization in store for any first-time homeowner is the amount of regular maintenance that comes with keeping a house in its best condition. With this in mind, things like extra light bulbs are constantly overlooked by new homeowners. In addition, HVAC companies generally recommend changing air filters every 90 days.

Home Maintenance Guide
Keeping to a regular maintenance routine will help home systems run better and for longer. Adding some type of home maintenance schedule to a housewarming gift can go a long way towards keeping your first-timers organized and informed with seasonal checklists.

Pictured above is a crawl space with an interesting anomaly—a makeshift support pier that appears to be constructed out of different-sized bricks and a board. Full disclosure: sometimes, homes can get by for years without issue with unconventional supports in place. However, it’s never a good idea to risk it. Hiring a licensed professional contractor or engineer should be at the top of this new homeowner’s to-do list since this DIY fix could affect the home’s overall structure. 

We all understand the importance of a healthy roof for keeping a home in great condition. But what’s one often overlooked area that plays a huge role in a roof’s performance and efficiency? Ventilation. Here, we’ll go over how to determine whether you need better roof and attic ventilation.

Why is Good Ventilation So Important?
When we refer to roof ventilation, we’re not talking about anything complicated or mysterious. We still mean airflow, or circulation. Roof ventilation requires consistent airflow to function properly. This is typically achieved mechanically, through a power source, or naturally, using the stack effect or the wind effect.

The stack effect occurs when hot air rises and creates pressure in the attic. In order to avoid growing too hot, the hot air, known as exhaust, needs a means for escaping through the roof. Exhaust cannot escape an attic without cool, lower-pressure air entering the attic, air known as intake. Exhaust and intake work together to keep airflow steady and create a well-ventilated attic. If this circulatory system isn’t adequate, your roof could experience a number of problems.

Your HVAC system is working overtime.
If your HVAC system is suddenly having to pull double-duty to heat or cool your home, poor ventilation in the attic could be to blame. Exceptionally hot air in the attic can hinder your thermostat’s ability to regulate the temperature in the rest of your home. To find out if poor ventilation might be to blame, place a thermometer in your attic and monitor the temperature.

Mold is forming in the attic.
Ventilation doesn’t just control temperature, it also helps control moisture. If you notice mold forming on the ceiling joints, rafters and beams of your attic, you’re probably in need of a ventilation overhaul. You’ll likely need to hire a professional to remove the mold before tackling the ventilation issue. Since inhaling mold spores can be dangerous, we don’t recommend undertaking the task yourself.

You’re noticing rust.
Rust is another major indictor of moisture issues in the attic. Are you noticing those telltale brown stains on your roof’s metal components? You’ll need to hire a roofer to determine whether poor ventilation could be to blame (it probably is!).