The Family Handyman – September 2019

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28 SEPTEMBER 2019 FAMILYHANDYMAN.COM

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HOMEOWNERS

Advice for new

F

or tips on homeownership, there’s no better

panel of experts than our readers—many of

them have owned several homes over

decades. So I asked them to send in their

best advice for new homeowners.

Here are some of my favorites.

GARY WENTZ

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Pad Your Budget

Most renovations will run over

budget and cost more than you

think. The final project costs pre-

sented on renovation TV shows

just aren’t reality.

CHRIS JANOSA

Keep Track

of Improvements

Immediately start a home improve-

ment file. Take photos of all projects

that are done to improve your home

and keep the receipts with those

photos. If possible, go paperless in

case of a major disaster.

CAROLYN AND PAUL BROSSOIT

Unpack Your Tools

Set up your workbench and tool areas

first. They’ll come in handy as soon as the

movers pull away.

DAVE POLULAK

Live in It Before

You Remodel

Don’t try to make your home perfect

right away. Live in it and let ideas

come and go. You will eventually

find the right one, and you won’t

waste money on something that

isn't necessary.

LINDA LANDSVERK