This is one that I must have heard about years ago from someone very wise :)

Whether you are a new homeowner or you have lived in your home for many years, it’s never too late to start a home journal.

What is it? Basically it is a binder or book that you maintain records of everything you have done to and with your home.

It might have entries such as the following:

Painted exterior Cost $4,000 Year Completed 2017
New driveway Cost $3000 Year Completed 2010
Pumped the septic ( that’s a fun one lol) Cost $300 Year Completed 2017
New Appliances: New fridge ? Year Purchased 2010
Warrantee? ( Note how many years the warrantee covers)

You get the idea right?

So time has a funny way of getting away from us even when it’s just a few years. When we document every improvement that we make on our homes, it not only maintains a great record that you can refer to should you ever decide to sell but it is also a great reference for knowing when things need to be done.

I recently sold a home in which the homeowner kept such amazing notes that she was able to document not only the first bathroom renovation but the second one!!!!

Even something simple such as having your furnace serviced, is a great thing to note with a date and what was done. Also, always ask your contractor to leave a ticket for the service rendered. This is just a good practice and you can keep them all together.

You will save yourself a huge headache by being ahead of the game on this and starting early.

HOWEVER…. don’t panic if you have already been in your home for 10 years and haven’t started this journal ! Today is a new day and always a chance for a fresh start! You can always take out a sheet of paper and just start writing anything and everything that you can remember doing to the house and property.

Let me know how you all do!!!

Tanya