A home is a vital part of every person’s life. It provides a sense of stability and security and is a place where people can come together to relax and enjoy life. It’s no surprise that home ownership is such a vital part of the American Dream.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2015, there were 63.4 million owner-occupied housing units and another 43.1 million rental units in the United States. That means that over half of all Americans live in rental housing.
However, you might think that the benefits of owning a home are better than renting. Both options have advantages, but you might feel like it won’t be a problem in the future when you have a place to call your own.
However, it’s essential to ensure that it meets your basic needs. Your home should be where you feel comfortable and can relax after a long day at work. Having enough space for your belongings and access to essential amenities is also important.
If you want a home, it should be functional for your family, where home systems are vital. Here are the bare essentials to consider.
Plumbing
If there is one resource you need more than anything, it is water. You will find that clean water will be essential to many of your activities, including cooking, cleaning, and bathing.
Your plumbing system will need to provide you with a continuous water supply whenever you need it. It should also be able to remove waste water from your home efficiently. You must connect pipes to essential household items and devices like your toilet, sink, washing machine, and dishwasher.
You will want to ensure that your plumbing system can handle the demand placed on it by your family. If you have a large family or entertain often, you might need a more robust system than someone who lives alone or has a small family.
It’s also essential to ensure that your pipes are appropriately insulated to prevent freezing in the winter. It would help if you also protect your water heater to keep your energy bills down.
Since many Americans drink water from the tap, it’s essential to ensure that your water is safe to consume. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates public water systems in the United States.
If you get your water from a private well, you are responsible for ensuring it meets EPA standards. You can have your water tested by a state-certified laboratory to check for contaminants.
Electricity
Electricity is another vital resource that your home needs. It powers many devices and appliances you use daily, including your lights, fridge, television, and computer. The lights are your primary illumination source, so you’ll want to ensure you have a way to generate and distribute electricity in your home.
It would help if you also considered the wattage of the devices you plan to use. If you have a lot of high-wattage appliances, you might need a larger electrical panel with more amps and circuits.
You will also want to install arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) in your home. These special breakers detect dangerous arcing faults and interrupt the electrical current before it can cause a fire.
Your home’s wiring is another critical consideration. You don’t want wires to be exposed where someone could accidentally touch them and get shocked. You should also make sure that all your electrical outlets have child-resistant covers.
Heating and Cooling
Depending on where you live, you might need a heating and cooling system to keep your home comfortable. If you live in a place with hot summers and cold winters, you will want to have a way to regulate the temperature in your home.
A central air conditioner and furnace are two of the most common types of heating and cooling systems. Your climate will dictate which type of system is best for your home.
If you live in an area with mild weather, you might be able to get by with a window air conditioner or space heater. These can be less expensive to purchase and operate than a central system.
It would help if you also considered how much insulation your home has.
As reliable as an HVAC system might be, you might need a few replacements. Maintenance and repairs can be expensive if they are frequent, but you can find a company that offers affordable AC installation services.
Home Security
Your home should be a safe place for you and your family. You will want to install a security system to deter burglars and protect your belongings.
Many different security systems are available, so you must choose the best one for your needs. You might opt for a simple design with sensors and an alarm or a more sophisticated system with cameras and motion detectors.
You will also want to consider how you will monitor your security system. Some systems send alerts to your phone or email when triggered, while others require you to log in to view the footage.
Final Thoughts
These are some of the bare essentials that your home needs. If you have these systems and features in place, you will be well on your way to having a comfortable and safe home. Depending on where you live, you might need additional features like insulation. It’s important to consider all of these factors when you’re purchasing or building a home. With proper planning, you can ensure that your home has everything it needs to be a safe and comfortable place for you and your family.
