I've Been a Realtor and a Contractor. These Are My Juiciest Tips for Homeowners

Although I did my training as a journalist, I spent a decade working in the real estate industry, both as a real estate agent and, as I got deeper into that world, a general contractor. I learned a lot about how houses work, and what wear and tear can look like in a home. But I also learned that a lot of people don't understand what they need, especially if it's their first house, which is why there are billions of articles offering too-simple solutions for home issues.

You know what I hate the most in the world? "Hacks." 

Hacks are things that are cheaply done and rarely result in long-term solutions. They're awful. That's why I've made a list of tips, or "anti-hacks" for homeowners like you that can help you save money on your home in the longer term.

Always buy the middle-grade materials 

I get it, houses are expensive. They really are, and their problems can be alarming at times, but if you can learn anything from my extensive experience working with buyers and remodeling homes, it's that you should never buy the cheapest materials you can get just because they're cheap. Once in a while, it'll work out for you, but by and large, you'll find that the cheapest materials are cheap for a reason -- they're simply not intended to last. This goes for everything from flooring to appliances and light fixtures. 

Anything that you can buy, you can upgrade, and unless you like to redo your house again and again, mortgaging your home's equity, or tapping your savings, you really should.

That being said, there's such a thing as too much of a good thing -- once you have a faucet with a lifetime warranty, the rest is just showing off. I'm not saying not to pay extra for a faucet that you like, but if you're paying more just to pay more, that's not getting you anywhere. Always check materials warranties, see how long the thing is made to last, and what happens if you need to use the warranty. This is also important when you have multiple material options available. If tile is just a few dollars more than carpet, go with the floor that you'll never need to replace.

Deal with problems early

Deal with problems early, even if they don't seem like that big of a deal. Case in point: I recently noticed a leak in my kitchen window when it rains. I thought this was a bit weird, but didn't give it more thought until it leaked again. This weekend, I pulled the siding down to see what was going on, and found a lot of damage to my wall on the outside of the house. If I had waited, rather than simply damaging the wooden sheathing, it would have destroyed the integrity of the wall itself, resulting in significant structural repairs, and possibly even inviting in termites or carpenter ants. 

That's not a fun discussion to have with your mortgage lender, even if you're begging for a home equity loan or a HELOC to cover the costs.

But, rather than having to do all of that, I've corrected the water issue at the roof, fixed the wall, and am waiting for a few hundred bucks' worth of siding to be delivered. And yes, after much agonizing, I followed my own advice and upgraded my siding materials to a galvanized aluminum material that complements the existing lavender siding (that can no longer be matched). The new stuff also comes with a 40-year warranty!

Get nerdy with it

Even if you choose to use a building contractor to do work in your home, make sure you really understand what it is that you're buying and what kind of work is being done. Nerd out, learn all you can about homes and how they work, and research the available materials options. Most of the time, your contractor will ask you what you want, rather than telling you what you want (and if they tell you without asking first, find a new contractor). If you just shrug, they're going to make a cost-friendly choice, assuming that's what you'd prefer.

Don't shrug and don't look confused, but instead ask them what they suggest. Ask them what materials will last. Then tell them you want to read up on these things. You can go to manufacturer websites and collect all kinds of technical information on the things that go into your home. Everything from the roofing to the dirt has a spec sheet. Read several, understand what's normal, and then figure out what you want for your house from there. Get nerdy with it and make these choices with great intent and purpose.

Treat your house like your haven

I know, it's cheesy, don't write to me about that header. But I do mean it. If you treat your house like a haven, not like some kind of disposable possession that you just need to keep barely clad in flooring and walls, you'll find that it will work in your favor.

We're in a remarkable time in the real estate cycle, where housing is incredibly expensive, and moving is almost impossible for most people, so it's more important than ever that you invest in your home and make sure the things you do to it are going to last.

If you are considering a second mortgage or a HELOC to do some upgrades, you want to be sure this is a one-and-done situation. Some people might tell you to not pick options that are trendy, but I'm not that person. If you like the trend, just make sure you're choosing mid- to upper-grade versions of that popular light fixture or -- heaven forbid -- sliding barn doors. 

These simple "anti-hacks" can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars while you're living in your home, and if done well, can even improve your home's value when it's time to sell it.