5 Home Records You'll Be Glad You Kept
5 home records you'll be glad you kept
A simple folder can save time when something breaks, needs service or changes hands.
A home comes with a lot of papers. Receipts, repair dates and warranties can get lost in drawers or old emails. When you need one, it helps to know where to look.
One folder. Five things to keep.
You can use a paper folder, a safe place on your computer, or both. These five groups are a good place to start.
Roof, heat and water
Write down the age of your roof, furnace, air conditioner and water heater. Keep service dates and repair bills.
Repairs and upgrades
Save bills, work plans and permits when they apply. Note who did the work and when.
Warranties and manuals
Keep the papers for large items like your stove, fridge and water heater. Add the purchase date.
Taxes and insurance
Save key home tax bills and insurance papers. Check what your plan covers and when it needs to be renewed.
Plans and key records
Keep a survey or floor plan if you have one. Add condo papers, past inspection reports or other records that came with the home. Store private papers in a safe place.
When a small detail matters
Say your water heater stops working. You may need its model, the date it was bought and who installed it. If those details are in one place, the next step is easier.
Start in 20 minutes
You do not have to sort every paper today. Begin with one simple job.
Make a folder
Name it “Home Records.” Add five sections.
Find what you have
Look for one roof bill, one major item warranty and your insurance page.
Set a reminder
Check your folder twice a year and after big repairs.
Keep this list handy.
Print the one-page home records checklist. Keep it near your papers or save it to your phone.
It can help when you move, too.
If you are buying
Ask which home records are available. After you move in, start your own folder with what you receive.
If you are selling
It may be easier to answer questions about home repairs when your records are ready. Check what you can share and keep private details safe.
Even if you plan to stay for years, your folder can help you care for the place you call home.
Quick questions
Should I keep paper copies?
Keep original papers when they matter. Save a digital copy as a backup. Use a safe place for private details.
What if I cannot find old records?
Start with what you have now. You can often find recent receipts in your email or ask a service company for a copy.
How often should I update the folder?
Add new bills after a repair or upgrade. Look through the folder about twice a year.
