Most of the articles, books and TV shows give people home improvement ideas. This article is designed to give “homeowners” improvement ideas. With the real estate market in such disarray, the need for homeowners to stay current and informed is more important now than ever. Homeowners need advice not only on how to improve their homes, but also on how to keep them affordable and in good repair.

Here are 5 powerful home improvement tips that will make your ownership more enjoyable and rewarding.

1. Know where the emergency shutoff valves are.

Due to the security issue, I am listing this tip first. Make sure you know where the main shutoff valves or switches are for the plumbing, electrical, and gas systems. It’s amazing how many homeowners who have lived in their homes for years can’t tell you where the gas, plumbing, electric, and water shutoff valves are in the event of an emergency. Knowing where they are and how to turn them off could save you thousands of dollars in potential water damage, fire, or even explosion.

2. Learn how to do minor maintenance.

One secret to helping keep your home in good repair is knowing how to do minor repairs and maintenance. Most people will wait until minor maintenance jobs turn into major repairs before taking action. This makes a house more expensive in the long run. It’s smart to have a maintenance book around the house that you can refer to, it’s much cheaper than having to call a carpenter, plumber or other contractor. But remember your limitations.

3. Use the network to your advantage.

Thanks to the Internet, it’s now easier to be an informed homeowner than ever before. With a simple click of the mouse, you can check the reputation of contractors, loan companies, real estate agents and other home support companies. With a mouse click, you can watch a video on how to install a bathroom faucet, sprinkler system, or how to choose the best paint for your kitchen walls. Take advantage of this technology to become a better homeowner.

4. Read your documentation.

Many homeowners have loan documents, insurance contracts, even contractor agreements and have little or no idea what they say or mean. If you haven’t already, be sure to sit down and read your loan documents, insurance contract, and any other important documents word for word and line for line. If you have a problem with any of them, call your agent and discuss it with them, or find a friend or family member who can help you. I can’t tell you how many homeowners I have come across who were shocked and horrified. Because? They discovered something that was or wasn’t in your contract and they assumed it was. As a result, they lost thousands of dollars in interest, insurance losses, or other out-of-pocket expenses.

5. Keep your home affordable.

This is a big concern for many people, especially as the housing crisis continues. The value of many people’s homes continues to decline or stays the same at best. As a result, many people have made the mistake of overbuilding for the neighborhood they are in. So beware of this error.

If you take the time to follow these 5 easy steps, you’ll find your homeownership skills improve, no matter how long you’ve owned a home. As a result, you’ll find that owning a home is a more enjoyable and financially rewarding experience rather than a burden.