Best book recommendations for new homeowners!

Becoming a new homeowner is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming. From managing repairs to understanding how your home’s systems work, the responsibilities of owning a home can be daunting. Whether you’re looking to learn basic repairs, stay on top of home maintenance, or declutter your living space, books can be a valuable source of knowledge and inspiration. In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of 10 best book for new homeowners every new homeowner should read.

 These books cover everything from repairs and renovations to organization and financial advice, making sure you’re well-prepared for life as a homeowner.

1. “The First-Time Homeowner’s Survival Guide” by Sid Davis

This book is a practical and comprehensive guide for those homeowners. It covers everything from budgeting for repairs and improvements to understanding warranties and working with contractors. With real-life examples and straightforward advice, this guide will help you avoid costly mistakes and make the most of your new home.

Why you’ll love it: It’s packed with practical tips on how to handle everything that comes with owning a home.

2. “Home Maintenance for Dummies” by James Carey and Morris Carey

Perfect for homeowners unfamiliar with regular home upkeep, this book breaks down essential maintenance tasks by season. It also provides guidance on emergency repairs, energy efficiency tips, and preventative measures that will help you avoid major problems in the future.

Why you’ll love it: It offers simple, easy-to-understand advice that can save you thousands in repair costs.

3. “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Simple Home Repair” by Judy Ostrow

If you’re someone who wants to tackle basic home repairs but has little experience, this book is for you. It provides step-by-step instructions on how to fix common issues like leaky faucets, damaged drywall, and faulty light switches. With this guide in hand, you’ll feel confident in your ability to handle small repairs.

Why you’ll love it: The step-by-step format makes DIY repairs easy for even the most inexperienced homeowner.

4. “How Your House Works: A Visual Guide to Understanding and Maintaining Your Home” by Charlie Wing

For visual learners, this book uses detailed illustrations to explain how your home’s systems work, from plumbing to electrical systems. It also offers basic troubleshooting tips for common problems, helping you better understand and manage your home’s maintenance.

Why you’ll love it: The visual explanations make complex systems much easier to grasp, especially for first-time homeowners.

5. “The Book of Home How-To: The Complete Photo Guide to Home Repair & Improvement” by Black & Decker

The best book in history, in maintenance. That personally, would be what I could recommend with my eyes closed. Is a powerhouse of DIY advice, covering everything from basic repairs to large renovation projects. The photo-based guides take you through each step of the process, whether you’re fixing a leak or remodeling a bathroom. It’s the ultimate book guide for homeowners who want to take on more significant projects.

Why you’ll love it: The clear, detailed photos ensure you can follow along, no matter your skill level. It has a step-by-step on everything you can imagine. I love it, sincerely!

6. “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” by Marie Kondo

Moving into a new home is the perfect time to declutter and organize, and Marie Kondo’s bestselling book will inspire you to create a calm, clutter-free space. Her “KonMari” method focuses on keeping only items that bring you joy, making it easier to manage your belongings and create a serene environment in your new home.

Why you’ll love it: This book goes beyond cleaning to help you rethink your relationship with your possessions, bringing more joy into your home.

Spoiler: this does not apply to homes with small children! minimalism is for singles!

7. “The Homeowner’s Manual: Operating Instructions, Troubleshooting Tips, and Advice on System Maintenance” by Dan Ramsey

Written in the style of a manual, this book covers how to operate and maintain every aspect of your home, from the plumbing to the HVAC system. It offers easy-to-follow troubleshooting tips and preventative maintenance advice to keep everything running smoothly.

Why you’ll love it: The manual-like format makes it easy to find solutions to common problems quickly.

8. “Nolo’s Essential Guide to Buying Your First Home” by Ilona Bray

While primarily focused on the home-buying process, this guide also provides valuable insights for new homeowners. It covers financial topics like understanding mortgages and managing home-related taxes, ensuring you’re prepared for the ongoing costs of homeownership.

Why you’ll love it: It gives you the financial foundation you need to be a responsible homeowner.

9. “Renovating Old Houses: Bringing New Life to Vintage Homes” by George Nash

If you’ve purchased an older home, this book is a must-read. It offers advice on how to restore and renovate vintage homes while maintaining their historical charm. From replacing old windows to updating outdated systems, this book helps you navigate the challenges of renovating an older home.

Why you’ll love it: It helps you preserve the character of your home while making it more comfortable and functional.

10. “Home Comforts: The Art and Science of Keeping House” by Cheryl Mendelson

This book covers the daily routines and systems that help create a comfortable, well-functioning home. It includes cleaning methods, organizing tips, and advice on maintaining a healthy indoor environment. With this guide, you’ll learn how to keep your home clean, organized, and a pleasure to live in.

Why you’ll love it: It provides a holistic approach to managing your home, ensuring it’s both clean and comfortable.

Bottom line

Finally, owning a home is a rewarding experience, but it comes with its own set of challenges. These 10 books offer essential advice on everything from handling home repairs and renovations to managing finances and creating a cozy, organized space. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or someone who prefers to hire professionals, these guides will help you feel more confident and prepared as you settle into homeownership. Start building your library today and enjoy the journey of turning your house into a home!

Written by Vanessa Gallanti. November 9, 2024

Enthusiast about planning, project management, construction materials and technology, and construction. A civil engineer from Los Andes University and a content writer for Kukun.