Owning a home brings a lot of pleasure – and a lot of maintenance. But with a long to-do list and a short budget, how do you know which projects should get done first?

There may be plenty of noticeable repair needs, such as a scratched countertop or squeaky floors, but it’s the ones that aren’t so noticeable that most often require more immediate attention.

Safety Issues. Keeping everyone safe is the highest priority. Make sure you have:

• Working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
• Secure door and window locks
• Appropriate childproofing

Things to repair or replace immediately:

• Damaged electrical outlets
• Damaged stairs
• Broken boards in porches and decks
• Broken windows
• Asbestos or lead

Water Damage. Look for cracks in the foundation and brown spots on the ceiling and water stains around windows, doors, floors and cabinets. Call a professional to survey your home right away.

System-Wide Problems. Electrical, plumbing and heating/cooling systems are vital to keeping your home functioning and comfortable. Leaky pipes, faulty circuit breakers, ineffective air conditioners or heaters should be repaired by professionals as soon as possible.

Cosmetic repairs such as patching small holes or replacing molding are aesthetic projects that do make your home nicer. But when money is an issue and you have to prioritize, make sure you do the most important repairs first.