When moving to a new home, there may be so much to do that you end up blank as to what to begin with. This can see you ignoring some important things and ending up in discomfort or with some other kind of inconvenience. Avoid this possibility by using this checklist of the 10 things you need to keep in mind when moving to a new home. As a result, you can get the new home in good shape and enjoy it to the fullest, allowing your family to do so as well.
1. Get Your Plumbing Updated
To start with, you should upgrade the plumbing in your new home. This is important to handle because there’s no doubt about the fact that living in a home that has problems with the water supply or the drainage can be uncomfortable and unhealthy as well. As such, you should call good plumbers in the area to help you by inspecting the plumbing to see if there’s anything that needs to be fixed. If there are worn-out parts that need to be replaced, replacing them should be prioritized since failure to do so can lead to a disaster shortly after you settle in the new home. This is a serious matter to get out of the way, as anyone who has ever had to deal with water damage can tell you.
It’s important that you learn about the signs of plumbing issues as this can help you act fast in case of something. Some of these are getting smelly or discolored water out of the taps, which could indicate damaged pipes that are corroding. Another sign of trouble is if you can hear strange, gurgling sounds coming out of the pipe systems around the house. Finally, drains that don’t flow as well as a sudden influx of drain flies in the kitchen are both things that should alert you to an issue that needs the attention of an expert.
2. Get Solar Panels Installed
You should think about getting a solar panel install service for your new home, as this can help you take better control of your home’s energy supply. With solar panels, you won’t have to rely on the grid but will enjoy the reliable nature of solar power. This is also a sustainable solution so you can live a life that’s a lot more eco-friendly. With routine maintenance, you can enjoy a reliable and green power supply that doesn’t get impacted by storms and other events.
While this project may be a bit expensive to take on, you can check in your area to see if there are any grants or other incentives that you’re eligible for. This can make the installation a lot cheaper for you and get you started on greener living. Working with the right energy efficient home builder for the installation should enable you to get a good job done and also ensure that you know how to maintain them so that they can give you flawless service for a long time to come. That’s why it’s best to take your time and look for experts who you’re sure aren’t likely to let you down.
3. Remodel Your Bathroom
Your new home could also benefit from bathroom remodeling, especially if the original bathroom is an older one. Make sure that the bathrooms in the home you intend to move into suit your tastes and can fulfill your needs. If they fall short in any way, don’t hesitate to get them redone so that they can be perfect for you and your family. Some of the remodels that you may want to do are re-tiling the walls, updating the floor, replacing the sink and fixtures, and painting afresh. These are all updates that can help make the home more comfortable and appealing.
If you have the time and can afford to work on a bigger project, you could do more intensive and involving remodels. These are things such as expanding the bathroom to make it bigger or changing its layout. These projects will need you to work with plumbers or even structural engineers so that you don’t make any alterations that could have devastating effects if done wrong. As such, make thorough plans so that you know how much time and money the project would take to complete.
4. Upgrade Your AC System
To make sure that your new home is comfortable no matter what time of year it is, get HVAC services to fine-tune the air conditioner. With a thorough check-up, you can be confident that the unit is not at risk of failing when you least expect it to. When it’s in good shape, it’s also going to function optimally and not consume too much energy to run. This is going to not only help you save money in terms of energy usage, but it will also help make your home significantly more sustainable.
If the system is inspected and found to be on its last legs, then the best thing to do is to replace it there and then. Investing in a new, modern unit will be one of the best things that you do for your family. This is especially the case if you get one from a good manufacturer who is known to make quality appliances. You can find out who this is likely to be by talking to the professionals and also doing some research on the internet. Once you get one, remember to have frequent inspections and servicing done so that you don’t void the warranty or allow the unit to fall into disrepair.
5. Enhance Your Kitchen with New Tiling
New tiling can make your new home feel and look truly new and amazing. This is the reason why it’s a good idea to invest in new tiling for the kitchen. When you do this, you’ll have a beautiful, clean, new kitchen that your whole family will love. The best thing is that if you don’t choose luxury home remodeling services for this project, it can be quite affordable to do. Make sure to pick quality tiles in a color or pattern that won’t be too much and overload your family’s systems in a short time, making you want to redo the job shortly afterward.
While tiling the walls, think about tiling the floors as well. If you decide to use ceramic floor tiles, remember to pick those that will be easy to clean and that won’t be extremely slippery. This way, the kitchen is going to be clean and attractive, without being risky to be in as a result of slipperiness. You can make additional upgrades to go with the tiling update, such as repainting the walls or even installing a new countertop. This way, you can be sure that you’ll have a completely gorgeous kitchen.
6. Get Rid of Old Carpet
Old carpet may harbor stains, dirt, and allergen-causing particles, none of which are things that you want to deal with in your new home. This is the reason why it’s a good idea to get rid of old carpet before you move into your new home. Replace this with another flooring material, of which there are a few from which you can choose. Some of the things that could impact the floor that you get are your budget, your taste, and your family’s needs. Shop around widely to find the right flooring for you that meets all these needs.
You can talk to a few flooring companies to find out what they suggest that you get. Keep an open mind and hear them out since they may be aware of a new floor material that could be great for your home. Research anything that you hear about and are interested in so that you can make the right decision. This is going to help you get a floor for your home that feels comfortable and looks great.
7. Install a New Fireplace
A fireplace is a must-have, especially if your new home is in a place with a colder climate. That’s because it can provide an amazing solution to keeping the house warm and cozy. A fireplace can also upgrade your home’s value and appeal, especially if it’s installed correctly. This is why it’s a good idea for you to shop around until you find the best fireplace companies to work with.
The experts are going to tell you the maintenance that the fireplace needs so that it can stay in great shape for a long time. This may include cleaning it thoroughly and using accessories such as a gate to keep the fireplace secure and also keep pets and children out of it. You can find out the best practices to use so that you keep the fireplace in good shape and avoid developing issues that may leave it disfigured or malfunctioning.
8. Get a New Fence in Your Yard
If the yard of your new home doesn’t have a fence, consider talking to local fence companies in your area to get a fence installed. With a solid fence, your home is going to be more secure and subsequently more comfortable. You’ll also be able to let pets and young children spend time outdoors without worrying too much about whether they’ll wander out into the street or face danger from a stranger from the street. With a good fence, your home will also be more attractive and could enjoy a boost in energy-efficiency.
Consider things such as the best material and method of construction to use. Don’t forget to find out what maintenance the fence that you get is going to need so you can keep it in good shape more easily. Whether you do this with the help of a professional or you do it by yourself, the important thing is that it’s manageable and affordable for you. It should also be easy for you to remember to do as often as necessary to as well so that you don’t skip a maintenance session.
9. Have the Roof Inspected
The roof of your new home needs to be in the best possible shape before you move in. This is the reason why you should have a roofer over to inspect it thoroughly. If they find damage that they can remedy, have them get it in control as fast as possible. If the damage is too serious or is of a structural nature, then you most likely have to replace it right away. Moving into a home whose roof is not secure is risky and can expose your family to considerable harm.
Some signs that you need to change the roof are if the roof line is sagging, there are many missing or severely damaged elements, or the roof is at the end of its lifespan. If you can find the documents tied to the house’s roof, check them to see whether it may have reached the end of its lifespan. While this is going to be a costly project to do, it will give you amazing returns if you choose the right roof.
10. Make Sure the Outdoor Space Is in Good Shape
Last but not least, check your home’s outdoor space to make sure that it looks as good as you need it to. This is one of the elements of a house that affects curb appeal, so it should be easy to see the importance of keeping it in the best shape possible. A good idea for this is to hire an expert to set the initial state of the landscape as you need it to be. You can then choose to do maintenance yourself and save money in the process. If you want to add a feature such as a garden or a firepit, this is a great time for you to do so.
Keep these 10 things in mind when you’re moving into a new home. Dealing with them as soon as possible can enable you to make the house safe, comfortable, and a lot more appealing to you and your family. Clearly, you’ll be happy that you took the time to get them handled if you do.
