Congratulations on buying a new home! As exciting as this moment may be, it will also require you to make some on-the-spot practical decisions.
As a new homeowner, you’ll have to take care of certain things right from the start. These will guarantee the safety and the wellbeing of your loved ones. The Coast to Coast team has come up with the following list of six things that every new homeowner needs to do immediately after buying.
Changing The Locks And Focusing On Security
The house is yours now – how about changing the locks? There could be pairs of keys left with family and friends of the previous owners. Though this isn’t a major concern, it’s still a good idea to put some emphasis on safety.
If you want to get a security system, now is the time to do so. Wired cameras and alarms will need to be installed before you repair the walls and the rooms. Otherwise, you’ll have to deal with the mess once again after you’ve completed the initial restoration.
Opting for wireless security systems is another great possibility that will decrease the mess and make the installation easier. Talk to professionals to figure out which one of the home security solutions is the best possibility for you.
Get To Know The Appliances
Depending on the agreement you have with the previous owner, it’s possible for the house to come with some appliances.
Make sure that you have the manuals and the documents for all of those. Test the functioning of such appliances and try to find out information about their energy efficiency. Assess which ones you’d like to keep and which ones will need to be replaced.
In the beginning, it may be difficult to purchase new appliances because you’ll have to spend money on repairs, new furniture and upgrades. Still, replacing some of the old appliances with improved, energy-efficient possibilities can actually help you save a lot of money in the long run.
Look For Leaks
The first problem you should be on the look for is a bathroom or a kitchen leak. Old plumbing poses some risks and hidden leaks can contribute to structural damage and the waste of a lot of money on a monthly basis.
Instead of trying to diagnose the condition of the plumbing on your own, call for professional assistance. Plumbers will take a look at the system, identify hidden problems and help you figure out what it would take to modernise the plumbing.
Do Remodelling Without Overspending
This is one of the biggest mistakes that so many new homeowners commit. Excited and drawn in the moment, they don’t pay attention to the amounts being spent on remodelling. Sometimes, these activities will be excessive and unnecessary.
Take some time to live in the house first. Figuring out what needs to be remodelled will be much easier after you’ve gained some experience. Focus on the basic remodelling and renovation projects that need to be executed for you to move in. Everything else can wait.
Choose The Right Contractors For Repairs And Maintenance
You’re looking for contractors to do the remodelling and repairs of your new house right now. The moment is perfect for establishing long-term relationships with the professionals that will do your house’s maintenance on a regular basis.
Look for experienced plumbers, electricians, roofers and general contractors. Having professional inspections carried out on a regular basis will help you maintain your new house in ideal condition, identify new problems soon enough and decrease the amount of money you’ll otherwise have to spend on major repairs.
The experience and the reputation of such professionals are obviously important. Take some time to do online research or ask friends that have repaired their house recently for recommendations. Always interview a couple of contractors and ask for a written proposal before picking one option or the other.
Property Insurance
The moment is also perfect for choosing the right home insurance. The previous owner will probably cancel the insurance some time before finalising the sale. It’s now up to you to choose the coverage and the insurance provider that will help you rest assured your valuables are safe.
First, you’ll have to decide how much coverage you’d like to get. Are you looking for coverage in the case of damage caused by a natural disaster? Would you also like the insurance to include fire, theft and even the belongings located out of the house? Look for these possibilities to figure out how much they’re going to add to the insurance premiums.
There are dozens of online tools that you can use to compare insurance policies side by side. Don’t just look for the cheapest option, look for the best price to quality ratio. Think in practical terms about the most likely risks and making sure your new house is protected from those.
Finally, remember to have fun while moving in your new place. Making a new house your own can be a challenging process but it’s also incredibly exciting. Unleash your creativity and have a good time, if you want to turn residential property in a real home for your family.