Home buying is one of the most exciting yet stressful things a person can do. Moving into your new home and making it your own with all the decorating and furnishing you want to add, choosing where everything goes — sometimes you may want to rush all of it! But that doesn’t mean you should, as some things have to be checked, installed, and repaired to make the moving in process smoother.
1. Inspect the roof for any damage
Inspecting your roof is one of the most important things to do in preparation for moving into a new home. First, let it be known that when a homeowner sells a home there is no legal requirement they have to disclose any defects with the property. Therefore, if you notice any damage, always ask questions and try to get answers from the seller.
If there are no answers to be had, the best thing to do is get a roof inspector out to assess the damage, or if you have roofing experience, you can inspect it yourself. Some things that an inspector should check for are leaks, broken tiles, broken flashing, moss growths, and any other damage that can cause further problems down the line.
2. Check for pests and take necessary precautions
One of the most common reasons people give for buying a new place is because there are pests in their current home. When renting, this isn’t too much of an issue — you move out, and the property managers have to deal with it. However, when you’re a homeowner, this is a very serious matter. Pests such as termites, ants, cockroaches, rodents, and the like can cause very serious damage to your home’s structure.
If you suspect pests are already in your new home before moving in, find out what steps to take to prevent them from multiplying and causing further damage by speaking with your realtor or contacting a pest control company.
3. Install home security systems
Many homebuyers think that the moving process is the perfect time to install a security system. You know, when they’re carrying furniture into the house and you can’t turn your back on them for long? Security systems are one of those things that do take some planning, so be prepared for this task before moving in.
You need to get your system properly installed by a licensed security system company prior to moving in so you can be sure everything is working correctly. From security cameras and home monitors to home window security screens and new deadbolt locks on your doors, these systems can be the difference between a happy home and a crime scene.
4. Check all electric wiring and plumbing
Wiring and plumbing are two things that homeowners often overlook when they’re planning to move into their new home, but both need to be checked.
Electricity is one of the most dangerous elements of a home if not used properly, and its installation must be done by a licensed electrician. Any damage or tampering with your electrical system can cause a fire and other serious hazards, so make sure it’s checked before you move in.
Plumbing fixtures such as sinks and bathtubs also need to be checked by professionals for leaks and other damage. It’s important that any damage or faulty wiring is found and repaired prior to moving into your new home to avoid future harm, so if in doubt, have them checked by a professional.
5. Repair or replace damaged walls and flooring
When moving into a new place, you may find that the walls and floors can are already damaged before you got there. Walls may be scuffed by furniture being moved in, while carpeting can suffer from punctures or tears as the previous owners were moving out.
If you’ve found damage, it’s important to deal with this as soon as possible so you don’t have to deal with the consequences of further damage in the future.
It’s also important to remember that while some carpeting can be repaired, not all carpeting is meant for easy repair — only certain carpet types can be removed and replaced without any problems arising later on.
6. Improve your fences and gates
If you’ve got young children or pets, then fences and gates are something you don’t want to forget about. Your children and pets may also be a source of damage, so make sure they can’t escape from your property while moving in. You’ll need to get fencing and gates inspected for signs of damage or wear and, if necessary, repaired or replaced before settling into your new home.
In conclusion, if you want to make sure your new home is in great condition before moving in. This article has provided a list of some tasks that need to be checked. From repairing or replacing damaged walls and floors to improving fences and gates, there’s always something to do.
