8 things to do immediately when you buy a new home
Congratulations on your new home! You’ve successfully navigated the exciting journey of house hunting, making an offer, securing a mortgage, and closing the deal. Now that you’ve officially become a homeowner, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and take some crucial steps to ensure your new investment thrives for years to come. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the first things to do when you buy a new home.
1. Secure Your Home
The first order of business is to ensure the security of your new home. Change the locks on all entry points, including doors and garages, to prevent previous homeowners from having access. If your house comes with an alarm system, update the codes to safeguard your home. Make sure to ask for instruction manuals and codes at the closing, and reprogram them if necessary.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to look for hidden spare keys around your property, as homeowners often leave them behind.
2. Purchase or Review Your Home Warranty
Some homeowners receive a home warranty from the seller, covering major systems or appliances. Review the warranty to understand what’s included and how to file a claim. If you didn’t receive one, consider purchasing a home warranty tailored to your needs, covering items like water heaters, furnaces, or air conditioning units.
Pro tip: Customize your warranty to cover items most likely to break down, saving you from unexpected repair costs.
3. Connect the Utilities
Before moving in, ensure that essential utilities like water, gas, and electricity are connected. Planning ahead is crucial, as connecting utilities can sometimes involve a few administrative hoops. Contact your local service providers well in advance to schedule turn-on and avoid any inconvenience during your move.
Pro tip: Research your local providers’ requirements for ownership verification and scheduling to streamline the process.
4. Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Safety should be a top priority in your new home. Make sure all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning correctly, replacing batteries or units as needed. It’s advisable to check and change detector batteries every six months. Set a calendar reminder to stay on top of this important task.
Pro tip: Strategically place detectors in hallways leading to bedrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms for optimal coverage.
5. Find the Circuit Box and Appliance Manuals
Familiarize yourself with your home’s electrical system by locating the circuit breaker box. Label circuits to identify which rooms or appliances they control. Gather appliance manuals for reference in case of future issues, and consider implementing a filing system for easy access.
Pro tip: Search online for manuals if they’re not provided with the appliances.
6. Refresh the Paint and Flooring
Personalize your new home by giving it a fresh coat of paint in your preferred colors. Painting is easier before moving in, as it avoids the need to rearrange furniture later. Additionally, consider refreshing or refinishing the flooring, as it can significantly impact your home’s appearance.
Pro tip: If hiring a professional painter, ask if they offer discounts for empty rooms, which can save you time and money.
7. Use Your Inspection Report as a To-Do List for Upkeep
Review your home inspection report and create a to-do list of necessary repairs and maintenance tasks. Prioritize them based on urgency, focusing on issues that could lead to future problems, such as dirty gutters, leaky pipes, or poorly sealed doors and windows.
Pro tip: Regular maintenance is essential for preserving your home’s value and preventing costly repairs in the future.
8. Create a Regular Maintenance Schedule
Maintaining your new home is an ongoing process, not a one-time effort. Establish a regular maintenance schedule for tasks like replacing air filters, cleaning gutters, and pressure washing the exterior. This proactive approach will ensure your home stays in optimal condition.
As a new homeowner, you’re embarking on an exciting journey. By following these eight essential steps, you’ll lay a strong foundation for a successful and happy homeownership experience. Enjoy your new home!