The American House presents: home maintenance tips for home buyers!

Moving into a home is an exciting period, whether you’re 20 years old or in your mid-50s. I know that you might be tempted to start decorating ASAP, but there are a couple of things you need to tackle before you choose your plants and furniture pieces.

I know that this is a wonderful period, but it can be stressful too. From looking at different houses and choosing the right one for you to checking how the neighbors are and then finally closing the deal, many home buyers are exhausted by the end of their home-purchasing journey.

But before you decide what colors to change your walls, you need to tackle a couple of tasks so that you’re off to a good start without any issues. And yes, you can take care of these mundane tasks at the same time you forward your mail and change your driver’s license. Home buyers, this one’s for you! Let’s begin!

Home buyers, may I have your attention, please?

1. Hire pest control

While you might not see any bugs, it doesn’t mean they aren’t there. They’re tiny and can enter tight surfaces that you might not notice at first, and then you end up with an army of bugs in your new home. To avoid any unpleasant situation, I recommend you hire a pest control company to take care of the job for you.

The previous owner probably took care of pest control, but if you want to keep termites, ants, and roaches at bay, you can schedule an appointment with a company. Some people prefer to have this service monthly because it has affordable pricing, ranging from $30 to $100, but the amount you have to pay is based on the extent of your problem, your location, and the size of your new home.

2. Change the locks

Another thing home buyers should do the moment they move in is change the locks. Whether you want to do this DIY style or get professional help, it should be one of your priorities. Depending on the place you live and the number of locks you want to change, the service will cost you anywhere from $50 to $200.

Experts say that if you get a home warranty, you’ll receive a more affordable or complimentary lock change. This simple task will keep you and your family safe, even if some of the previous owners or renters didn’t share their keys when they left.

3. Analyze your home warranty

Dear home buyers, I can’t stress this enough: review your home warranty.

The majority of people choose to pay for a home warranty for the first year or more after purchasing a new house, but many never take the time to read the fine print. And yes, you must read it! Since not all home buyers understand home warranties, experts advise their customers to contact the company before making repairs.

Several house warranties include coverage for appliances and HVAC systems and might cover significant issues like leaks in the roof or plumbing. Make sure you find out what is covered by your home warranty company before hiring a handyman to take care of it. You could save a lot of money this way.

4. Do a deep cleaning session

I’m pretty sure that the previous owner already did a deep cleaning of your future home. Even though your beloved nest might look good, I believe that every home buyer should take a couple of days to do a deep cleaning session in their new home.

Most of the time, moving into a new house brings to light all the forgotten dust, cobwebs, and stained windows. If you don’t want to be surprised by potential dirt problems, I advise you to have the air vents professionally cleaned.  This will give you a clean slate before you transfer your possessions to your new location.

You can tackle this project by yourself, or you can have professionals do it for you. This service will cost between $200 and $400, depending on how big the surface you want to clean is. If any home buyers want to take care of the cleaning process themselves, here are some excellent supplies! 

5. Address your home inspection report

Did you have a home inspection done at your new home before you closed the sale? If yes, all home buyers should know that this report informs you of what to expect from a new home and acts as a negotiating weapon when you purchase your own. But after you move in, don’t just throw it out.

The issues you should take care of both before and shortly after moving in will be highlighted in a home inspection report. For example, smoke alarms are a common worry many homebuyers have to face. Experts say that your report will tell you which rooms have them and which need to have their batteries replaced.

After that, you should deal with the more significant problems in your house. Check the roof’s age and ensure that it is in excellent condition; you don’t want any issues. If it doesn’t meet your expectations, consider having it replaced so that you can enjoy your life and your home without a care in the world.

You should do the same with your water heater. If it’s older than 10 years, you might notice leaks or signs of potential leaks, which will cause a problem in the long run. The best thing you could do is change it.

The last thing you should do is check your new home’s windows to make sure they’re secure and tight. If you buy an old house and the windows are lovely, make sure you call a professional for an inspection and maybe to make your windows more energy efficient and secure. This will help you keep your heating and cooling bills on track, so don’t neglect it.

Keep reading to discover other things home buyers should take care of after moving in!

6. Check carbon monoxide and smoke detectors

Another important thing all home buyers should do the minute they move in is check the carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Knowing that they’re working and that they’re in good condition will give you and your family peace of mind. Don’t forget to check if they need fresh batteries or if you need to replace entire units.

Experts recommend checking and changing the batteries on your detectors every six months. Set a reminder on your phone so you don’t forget. Other than that, you can ask the local fire department for help because some of them offer free inspections and testing if you call them (not on the emergency line) and schedule an appointment.

Professionals recommend that you have a smoke detector in your kitchen and laundry room because these are the places where fires are more likely to start. If you bought a home with multiple layers, make sure you install a smoke detector on each floor.

7. Find the circuit box

Dear home buyers, don’t forget to find the circuit box, take a look at the appliance manuals, and review those emergency shut-offs. Even if your home isn’t new, it’s new to you, so you have to get to know it ASAP.

To keep things practical and safe, I recommend you know where the emergency shut-offs and circuit-breaker boxes are. If your box isn’t labeled, you can make things easier by labeling each circuit separately so you can identify which one goes to which device or room. Moreover, gather all of the appliance instructions for quick access when needed.

There you have it! These are seven simple tasks all home buyers should take care of right after they move in! Did you find this article helpful? Let us know in the comments below! Do you know any other things home buyers should pay attention to in their new homes?

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