After you’ve completed the home inspection, signed the mortgage papers, and packed up all your things, moving into a new place may still require some work. While the home inspection identified issues that needed to be repaired before you moved in, there may be smaller fixes that still need to be done to make your new house a home. Make the most of your fresh start by completing these common fixes for moving into a new home.
Change Your Locks
One of the very first tasks to take on after you move in is changing, or rekeying, the locks. If you are moving into a home with previous owners, definitely take the time to change the locks because you cannot be sure who may have an extra set of keys that allows access to your property. A newly built home with no previous owners won’t require this step, but keep reading below for more quick fixes.
Pest Control
Older homes in urban areas usually need more attention when it comes to pest control, but these fixes are a great idea for new homes, too. Install door sweeps at the bottom of all exterior doors to act as a barrier between your home and outdoor pests. Caulk the sides of doors and windows, and seal utility openings with expandable foam, steel wool, copper mesh, or cement. Identify and repair small openings or cracks near attic vents, the roof, and crawl space areas, since those are popular places for pests to enter your home.
Fire Safety
The last thing you want in your new home is a fire hazard. Ensure safety for you and your family by purchasing a fire extinguisher and installing a smoke alarm, if you don’t have one already. When arranging furniture, appliances, and any electronics in your new home, make sure those areas are free of overloaded power strips and that they’re not hot to the touch. Outlets and extension cords should also have proper air circulation.
Heating and Cooling System Clean Up
Whether you’re moving into a home with previous owners, or a newly built property, chances are the HVAC system could use a clean up. In newly built homes, debris and dust from construction can build up in vents and cause odors or particles to settle on your new home’s surfaces. In older homes, you will likely deal with dust remnants from the previous owners. You can clean the vents yourself with a vacuum and other common household supplies, or call a professional service that can clear the vents for you.
Squeaks and Creaks
Creaking floors, squeaking door hinges, and noisy floorboards may not have been included in the home inspection report as red flag items, but you can make these minor repairs right when you move in. You can use surfboard wax, WB-40, or petroleum jelly to lubricate door hinges. Wooden floor creaks are usually caused by wood shrinkage around the nails, and you can fix this by using counter snaps, which are screws driven into the wood. After inserting the screws, fill in the holes with wood putty.
Looking for more advice about what to repair after moving into a new home? Contact South Sound Inspections for an expert opinion.