Wow…it has finally happened. ?You have made it through all of the steps of the home buying process – including the home inspection. ?Once you have a chance to settle into your new home, here is a handy list ?to help you beyond emptying the boxes, loading up the cabinets, and painting and decorating.
Here are 10 around-the-house tasks you may not have thought of when you first move in:
- Change the locks, reprogram garage door opener codes, and check that all window locks operate properly. If there’s a security system, learn how it operates and sign up for any maintenance or monitoring plans that that yours requires.
- Locate emergency shut offs.?Know how to shut off the power, water, and gas in your home. Also, know the location of your main and any sub electrical panel boxes. Your home inspector should have pointed these key points out to you during the inspection – if not, you can refer to the photos in the report to identify these emergency shut offs.
- Create a “fix it” kit. If you don’t have one already, buy a toolbox and stock it with all your frequently used home repair tools and supplies.
- Service smoke alarms and CO monitors.?Smoke alarms and CO monitors need fresh batteries twice annually and full replacement regularly in order to function properly. (Replace smoke alarms, minimum every 8-10 years, and CO monitors minimum every 5 years)?Since you may not know the exact age of the devices and batteries in your new home, it’s a great idea to start fresh.
- Perform necessary seasonal maintenance.?Winter, spring, summer, or fall, there are tasks around the home that, when completed, help the whole season run more smoothly.
- Change filters in your HVAC system.?This will not only help clear out all the dust that’s been kicked up during the move, but a clean filter also helps your system function more efficiently and extends its lifespan.
- Check pilot lights.?Check pilot lights on stove, water heater, gas fireplace, and furnace.
- Be sure that hazardous items are stowed away safely?(that includes cans of paint). Flammable substances should be kept away from pilot lights, stoves, or water heaters (don’t forget gas dryers). Also, be sure that you are aware of and have identified any substances left behind by the previous owner.
- Learn how to operate and properly maintain any items in the home that are new to you?like appliances, fireplaces, the septic tank, garbage disposal, hot tub, etc. You may be unaware of vitally important operation or care instructions that are necessary for proper function and safety. If you don’t have manufacturer owner’s manuals, look them up. Virtually any product manual out there can be downloaded right from the Internet.
- Address the items mentioned in your home inspection report.?You may have already addressed big issues, but did your inspector mention any necessary maintenance or smaller repairs that would be necessary upon moving in?
Remember that proactively caring for your home with maintenance and service is the primary way to prevent unwelcome surprises down the road.?Reread your report and don’t hesitate to call your inspector to clarify his recommendations or to answer any questions you may have.
According to Chrissy Doremus at US Inspect, the secret to a well maintained home is to start your maintenance early. Doing your home maintenance bit by bit is a great way to accomplish it all and a small dose of preventative maintenance now, will reduce the liklihood of unwlecome surprises down the road.
If you would like more information on what to do first when you move into your new home, visit our website at www.homemd.com for more helpful resources.
