Moving into a new home can be an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming. With all the preparation and things to do, it can be stressful. There are some important things to inspect once in your new home, and this article will tackle some important things to check off the list. Moving to a new place may still have some hidden issues that could pose serious expenses if it isn’t dealt with before it becomes problematic.
To make sure you don’t miss any essential maintenance tasks, here is a checklist to help you get started:
HVAC System
Check the HVAC system for any signs of wear and tear and schedule a repair or maintenance if necessary. A faulty HVAC system won’t filter the air as it should, and you may also experience that it doesn’t do a good job of keeping the temperatures at a good level. Instead, you might be cranking all the way down or up to get it to work more efficiently, leading to higher energy bills and feeling like you’ve developed a cold.
Getting an HVAC company to assist in repairs and services is important if your property has air conditioning installed. The heating and air conditioning service companies are specialized and able to see issues and fix them before they become more problematic. You could also consider changing to a newer and smarter AC system that saves on electricity and works more efficiently without all the energy requirements.
Furnace Maintenance
Furnace maintenance and service is important to keeping your home comfortable and energy efficient. Regular furnace maintenance can help to prevent breakdowns and costly repairs because it’s like Murphy’s Law and when you least expect it to happen, it then happens. But keeping a hand on the maintenance will help reduce these sudden breakdowns. Even when you’ve just moved into your new home, doing furnace checks is important. A furnace service could include a thorough inspection, cleaning, and adjustment of the unit and its components.
During the inspection, the technician should check for wear or damage to the furnace, the thermostat, and other components. The service company will inform you of any needed repairs that must be addressed. If required repairs to the furnaces are left for too long, it can become a risk.
Water Heater
Test the water pressure in all faucets to ensure they are working properly. Water heaters should undergo regular checks and required maintenance since both are crucial to their proper functioning abilities. Perhaps you know some tricks and tips for maintaining your water heater, remember to turn off the power before doing any maintenance or working with it. Turning off the power means cutting off the power supply at the circuit breaker, as this is an essential safety precaution. If you notice any damage or leaking, have it repaired as soon as possible to prevent other potential issues.
Regular maintenance and check-ups of your water heater can help to keep it running properly and efficiently for many years. This will save you money on utility bills and prevent any costly repairs or replacements in the future.
Septic Tank
Maintaining a septic tank is essential for the proper functioning of a septic system. The tank should be emptied regularly, depending on its size and usage. It is important to remember that the tank should never be completely emptied, as this can result in a system malfunction. The frequency of emptying depends on the size of the tank and the amount of wastewater it collects. Generally, septic pumping is required, and with that, a thorough inspection every three to five years. During the inspection, the tank should be checked for any cracks, damage, or clogs.
If a septic tank is not emptied regularly, solids will accumulate and can cause a blockage. It is important to remove solids and other organic matter from the tank, as they will decompose and cause the tank to become septic. Additionally, the tank should be checked for any signs of leaking or seepage and repaired as needed. It is also important to keep the tank area clean and to remove any debris or vegetation that may be blocking the inlet and outlet. With regular maintenance, the septic tank installed In your new home will run smoothly and be able to last a long time.
Electrical Wiring
When you are looking to buy a new home, it is important to check the safety of the electrical work. This includes ensuring that all exposed wiring is properly insulated, that any outlets or switches are properly labeled, and that any outlets not being used are covered with safety caps. It is also important to make sure that the electrical panel is up to date and that all the circuit breakers are in the right places. Additionally, it is important to look for any signs of water damage near outlets or wiring that could indicate potential danger. Finally, it is important to make sure that the grounding system is up to code and that all outlets are properly grounded. This is an important step to ensure that your home is safe and that you have peace of mind when living in it.
Plumbing Systems
Check all the plumbing fixtures for leaks or clogs. This includes sinks, toilets, showers, and tubs. Plumbing systems are essential to any home and should be maintained and checked regularly to ensure proper functioning and safety. It is vital to inspect pipes, fixtures, and other components of the plumbing system to detect any problems or potential issues. Sometimes you might not know what exactly to look for but don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. Local plumbers in your area can help source the right materials at the right prices for you. You may want to start by finding some reputable plumbers so you can compare quotes.
Local plumbers are ensuring proper maintenance of plumbing systems, which should include regular inspection and cleaning of pipes and fixtures, plus checking for proper water pressure and functioning of water heaters, sump pumps, and other appliances. Taking care of a home’s plumbing systems is an important part of being a homeowner and will help ensure that the home remains safe and comfortable for years to come.
Chimney Maintenance
With the winter season almost coming in, it will soon call for the need to use the fireplace and heating systems. At your new home, you should see that the chimney has been swept and cleaned. Build up of soot can be extremely bad for the respiratory system. You may also need your chimney repair completed before you’re able to use it again, and you might have to resort to using central heating for warmth in the meantime.
Without proper maintenance, chimneys can become a safety hazard. Regular chimney maintenance helps to reduce the risk of chimney fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, and other dangerous conditions. Additionally, regular maintenance also helps to improve the efficiency of a chimney, which can save energy, time, and money. When it comes to chimney maintenance, it is important to have an inspection performed by a professional chimney sweep at least once a year.
Pool Maintenance
If you have purchased a new home, it should also include maintenance of the pool on your new home maintenance checklist. Your pool also requires maintenance, especially if it has been covered all throughout the year. Your pool has many components, and even local inground pool companies may offer you a pool cleaning and maintenance service. During the service, they might check for high acidity levels, filters, and valves. All pool accessories are also easily installed in the comfort of your home or in a designated pool storage container. A pool cleaning service is one of the handiest contractors to have on your phone for those emergency fool fixes and to maintain the pool in the best possible condition.
Landscape and Gardening Clean Up
Let’s say you have just purchased your home and are ready to move in, but before you can, you need to check some of these things on your new home to-do list, including landscaping. The house might have a beautiful backyard, but you cannot enjoy the beauty because it is too unkempt and looks crowded. You may hire tree removal services in your area to remove any diseased trees. You can also get them to trim back the branches a bit if the tree is overgrown.
Landscape designs are the ideal way to breathe new life into your back and front yard and working with a landscaper will give you the opportunity to have a custom-made outdoor environment. They may utilize features like paved pathways, garden pathway lights, outdoor lighting features, plant new shrubs and plants, and lots more.
Window Inspection
In your new home, you should also take the opportunity to check if the windows are at 100%. Wear and tear can also take its toll on window frames and the window and with time it will lose the ability to insulate. You may need to get professionals to help you insulate the place, starting at the windows. There might also be old wind treatments that you hope to do away with and replace with fresh trendy new ones.
Observing the Exteriors, Roof, and Gutters
Inspect the exterior of the home for any issues, such as cracks in the foundation, loose siding, or insect infestations. Furthermore, when observing the exteriors of your new home, it’s also important to take note of the roof and gutters. Roofs are an important structural component that protects the home from the elements and should be inspected regularly.
Some of the common issues to look out for include missing or cracked shingles, leaking or other damage, and any signs of excessive moisture. Moisture can lead to mildew, mold, and damage to the contents inside the home. When checking the gutters, remember that they must be clear of debris and securely attached to the roof. If the gutters are not working properly, it can cause water to build up and potentially damage the foundation of the home. It’s also important to check for any signs of rust or corrosion, as this can be an indication of an aging system that needs to be replaced.
Also, take the opportunity to check for signs of damage or deterioration to the exterior walls, as this can be a sign of a larger underlying issue. Look for cracks and weaknesses in the structure. Finding and fixing issues in the early stages will minimize any major and expensive jobs to sort at a later stage.
Inspect the Security Systems
Your new home might feature many useful security features like smoke detectors, fire sprinklers, fire extinguishers, and an alarm system connected to security. While all these security features are excellent, they may not even be working properly and thus it’s important to have it all tested and checked. You could also observe the integrity of the fence surrounding your property as it too protects you and your home from the outside elements.
If there are any issues of concern, don’t hesitate to call in professionals to help you fix or replace any faults in the security features of your new home. You and your family will be living here for the next years and counting so ensuring that everything works and is maintained regularly will give you peace of mind knowing that these items are in working order the day you need them the most.
Time To Check Off Your New Home List for Yourself
There you have it! You can go ahead and follow this easy checklist to help ensure that your new home is in good condition and that it is safe and comfortable to live in. It is also important to keep up with regular home maintenance throughout the year, such as changing air filters, inspecting your HVAC system, and cleaning gutters. This will help keep your home in top condition and help you avoid costly repairs or replacements down the road.
