Buying a new home is an exciting experience, but it also comes with the responsibility of ensuring that your new home is ready to be lived in. This means making sure that your home is in the best possible condition for when you move in. Once you have purchased your home, you should conduct a thorough assessment to identify any immediate property needs.
Some of these items may have been noted during your property inspection, but it is still a good idea to address them and become more familiar with the house’s workings. This proactive approach helps to avoid potential problems, preserve the value of your home, and create a safe and healthy living environment. By completing these home maintenance tasks immediately after purchasing your home, you can settle in with peace of mind and renewed confidence.
Home Maintenance Tasks For a New House
This list includes tasks that directly affect the safety, functionality, and long-term integrity of your home’s structure. If you had a thorough home inspection, you should know about any significant issues, but it is always a good idea to double check and familiarize yourself with your new home.
This list includes those tasks that should be accomplished immediately before or after moving into the home.
Change the Locks and Security Codes
It is vital that you change the locks and security codes for your new house so that you know exactly who has access to it. To change the locks, you can either replace all the outdoor locks or rekey them.
To decide the best option for you, consider the condition of the locks and fixtures on your house. If they are old or outdated, it is a good idea to change them to ensure that they are strong and functional. For locks and hardware that are still sturdy, simply rekeying them is a cost-effective and quick solution.
Check the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Ensure that all the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working as they should by testing them per their instructions. If the detectors are battery operated, replace all of them at the same time. Set a schedule to replace the batteries again in 6 months.
You might also want to begin with new detectors if the models in your new home are old and yellowed. Look for updated versions with smart technology so that you can integrate them into your smart home system or consider hardwired detectors that do not require batteries. Many of them have battery backups to ensure safe functioning even during power outages.
Inspect and Clean the HVAC System
One of the first tasks you should complete when purchasing a new house is to inspect and clean the HVAC system. This will ensure that you understand your system better if problems arise in the future, make your system more efficient, blow cleaner air, and prevent the system from wearing out too soon. This includes changing the air filters, cleaning the vents and ducts, and inspecting the units to make sure they are functioning well.
If you don’t feel competent to do this yourself, call in a professional. Watch them as they work and ask questions to help educate yourself about the system. Be sure to set up an ongoing maintenance schedule for the system.
Check for Plumbing Leaks
Water is one of the most destructive elements in a home if not kept within proper boundaries; even a minor leak that goes unnoticed can cause extensive damage. When purchasing a new home, one of the most vital home maintenance tasks is to inspect all areas where water may be leaking inside or outside the home.
Inspect all the plumbing fixtures, including faucets, toilets, and pipes, for any signs of leaks. If the leak is not obvious, look for other signs like a musty odor, mold or mildew, low water pressure, wet spots, ceiling stains, or damaged paint or wallpaper. Also, inspect the hot water heater for leaks.
Test Electrical Systems
Testing your electrical systems is critical to the safety and functionality of your home. Check all of the outlets, switches, light fixtures, and circuit breakers to ensure they are functional and up to date. This will help you know if you need to hire a licensed electrician to fix any problems or rewire certain areas to avoid any safety risks and make the system work more effectively for your needs.
While inspecting the electrical system, check the labels on the circuit breaker box. Having the correct labels in the box will serve you well as you complete tasks throughout your time in this home.
Secure Windows and Doors
Securing your windows and doors is a critical step toward ensuring both safety and energy efficiency in your new home. Start by inspecting all of the windows and doors’ locks, latches, and seals. Replace any faulty window or door locks, particularly in front-facing or ground-level locations. Add extra sealant along window and door cracks, as well as weather stripping in vulnerable areas.
Consider installing additional security features such as deadbolts, a peephole, or a video doorbell on doors where this may be beneficial.
Equip the Home With Safety Gear
Equipping your home with safety equipment is a task that, if left undone, you will most likely forget about, so do it as soon as possible after purchasing your home. Having the proper safety gear will allow you to respond quickly if an emergency arises. Start with essential safety equipment such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If you do not have any or enough detectors, place them in strategic locations throughout the house, including the garage.
A first aid kit stocked with supplies to treat common injuries and illnesses is a useful safety item that will provide peace of mind. Escape ladders are a useful addition to homes with multiple stories. Rope ladders are readily storable and come in standard lengths ranging from ten to twenty-five feet. Install motion sensors and security systems to deter potential intruders.
New Home Maintenance Tasks to Complete Within a Few Weeks
This new home maintenance checklist, while important, can wait until you have settled into your new home. Try to complete it within a couple weeks of moving in so that you know your home better and which ongoing maintenance projects you need to complete sooner rather than later.
Inspect and Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Cleaning and inspecting your gutters and downspouts is critical for protecting your home’s foundation and roof. Inspect the gutters or call a professional to remove any debris, such as leaves, twigs, and pinecones, to ensure that the water drains smoothly and quickly away from the house. Take note of any signs of damage, such as bent or disconnected gutters and spouts, so that you can address them as soon as possible.
Examine the Roof and Exterior
Conduct a thorough examination of your roof and the exterior of your home. If you have a basement or crawlspace, include these spaces in your inspection. Check for signs of damage, such as cracked or missing shingles, rotting boards, pest infestations, or cracked brickwork or concrete on chimneys or the foundation. Make a note of any damage so that you can address it as soon as your finances and time allow.
Drain the Hot Water Heater
Draining the hot water heater is a simple maintenance task that extends its longevity and ensures the efficiency of the appliance. Over time, sediments and minerals collect at the bottom of the heater, reducing its function and causing potential damage.
To drain the heater, first turn off the power supply or gas valve so that the water will cool. Attach a garden hose to the drain valve and direct the other end toward a suitable drainage area. The water may come out forcefully, so get someone to hold the end of the hose. Open the valve, which will allow the water to drain from the heater and flush out the sediment. Once the heater is drained, close the valve and refill the water tank. Regularly draining the tank will ensure that sediment does not build up over time. Try to complete this task once every year.
Inspect the Coils of the Refrigerator
Cleaning the coils on your refrigerator is an essential maintenance task that will allow your unit to function more effectively and last longer. Over time, dust, dirt, and pet hair can accumulate on the coils located in the rear or just underneath your unit. This buildup forces the coils to work harder to maintain the required interior temperature, resulting in increased energy consumption and the risk of overheating.
To inspect and clean the coils, first unplug the unit for safety. If you find buildup, use a vacuum with a brush attachment to gently remove the debris.
Examine the Attic and Insulation
Before you fill your attic with extra boxes and storage items, conduct a thorough inspection to see if there are any signs of damage or pest infiltration. Look at the insulation to ensure that it is adequate for your home. Attics typically require at least an R-30, R-38, or R-49 insulation rating.
Create a Home Maintenance Schedule
Establishing a home maintenance schedule and routine is a good way to start your new home life off on the right foot. This will allow you to keep track of regular jobs and ensure that tasks are completed on time. Include routine maintenance tasks on your list for systems like gutter cleaning, HVAC servicing, and plumbing and electrical system inspections.
