Dec 12, 2024
Moving into a new home is always exciting – it’s a fresh start, you could even call it a blank canvas to put your stamp on, and it’s going to look and feel wonderful (or at least pretty good!). However, before you really start settling in, unpacking boxes, and putting curtains up, it’s wise to go through the property and do some maintenance checks, just to make sure all is well.
It might seem like a hassle, but the truth is that taking the time to address these issues right at the start will save you bigger problems later on, and with that in mind, here are some of the most important things to check – read on to find out more.
The last thing you’ll want when you’ve just moved in somewhere (or at any point, to be fair) is a leak – water damage can cause loads of problems, including damaging furniture and walls, as well as leading to damp and mold. That’s why it’s wise to check all the visible pipes for signs of rust, moisture, or damage like corrosion, for example. Plus, you should run all the taps and flush the toilets to make sure everything drains properly.
And perhaps the most important thing of all is to find the main water shut-off valve – it’s one of those things you don’t think about until you really need it, and if you don’t know where it is, you’ll lose precious minutes searching for it, by which time the problem could have done a lot of damage that will cost time, effort, and money to fix.
If you were lucky enough to buy a new home with appliances (if you buy a new build you’ll probably have them, but even if you’re buying an older home you might be able to negotiate with the seller to leave them for you), give them a quick clean and test them to make sure they’re in good working order – and don’t forget to check the fridge, oven, dishwasher, and washing machine because you’re going to want to use these ones sooner than anything else in most cases.
Check them all and see if there are any issues that might need some appliance parts. In that way, you can get everything in working order must more quickly, plus you’ll be extending the life of these things, meaning you’ll save money in the future because you won’t have to replace them so quickly (which is fantastic as they might even have been free in the first place!).
Your roof and gutters are there for a reason – they protect you, your stuff, and your home from the elements (just imagine how uncomfortable it would be without it!), so it’s got to be worth giving them a really good check over when you move in, just to be on the safe side.
You’ll need to check for missing or damaged shingles or tiles, and make sure the gutters are clear. And if you’re not keen on climbing up there, you might be able to see enough with a pair of binoculars, but you could also call on some experts to do the work for you – it’s safer and you’ll get the answers you need.