Buying your first home can be one of the most exciting things you ever do but it can also mean a fair amount of work, maintenance, repairs, and replacements before you can comfortably call the place your own.
Furthermore, many pre-owned homes need to be evaluated carefully on several fronts such as the HVAC systems, plumbing, and fixtures although a new ready-made home may also fall short of your expectations once you start living in it. Here are some easy home maintenance tips for the first-time home buyer to help you fit into your new house and make the most of it.
- Evaluate The Security
Many homeowners think they live in a safe neighborhood and there is no chance of any unfortunate occurrence but that is not the case. When you move in you need to evaluate the perimeter of the house (whether or not there is a fence and how easy it is to open the windows or side entrances). Furthermore, install an alarm system such as one that also rings if windows are forced open or keep a dog. Having a doorbell camera or a CCTV network can also be helpful for giving you that extra peace of mind.
- Maintain The Driveway
If a driveway has dents, cracks, and crevices in it, it can become a hosting ground for dirt, pests, and weeds and it can also be hard to clean in the snowy season, etc. Have your driveway sealed and made smooth by a contractor so that it is easy to keep it clean. If your gutters or downspouts are next to the driveway you may want to have them checked too as there can be seasonal blockages from decomposing organic matter such as leaves.
- A Blank Canvas
When moving into a new home, a fresh coat of paint that you have personally administered is very important for hygiene purposes. Commercial painting services can get the job done before you even notice it and they also clean up afterward such as spilled paint on flooring etc. Not to mention they offer a varied selection of colors to choose from, also offering other related services such as wallpaper installation or fixing water damage.
- Service The HVAC
Your home can have an old HVAC system and while it is not necessary to uproot it and replace it with a new one, you should have a professional servicing done before you turn it on at all. Ideally, put it on your list of things to do before you move in completely. If someone died of natural causes in the home, you could also have a potential biohazard issue present that can pass into the HVAC system so consult professional cleaners as well if that is the case.
- Structural Repairs
All houses are not built equally so the roof can have sustained damage from rain or snow or loose shingles or there can be plumbing defects or leakages and the floor can also need partial replacement. Contact professional roofing contractors and other house contractors to ascertain if any structural issues exist with the house before you move in.
(Image source: depositphotos.com)
