Buying a new home is an exciting milestone in anyone’s life. However, just because you have received the keys to your new place, doesn’t mean your work is done. In fact, there are several tasks that should be done within the first week of your big move, and there are those that need to be completed within the first two months. Let’s take a look at them.
Give Your Old Hardwood A Makeover
By refinishing your old hardwood, your floors will look as good as new. This might seem like a daunting task, but if you have a couple of days to yourself, you can refinish the floors in the larger areas of your home. Completing this task is much easier whilst the house is still empty when there is no furniture to move around or items to get dusty.
Check Out Your Crawlspace And The Attic
Since they are far from sight, your home’s crawlspace and the attic can be easily neglected. Unfortunately, many problems regarding your home’s health could arise in these areas. Therefore, when you have moved into your new place, inspect these and keep your eyes open for leaks, bugs, mold, and other issues. If your crawlspace doesn’t have a vapor barrier, consider installing one. In addition, check out the attic insulation. If the insulation is old or even missing, it is recommended to install a new one. High-quality insulation can keep your home warm in the winter and cool during the summer heat, which will save you a lot of money on your electric bills. If you are interested in getting new insulation for your home, learn more here.
Replace The Filter In Your Furnace
Old furnace filters can quickly create new problems. Therefore, when you finally move into your new home, locate the furnace filter and buy a replacement. If you are lucky, maybe the old owners have left you a spare filter.
Clean Your Air Conditioner
Taking care of your air conditioner condensers and evaporators will help you keep your home cool during the summer heat, and give you plenty of time to call a conditioning contractor if you happen to detect any issues. Cleaning the air conditioner is something you can do yourself, just remember to cut off the electricity first. Afterward, grab your vacuum, go outside, and clean the condenser’s exterior fins with a soft-bristled brush. Make sure there are no bushes or overgrown grass within two feet of the unit. Next, go inside and vacuum the blower compartment, grab a clean cloth, and clean the condensation drain.
Find The Main Water Shutoff Valve
In case of emergency, you need to know how to quickly shut off the water to your entire home. This can be easily done with the main water shutoff valve, so you need to know where this valve is located in your new house. Depending on the climate in your area, it can be outside or inside. If you live in a colder climate, the main shutoff valve is most likely located inside to prevent freezing. Check your basement or other warm areas in your home. If, on the other hand, you live in a milder climate, the main shutoff valve is probably located outside attached to an exterior wall.
Know Where The Electrical Panel Is
Just like with the main water shutoff valve, you need to know where the electrical panel is so you can shut off the power to the entire house. Most likely, the main circuit breaker panel will be located in the utility room, the garage, or the basement. Feel free to open the panel door, because all the dangerous stuff is behind a second steel cover. In the panel, you will find the main breaker that will instantly shut off the power to the whole house, as well as two rows of other breakers that are each controlling a different area of the house.
Ticking these boxes will make your home a much safer and more comfortable place for you and your loved ones, so take care of these tasks as soon as possible.
