It’s exciting to move into a new house. The urge to decorate is strong, and you may want to nest. Will Palmer, owner and broker at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Historic, says that being a first-time buyer can be overwhelming. Many buyers are exhausted when they reach closing day. They have spent hours looking at homes, learning about financing and negotiating the sale.

There’s still one more thing you should do as you settle in to your new home. Start with the mundane tasks like forwarding your mail, updating your driver’s licence, and enrolling your children in a new class. Here are some things you should do as soon as possible after moving in to make sure your home is in good condition and safe.

1. Change the Locks

changing locks is a priority for all new homeowners, whether they do it themselves or hire a professional. This service costs between $50 and $200 depending on where you are located and how many locks need to be replaced.

Lisa Lundt is a Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Universal agent. She says that if you purchase a home warranty they will provide you with a lock change at a reduced cost or for free.

By changing the locks, you ensure that the previous owner or anyone who shared their keys cannot enter your home after you move in. This is a security measure that gives you peace of mind, and allows you to customize your locks. You may want to have all your keys match or upgrade to smart locks or keypads.

2. Do a Deep Clean

It’s likely that the previous owner cleaned up quickly before moving out. In most cases, moving in to a house will reveal all the cobwebs and dust that were overlooked. Palmer suggests a deep clean of the house, including cleaning the air vents. A deep cleaning gives you a new canvas to work with as you move into your new home. This service can range from $200 to $400, depending on the size and condition of your home.

3. Hire Pest Control

You may not see any insects, but they are most likely there. Palmer recommends hiring a pest-control company from the beginning to ensure your home’s long-term maintenance. In some cases, your previous owner may have paid for services that kept the property in good condition. However, you should not go too long between visits if you want to keep ants and termites away.

This is an affordable monthly service that ranges in price from $30-$100, depending on your location, the extent and size of the problem you are experiencing, and your home.

4. Address Your Home Inspection Report

You probably had a house inspection performed before you closed on your home. This report is a great tool to use when buying a home. It lets you know exactly what you are getting into. Don’t throw it away once you’ve moved in.

A home inspection report will highlight any issues you need to fix before and after moving in. smoke detectors are a common concern. Lundt says that your report will show you which rooms are equipped with smoke alarms and which ones need their batteries changed.

Then, you can start addressing the larger issues in your house. Palmer advises homeowners to check the age of their roof and ensure it is in good condition. If not, you may want to consider replacing it in order to enjoy carefree living for many years.

The same goes for your water heating. Palmer recommends replacing the water heater if it is older than ten years. “You’ll get better efficiency and have fewer leaks etc.”

Palmer suggests that you check your home’s window seals and make sure they are tight. “I bought a 1920s home and, although the windows were charming and original, I decided to replace them all with new energy-efficient windows covered in vinyl,” he said. This will keep your heating and cooling costs low.

Review Your Home Warranty

The majority of buyers choose to pay for home warranties for at least the first year they live in their new home. However, many buyers do not read the fine print. “People don’t really understand home warranties. We always recommend that they contact the company prior to making repairs,” Lundt says.

Many home warranties include coverage for your HVAC system, appliances, and other major problems, such as roof or pipe leaks. Contact your home warranty provider to find out what is covered before you hire a handyman. You could save a ton of money.

Original Blog: https://www.bhg.com/home-maintenance-tasks-for-first-time-buyers-8599406