Moving to a new house can be both exciting and overwhelming. There are many things to consider and take care of during the moving process, but it’s important not to overlook the essential tasks of home maintenance.
Here are five essential tasks for homeowners to complete when moving into a new house.
Change the Locks
One of the first things you should do when moving into a new house is to change the locks. This is a simple and relatively inexpensive task that can give you peace of mind and enhance your home security.
Changing the locks ensures that you’re the only one with access to your new home. You can either hire a professional locksmith or purchase new locksets and install them yourself.
Check and Replace Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are critical safety devices that can save lives in the event of a fire or gas leak. Make sure that your new home has working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in every bedroom, hallway, and living area.
Check the expiration dates on the devices and replace them if necessary. If you’re unsure about the condition of the devices, it’s always a good idea to replace them to ensure the safety of your home and family.
Inspect and Clean Gutters
Gutters play a crucial role in protecting your home’s foundation from water damage. Make sure to inspect and clean your gutters when moving into a new house. Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow and damage your roof, siding, and foundation.
Clean out any debris such as leaves, twigs, and branches from your gutters. You can also invest in gutter guards to help prevent debris from accumulating in the future.
Test and Service Heating and Cooling Systems
Your home’s heating and cooling systems are essential for maintaining a comfortable temperature throughout the year. Before the start of the season, test and service your HVAC system to ensure that it’s working properly.
Change the air filters and check for any leaks or damage in the ductwork. You can also hire a professional to service your system and make any necessary repairs.
Inspect Plumbing and Electrical Systems
Plumbing and electrical systems are often overlooked during the moving process, but they’re essential for the proper functioning of your home. Inspect your plumbing and electrical systems to ensure that everything is working correctly and there are no leaks or other issues.
Check for any leaks or drips in your pipes and faucets. Make sure that your electrical system is up to code and that all outlets and switches are functioning properly. If you’re unsure about the condition of your plumbing or electrical systems, it’s always best to hire a professional to inspect and make any necessary repairs.
Moving into a new house is an exciting time, but it’s also important to take care of essential home maintenance tasks. Changing the locks, checking and replacing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, inspecting and cleaning gutters, testing and servicing heating and cooling systems, and inspecting plumbing and electrical systems are all critical tasks that should not be overlooked.