Considering the amount of work that goes into the business of real estate and the many things that need to be considered, the process of buying a home can be exhausting for new-time and experienced home owners alike.
But at least experienced home owners know what’s in store for them after the paperwork’s been signed. The reality is that home ownership can be challenging for the inexperienced, especially if they didn’t get a proper inspection done before purchasing their new property.
Here are some tips to get you started as soon as you’ve moved in.
1.Inspect Your Heating and Cooling Systems
If you haven’t already, get a professional to check your heating and air conditioner unit for your home. These kinds of units can be extremely costly to fix down the road, so it’s best to assess their situation as soon as possible.
If any repairs are needed, be sure to get them, as not only will you avoid potential issues but you will also save yourself money from wasted energy.
Also consider having your local plumber inspect your water heater. A water heater’s lifespan is about 10 to 15 years, so if you are purchasing an older home, then it’s especially important to get this checked out. A faulty or damaged water heater can leak or cause flooding, supply rust-coloured water, not heat-up your water properly, and/or make your water smell funny.
In some cases, older model water heaters can also be extremely energy-inefficient, so replacing it with something like a tankless hot water heater could go a long way to saving you money and helping with your environmental footprint.
2.Do a Thorough Cleaning
Before even getting your boxes into your new home, consider doing a major cleaning job or even hiring a professional. If you’re moving into a new home you’ll want to start on a blank slate and not have to deal with someone else’s dirt that they’ve built up over the years.
Professional cleaners will be able to do a thorough job of making sure your new home is in tip-top shape, leaving you with time to deal with other matters.
3.Check for Drafts
A huge energy-waster is when you have drafts in your home that let air in or out. For instance, old windows that are damaged can let out hot air in the winter, forcing your heater to work harder and waste more energy.
Wasted energy costs you money, as well as harms the environment, so you might want to consider repairing or replacing old windows.
You’ll also want to check on the insulation of your home and make sure that everything is sealed up properly. Improper insulation is another way that your home can waste energy by leaking air.
Be Informed
As a new home owner, it’s your responsibility to be informed and aware of all your home’s needs. Make sure you do your research and practice regular maintenance to ensure a happy and healthy home.
