6 Crucial Checks for When You're Moving Into a New House
It's finally happened - you've found the perfect house, with the help of a great realtor like Reed Pirain, and made an offer that's been accepted. You're now in the process of moving all your belongings in, but before you do, there are a few crucial checks that you need to do first! In this blog post, we will go over six of the most important things that you need to check when moving into a new house. From making sure the water and electricity are turned on to checking for damage or pests, we'll cover everything!
Make Sure that the Utilities are Turned on
This includes water, electricity, and gas. You don't want to move into a house and then discover that you can't even take a shower or cook dinner! If you're not sure how to do this, ask your real estate agent or the previous owner of the house. They should be able to help you out.
Check for Damage
Do a walk-through of the entire house, both inside and out. Look for any signs of damage, such as holes in the walls, cracks in the ceilings, or water stains. If you find any damage, make sure to take pictures and document it. This will be important later if you need to file an insurance claim. It's also a good idea to ask the previous owner if they are aware of any damage that exists. They may not have mentioned it during negotiations because they weren't planning on fixing it themselves.
Inspect the Plumbing
Turn on all the faucets and flush all the toilets. This will help you check for any leaks or clogs that may exist. While you're at it, take a look under the sinks and in the cabinets to see if there is any water damage. This is something that can often go unnoticed until it's too late. If you have a pool, now is also a good time to test it out and make sure everything is working properly. If you notice any problems with the plumbing, be sure to contact a professional right away. These are not issues that you want to try and fix yourself!
Check the Electrical System
Start by testing all the outlets to see if they're working. Then, take a look at the breaker box and make sure that all the circuits are properly labeled. If you have any concerns about the electrical system in your new home, it's best to contact an electrician for further assistance. They will be able to tell you if everything is up to code and safe. While you're at it, now is also a good time to install any additional outlets that you may need. This is especially important if you have any large pieces of furniture that will be blocking existing outlets.
Test the Heating and Cooling System
This is especially important if you're moving in during the summer or winter. You don't want to be caught off guard by a broken air conditioner or furnace! Turn on the heat and the air conditioning to see if they're working properly. If not, contact a professional to come take a look. They may be able to repair it or, at the very least, give you some advice on what needs to be done. It's also a good idea to change the filters in your furnace and air conditioner. This will help improve the quality of your indoor air and make sure that your system is running as efficiently as possible.
Gutters and Roof
Inspect the gutters and downspouts to make sure that they're clear of leaves and debris. This is important because clogged gutters can lead to water damage on your roof or even in your home. If you have a second-story balcony, now is also a good time to check the railing to make sure it's secure. You don't want anyone accidentally falling off! Finally, take a look at the roof itself and look for any signs of damage, such as missing shingles or leaks. If you find anything, contact a professional like Gutter Services and roofers right away to have it repaired.
These are just a few of the most important things to check for when you're moving into a new house. By taking the time to do these things, you can help avoid any major problems down the road.
