Owning a new house is no mean feat – it’s a tremendous achievement. However, it comes with some responsibilities of ensuring that your new home is comfortable, safe, and functional. But how do you tackle these responsibilities effectively? This article will guide you through ten things to do as you prepare to move into a new home. Read keenly, and your relocation will be seamless.
Update the AC System
As you prepare to move into a new house, ascertain that the AC system is in good working condition. If it’s inefficient, you can repair or replace the unit. This is where professional AC maintenance services come in handy. These professionals inspect your air conditioner and repair faulty parts to restore the device’s functionality.
If the current unit is outdated or damaged beyond repair, the experts will guide you in purchasing and installing the air conditioning. You should also replace the AC if it’s past the stipulated lifespan, ideally 15–20 years, and the cost of repairs is at par or supersedes the replacement costs. According to Forbes, AC installation, including labor and parts, amounts to around $8000.
A functional AC system ensures your new house has a relaxed and comfortable environment. When done expertly, air conditioning installation can improve air quality and reduce the risk of allergies and respiratory problems. An upgraded AC system also lasts longer and prevents costly breakdowns in the future. But are these benefits important if they don’t translate to cost savings? According to the Department of Energy, using air conditioners with higher efficiency could cut your energy consumption by 20-50%.
The cost of updating the AC system depends on various factors, such as the type and size of the unit, the parts you need to replace, and the labor charges of the AC technician. According to Home Advisor, the average AC repair cost for common fixes (like valves, blowers, or systems recharge) is $404. You can, however, get better deals if you compare quotes from your local AC repair services.
Make Sure Plumbing is Up-To-Date
Another thing to do when preparing to move into a new house is inspecting its plumbing system. The last thing you want is a new abode with leaks, clogs, and low water pressure. So, before you move in, let a trusted plumbing contractor check your new house’s pipes, faucets, toilets, showers, and drains. These professionals are trained to spot plumbing issues and make the necessary repairs or replacements.
Plumbing upgrade involves unclogging blocked drains, whether due to food, grease hair, or soap scum, using drain cleaners. Also, remedy the water hammer (pounding and banging sound). Don’t forget to modernize bathroom fixtures and replace water supply lines. The plumbing system doesn’t have to be faulty to necessitate an upgrade. According to Home Advisor, plumber charges range from $45 to $200.
Plumbing companies will work on your plumbing to guarantee a reliable and efficient water supply, prevent water damage and health hazards, and reduce water bills by installing WaterSense-labeled fixtures. According to the EPA, using WaterSense-labeled fixtures and appliances can cut your water bills by up to 20%!
Upgrade The Lawn
Your lawn is one of the first things people notice when visiting your home. It’s easy to see why you should upgrade your lawn when you want to move into a new home. A lush lawn can create a lasting good impression while reflecting your organized personality and style. Additionally, a maintained lawn can also provide a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor space for your family. According to Angi, it can boost the appeal and value of your home by up to 217%.
Unlike mowing, which you can DIY, lawn upgrades aren’t simple. It requires the help of a professional lawn care service versed in the latest techniques and trends in lawn care to help you choose the right plants, fertilizers, and irrigation systems for your area’s specific climate and soil type. Upgrading involves adding new lights, using new seeds and grass types, adding built-in pathways, and grading the lawn. Experts can also help you manage lawn issues like pests, diseases, or drainage problems.
When hiring professional lawn care services, consider their experience and cost. A good lawn care expert has the necessary experience, possesses the right tools and equipment, and charges reasonable amounts without hidden fees. According to Home Advisor, you should expect to incur $49 – $205 for your lawn upgrade
Find a Local Roofing Company
The roof is an essential part of your house. It protects you from the elements and provides insulation. A damaged or leaky roof can lead to water damage, mold, pests, and high energy bills. You can avoid these problems by collaborating with trusted local roofers. A local roofing contractor knows the common areas where roofs are prone to fail, such as roof ridges, vents, flashing, and gutters. They inspect problems like missing or cracked shingles, loose flashing, or clogged gutters and suggest repairs if the roof is still in good condition.
However, if the roof has severe damage like structural issues, extensive leaks, rot, or mold, they may recommend replacing it. According to Forbes, replacing a roof costs about $11,500. On the upside, it provides a long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing and increases the value of your house by up to 107% according to NAR.
Rent a Dumpster
When relocating, you might be surprised by how much clutter you have accumulated. You don’t want to bring it into your new home, nor do you want to settle in a home with clutter. A dumpster rental kills the two birds with one stone.
Renting a dumpster enables you to easily dispose of large amounts of trash, furniture, appliances, and other junk. Additionally, a reputable dumpster rental company takes care of the hauling and recycling of trash, saving you from fines for improper waste disposal. It saves you hassle and time.
The choice of a dumpster depends on your needs and budget. You can choose from a small dumpster rental that can hold up to 10 cubic yards of debris or a large one that can hold up to 40 cubic yards. Likewise, you can choose between a roll-off dumpster with an open top and wheels or a front-load dumpster with a lid and a front-loading mechanism. According to Angi, renting a dumpster ranges between $75 and $800 per week, depending on the size, type, duration, and location.
Contact a dumpster rental company and tell them about your need to rent a dumpster. The dumpster rental company will then deliver the dumpster to your location, and you can fill it up with your trash. When you are done, your dumpster rental company will haul away the dumpster and your trash for safe disposal.
Get Any Other Junk Picked Up
If you have other items that don’t fit in your dumpster or can’t be disposed of through your regular waste management services, consider hiring a junk pick up service. These professionals have the right tools and equipment to handle bulky or dangerous waste, enabling you to move into your new place efficiently and safely. For example, they use tools like shredders, compactors, balers, and crushers to reduce the volume of the waste, making it easier to recycle or dispose of. Similarly, they use specialized containers and tools to transport and dispose of hazardous waste, such as chemicals, safely. Additionally, they invest in vacuum or tanker trucks to remove liquids or semi-liquid waste and aerial lifts or cranes to deal with heavy or hard-to-reach items.
However, you must hire an exemplary junk removal service. Begin by checking that they are licensed by relevant bodies in your state. For example, if you live in Massachusetts, ensure they have a license from the Department of Labor.
Besides licensing, you should inquire how the junk removal company manages the waste. You want to ensure they dispose of your junk in eco-friendly ways, such as recycling, donating, or composting. Finally, inquire about their charges, as you don’t want financial exploitation. According to Move.org, a reputable junk removal company charges an average of $230 for a single trip. The final price varies depending on your location, the type and amount of junk, the disposal fees, and the company.
Check The Electrical System
Electricity is essential for modern living as it powers our lights, appliances, and devices. It also provides comfort, convenience, and security. On the flip side, electricity can pose risks and challenges like fire and shocks, especially when the electrical work is faulty. To avoid these risks, you should hire electricians to inspect the electrical work as you prepare to move into your new house.
Electricians are armed with tools like wire strippers, cable finders, multimeters, and non-contact voltage testers to measure and locate various electrical components. These tools help them detect and fix issues or defects that could cause fire, shock, or damage to your electrical system. They can also advise you on any repairs or upgrades needed to improve your electrical system’s performance and appearance. According to Home Advisor, the cost of hiring a professional electrician to inspect the electrical work in your new home is $162 – $535.
Besides the safety and expertise reasons, it’s important to hire experts to adhere to up-to-code requirements. Seasoned electricians follow these codes without using shortcuts. Additionally, they go the extra mile and test safety and switches, electrical meters, carbon monoxide, and fire alarms. They ensure all cords are intact, wires are covered, and the bulbs have the right wattage for each fixture.
Install Home Security System
Moving to a new home without guaranteed security beats logic. For this reason, invest in a home security system as part of the plan to move into your new house. But how does installing a security system help? Installing home security systems such as cameras, motion sensors, smoke detectors, and alarms can protect your home from burglars and potential hazards like fire and smoke.
A top-notch security system is also a cost-saving measure. How, you wonder? Homes with solid security systems earn discounts from insurance companies. According to a survey by Save Wise, homeowners with home security systems can save up to 20% on their home insurance premiums. Forbes estimates the cost of installing a home security system in the US to be around $475.
Change the Lock
Here is an open secret that is often overlooked. Change the locks and keys when ready to move into a new house. Unlike other relocation tips, changing locks doesn’t depend on working conditions; get new locks even if the old ones work fine. This simple but important step could mean the difference between living in a safe and insecure new home.
You can do it yourself or hire a professional locksmith. DIY installations require some experience and the right tools, like a screwdriver, a drill, a hammer, and, of course, new locks. The recommended way is to call a professional locksmith for proper installation and avoid damaging the doors.
Thanks to their hands-on skills, experienced locksmiths offer convenient and reliable ways to change the locks and keys. They also invest in the right equipment to handle complex scenarios, especially when a situation demands an immediate response. They will also be able to advise you on the best type of locks and keys for your home, such as deadbolts, smart locks, or keyless entry systems.
A locksmith service can also make extra copies of the keys and program them if they are electronic. This is advantageous as it means you will never worry about breaking your doors when you lose keys. However, you must ascertain their professionalism to avoid the installation of tampered-with locks by phony service providers.
Inspect for Pests
Pests carry diseases, damage furniture, and belongings, and are a nuisance in your living space. This is a fact you already know. Therefore, before taking steps to move into a new house, get experienced pest exterminator services to get rid of pests such as rodents, insects, spiders, or termites. Keeping pests at bay using professional pest control services prevents infestations, property damage, and health issues like allergies.
When looking for reputable pest exterminator services, ask about their process of inspecting and eliminating pests. What are their quality and safety standards? Additionally, see if they are licensed by the relevant bodies in your state.
A license indicates that the pest control service has met the standards and requirements for the equipment, personnel, and products. Finally, compare their prices vs the quality, and choose the one that offers the best value for your money. According to the Home Guide, hiring pest exterminators costs $40 to $75 per visit.
Preparing to move into a new house can be an exciting experience but also stressful. You want to avoid the latter, and your only way is to follow the steps outlined in this article. These tips will ensure your new home is ready for your family. Otherwise, you risk regretting it later!