Congratulations you bought a new home, and after all the time and work you have put into packing ,moving, perhaps some painting and decorating you are finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. However there may be some things you may not have considered, so while you continue to settle in, here are 7 essential things you should do when moving into a new home.
Reference your Home Inspection Report
It has probably been awhile since you had your new home inspected (at least we hope you did) but now is a good time to refer back to the inspection report and make a plan to have any unresolved repairs or maintenance items taken care of. While all repairs are important, special consideration should be given to any safety issues that may have been discovered during your inspection.
Replace the Locks
Installing new locks in the home and garage will provide extra security and peace of mind for you and your family. New locks eliminate the possibility of someone obtaining easy access to your home from any old keys that a previous owner may have forgotten about, or knew existed.
Check Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Confirm that they are present, and provide a fresh set of batteries. While installing batteries check the date code for any units that may be expired or nearing expiration and have them replaced. Smoke Detectors are good for appx 10 yrs and Co2 Detectors 5 – 7 yrs. The date code can usually be found on the side or back of the unit.
Locate Emergency Shut off Valves
If you had your home inspected the main gas and water shut off valves will usually be provided in your report, take the time to familiarize yourself with their location, and proper procedure for turning them off and on. Additionally learn where, and how to operate any individual shut off valves for plumbing fixtures and gas appliances. Knowing how to turn a valve off at a leaky sink or toilet still enables the rest of the house to have water while you decide on how to proceed with the repair.
Electrical Panel(s)
Identify the location, ensure each circuit is properly labelled and become familiar with how to reset or shut down the power if the need arises. If any GFCI or AFCI circuit breakers are present within the panel(s) test them periodically for proper operation and test all GFCI outlets located within and outside the home on a monthly basis. Replace any faulty GFCI / AFCI circuit breakers or outlets as soon as possible by a qualified electrician.
Learn How to Operate and Maintain any Items that are new to you
Furnaces, boilers, hot water tanks, appliances, fireplaces, jet tubs, garbage disposals etc.. Consider looking online to find any owners’ manuals that you don’t have, and become familiar with the proper operation and maintenance requirements of each device. Be pro – active with any recommended maintenance requirements.
Prepare a Home Maintenance Schedule
Owning a home requires upkeep and by adopting a good consistent maintenance schedule, will pay for itself in the long term. A good maintenance program not only keeps your home looking good, it also saves you money by prolonging the life of the many systems and components located within and outside the home.
Blue Owl Inspections provides professional home inspections services for Vancouver and Lower Mainland.
Give us a call to learn more about your home, and see what sets us apart from the competition.