From the initial search to signing the closing papers, buying a new home is always a complicated process. By the time they’ve carted in the furniture, most people are so exhausted they neglect to prep houses to avoid a slew of common disasters.
When moving into a new home, cross these maintenance priorities off of your checklist as soon as possible to avoid any unexpected unpleasantness.
Thoroughly Inspect the Plumbing
First things first, have a qualified plumber go over every component of your home’s plumbing system and give each a clean bill of health. At a minimum, you should have the septic tank and the water heater looked at. Ensure that no pipes are leaking and have them insulated to reduce your energy costs.
Clean, Patch and Seal the Roof
Without regular maintenance, a roof of any age will develop leaks that can become incredibly costly in due time. Have asphalt shingle roofs scrubbed down with diluted bleach to kill moss. Install zinc or copper strips to prevent growth from returning. Replace shingles that look iffy and seal any potential spots that might leak.
Have the Foundation Waterproofed
Alongside plumbing, the foundation is the most problem-prone part of the house. A hairline fracture can quickly spread and threaten the stability of the entire structure. If you don’t know what you’re doing, call in a foundation repair professional like Safe-Guard Waterproofing and have them apply waterproof sealer to interior and exterior foundation walls.
Rectify Landscaping Deficiencies
If you live in an area with frequent storms, trimming back trees that are close to the house is a must. Try to create as much exposure to southern light as possible to combat moisture retention that can lead to rot. Improve the drainage situation around the house’s perimeter to avoid basement flooding and foundation damage.
Eliminate Potential Pest Problems
No matter where you live, pests like termites and rodents will decrease home value and potentially destabilize the structure. Before repainting the walls or adding a half bathroom, have a pest control professional identify and eradicate any critters they encounter. Spend a little extra to have qualified technicians seal up exterior entry points.
Barring a record-setting weather event or simple human error, the new home preparation tips outlined here will prevent most residential disasters. By investing a little extra money on prevention at the outset, you stand to save tens of thousands of dollars over the next decade by nipping emerging problems in the bud.
