So you’ve just bought a new home, signed the papers, moved all of your belongings, and have the keys in hand. Now what?! Other than just paying the bills to make sure it stays yours, what do you do next?
It’s extremely fulfilling to buy a new home and the process can be long and challenging, but the work doesn’t end there. There are many things you’ll need to do when you purchase a new home, including:
(1) Look at the structural areas of your home:
Cracks in Ceiling Drywall It’s important to inspect your ceiling drywall for any cracks, as they could indicate underlying structural issues. Regularly checking for and addressing these cracks can help maintain the integrity of your home’s structure.
The Stack Effect is an important phenomenon to consider when assessing the structural areas of your home. Understanding how air moves through your house can help identify potential issues such as drafts, moisture buildup, and energy inefficiency. By addressing these issues, you can improve the overall comfort and efficiency of your living space.
Sloping Floors are another aspect to consider when evaluating your home’s structure. Sloping floors can indicate issues such as foundation settling, improper construction, or water damage. Ignoring sloping floors can lead to further structural issues and decreased property value.
If you’re concerned about potential issues in your home’s structural integrity, examining Cracks in a Basement Wall is crucial. These can be early indicators of underlying problems that, if addressed promptly, can prevent more significant damage. Regular inspections and timely repairs will contribute to the overall stability and longevity of your home.
Crawl Space Humidity is another crucial aspect to consider as you settle into your new house. Excessive humidity in the crawl space can lead to various issues, including mold growth and damage to wooden structures. It’s advisable to monitor and maintain optimal humidity levels to ensure the long-term health of your home.
“Check out the integral parts that relate to the structure of your home. Chances are you’ve looked these things over during the viewings and home inspection, but it’s still good to familiarize yourself with these areas of your home early on. Take photos of the foundation of the condition when you moved in and document any areas you’d like to keep an eye on.
This will give you a good idea of how it might be deteriorating and failing. You can get an idea of how the weather impacts your home and what a timeline looks like for potentially having to replace or repair these things as well.
I work in foundation maintenance and repairs, so I always bring this up as an idea, but I’d also recommend doing this for your roof, windows, and more.”
Thanks to Victor Chirilas, Director at Mainmark UK, for submitting this.
(2) Consider your options for homeowners insurance:
“There are different elements of homeowners insurance to consider and there will be different price ranges depending on the company, the area you live in, the size of your home, and so much more. Frankly, there’s a lot to consider when purchasing homeowners insurance, and every element should be considered.
The things to consider include are: the reputation of the insurance company; the fine print in our homeowner’s insurance; the coverage for the most likely events to potentially happen to your home; different pricing estimates; coverage for your assets as well as home; and so much more.
Speak to experts, talk to friends who’ve done their research as well, and make the decision best for you.”
Thanks to Aaron Winston, Strategy Director for Express Legal Funding, for sending this in.
(3) Create a plan for potential upgrades:
“As soon as someone moves into a new home, I recommend they begin scoping out a plan for renovations and potential upgrades. I’m not saying to start right away, but at least make a plan. For example, you could even begin planning the potential roof replacement that is 5 years away or the need for new bathroom appliances. Without a plan, and without the motivation to stay on top of these things, it could get out of hand and, next thing you know, many years have passed without any work being done.
Then, life changes drastically and you consider putting the home on the market, but your home is severely outdated. That means you might not get as much on the market as you should and you’re missing out on a possible investment return.
Don’t fall into this behavior. Instead, begin making a plan and set some money aside for upgrades to your home. With a plan in place, you can keep on top of your aging home and you won’t miss anything crucial to the functionality and profitability of your home.”
Thanks to Kurtis Forster, Sales Representative for Nu-Vista Premiere Realty, for sharing this with us.
Final: Unwind!
Moving is stressful and there are lots to consider, even after moving. While you do all of this and stay on top of what still has to be done, make sure you unwind and enjoy your new home. A lot of hard work went into getting here, so make sure you take those special moments to let it all sink in.