Purchasing a new home is a major upgrade and calls for a celebration. However, before doing so, it is best that you check that your new home is in its best shape in order for it to be truly worth the investment of your money. It is common for certain aspects of your home to not be in the best condition, so you don’t need to worry about that. What you do need to make sure though is that you get the problems straightened out as soon as possible, so that they don’t become even worse and unfixable in the future. To help you get started with all of this, here are 5 common things that you’ll need to replace when you buy a house.
1. Replace Filters and Cleaning Vents
After receiving your new keys, you should change any water filters and air filters on the heating and cooling systems. After all, you have no way of knowing the last time they were replaced. This is especially crucial if you suffer from allergies or if the previous owners had pets. While you’re at it, replace or cleanse the stove filters and fume hood to avoid grease fires, since there may have been a buildup of grease from the previous owners. Finally, you must remember to clear out the dryer exhaust. A clogged vent can potentially start a fire and force your dryer to work harder to clean your clothing, resulting in a higher energy cost.
2. Fixing or Replacing Windows
The windows and doors of older homes may be quite lovely. Some antique designs would definitely add to the aesthetic of your home and be pleasing to the eye. You may adore the beauty of old windows, from latticework to stained glass, but despise the higher energy expenses that come along with them. If your home’s windows are single-paned, which is usually the case for older windows, you should consider replacing them with more energy-efficient models. Single-pane windows are less durable than the newer window models and they allow the hot or cold air of your home to escape more easily. If you don’t want to change your old windows, you must at the very least be certain that any possible leaks or cracks are identified and sealed.
3. Fixing Structural Problems
When it comes to structural issues in any house of any kind, a sloping floor and such may seem like nothing, but it can potentially be a warning that your foundation is weakened. Because your new home has been around for a while, a variety of things might have happened to its foundation and structural support. From cracking to termite infestation to dry rot, if your home’s structural integrity is compromised, you should see an expert to decide how to repair it and how long it will take. The price would depend on the nature of the problem, but regardless of how steep it may be, the investment will be well worth it.
4. Fixing Plumbing
Many homeowners spend a lot of money on cosmetic repairs to their houses but neglect on upgrading their home’s bones, which includes its plumbing system. The very last thing you want to do after a hard day at work is come home to discover your kitchen flooded. Plumbing isn’t something you want to overlook because a mistake there will ruin the entirety of your investment in your new property and leave you with a soggy mess to clean up. Mold and structural issues can also result from leaking pipes. Be certain to inspect your pipes and update them if necessary. Pipes aren’t designed to last forever and will eventually fail. So, restore them before they collapse and expose you to a slew of other, more serious issues.
5. Update Electrical Wiring
Nowadays, numerous members of your family, including yourself, are involved with electronics and happen to be charging them quite often. Electrical outlets, on the other hand, may be scarce in your home. You might perhaps solve this problem using a multi-plug adaptor, however this could pose a safety risk. If your home’s electrical grid layout is inadequate, you should consider upgrading it and installing extra outlets. You may also want to get it upgraded if there are any issues with the cabling, since outdated models could cause a fire. Your best option to do all of this is to have an expert come in and give you an estimate for how much these house improvements will cost.
Upgrading homes is a big step and requires a lot of money out of your pocket and time out of your daily schedule. That is why it is important that you are getting the most out of this kind of investment. In order to do so, you must replace filters and cleaning vents of your new home, remove any mold and mildew that you can find, fix any structural problems, fix any plumbing issues and upgrade its electrical wiring. By doing all of this and making sure that all of these are in check, you are allowing yourself to truly enjoy your new home without any worries.