You might be excited to get in and start living your new life in a recently bought home but, well before that big moving day, you should be sure you know exactly what you have bought. Typically, you should pay for an inspection before you move in, but some people do skip that step and instead look for a valuation. However, now that the home is yours, you should make sure you inspect your new home yourself and do a few last-minute checks before you move in.
Damp and mold issues
Care should be taken to look along the ceilings, walls, and especially any areas where there are pipes, for signs of mold and dampness. These two issues can be signs that there are serious problems with the spread of moisture throughout the home. This might be related to plumbing issues but if the pipes in the home have been off for a while, it’s more likely that there may a leak coming from the outside, such as from a faulty roof. If it’s mold, especially black mold, this can be a real health hazard, and you might need to look at mold remediation services from teams like Flood Pros. There may be more damage that needs to be repaired than it looks initially, once you start inspecting the source of the mold.
About the plumbing
One of the most important reasons to inspect a new home is because of plumbing issues. However, just because there is no mold or dampness does not mean that the plumbing is going to be completely fine. The first thing you should do is find the water mains valve so that, when you test the faucets, showers, and toilets, you can quickly turn the water off if there start to be any significant problems. However, it’s best to have a team of professionals like Morningside Plumbers take care of the inspection for you. That way, not only can you more accurately identify the problems, but you can more quickly put a solution in place, as well.
Untangling the electrics
Unfortunately, electrical problems can occur pretty frequently in homes that haven’t been occupied for a while. There are all manner of potential problems that can arise such as issues with the switches and the switchboard, outlets that aren’t grounded and no longer supply power, and the like. Not only can electrical issues mean that you don’t get power to the appliances that you need, but it is also a real hazard, with short circuits and potential fires both being dangerous. As such, you should have a local electrician take a look at the house before you move in. They can test the power and the circuitry through the house without any risk of injury. You might want to replace some old and inefficient systems, anyway.
The condition of the yard
Given that it’s one of the selling points of most homes, you might not need to be told to take a closer look at the yard. However, now that you don’t have the pressure of whether or not to buy, it’s a good idea to take a closer look and to understand how much upkeep it’s going to take. You might want to start making some adjustments to the yard, whether it’s to add value to it or to make it more convenient. You might also want to get an idea of any parts of it that might pose risks in terms of giving homes to pests so that you can tidy it once you move in.
Uninvited guests
As mentioned, the garden can be a potential entryway for some others who have taken the time to move into your home before you. However, even a clean garden doesn’t mean that there won’t be any pests in the home. Take the time to inspect the surfaces for signs of pests, such as droppings and wood shavings, and check the attics, cabinets, floorboards, and basements. From bats to mice to termites, all pests are a problem when left in the household, but teams like Atlas Exterminator can help you not only get rid of them from the house but find the source of the infestation and prevent them from coming back in.
Your new home might be perfectly fine to live in, but some might need a little fixing before they’re ready for you. Hopefully, there shouldn’t be any major problems that hold back your moving day too much, but it’s wise to get moving on the issues named above as soon as possible and inspect your new home ASAP.
