There are so many moving parts when you get the keys to your new home. There are so many things to do, tick off, and the list can feel endless. However, in the grand scheme of things, there's often an aspect of moving home that can be overlooked.
What you actually need to do once you get the keys and before move anything in or you make any other plans.
Change Every Lock
You have no idea how many copies of your actual keys there are out there in the wild. People might have copies made for family members they forgot about, or neighbours could have a spare set of keys that weren't collected.
Even if the sellers seem like lovely people, there's no real way of knowing who might have unlimited access to your new home.
The very first thing you should consider once you get the keys to your new home is to change all the locks on both windows and doors, and internal rooms if they have locks too. Bring in a professional locksmith and security systems company who can assist you in making sure the property is secure, and only you can enter from here on out.
You have no idea how many copies of your actual keys there are out there in the wild. People might have copies made for family members they forgot about, or neighbours could have a spare set of keys that weren't collected.
Even if the sellers seem like lovely people, there's no real way of knowing who might have unlimited access to your new home.
The very first thing you should consider once you get the keys to your new home is to change all the locks on both windows and doors, and internal rooms if they have locks too. Bring in a professional locksmith and security systems company who can assist you in making sure the property is secure, and only you can enter from here on out.
Find The Fuse and Water Shutoff
You need to know where both of these are before you need them in an emergency. So do a walkthrough of the house to locate both the fuse box and the water shut-off. The fuse box is usually in places like a utility kitchen, hallway cupboard, or garage. The main water supply shutoff will typically be found near the kitchen sink, near the water meter, or where the supply enters the house.
Walk through, locate both, take your time to familiarise yourself with them so you know that when a pipe bursts at 2 am, you can locate the water shut off quickly and effectively.
You need to know where both of these are before you need them in an emergency. So do a walkthrough of the house to locate both the fuse box and the water shut-off. The fuse box is usually in places like a utility kitchen, hallway cupboard, or garage. The main water supply shutoff will typically be found near the kitchen sink, near the water meter, or where the supply enters the house.
Walk through, locate both, take your time to familiarise yourself with them so you know that when a pipe bursts at 2 am, you can locate the water shut off quickly and effectively.
Check Every Window Lock and Latch
If you're getting window locks changed with your doors, if you've likely already done this, but before you do anything like choosing blinds or curtains, you need to make sure that you have all the keys for any windows that lock and that they close securely in the frame.
You’re looking for signs of damage, both intentional and from wear, as this can impact the functionality and security of your windows. If anything isn't working correctly, you need to get it resolved quickly. For small DIY fixes, this likely won't cost more than a few dollars.
Get the HVAC Serviced
The previous owners might have a record showing that the HVAC has been serviced, but for peace of mind, it's worth booking one with a contractor of your choice.
Before you need to start using it or accidentally cause any damage, book a technician to come and assess the system as a whole. This will give you a clearer idea of the condition of the unit and allow you to get anything changed or replaced, i.e., filters, before you start relying on it. Plus, this way, you'll avoid an expensive emergency call-out if it's not fit for use and you turn it on, and it fails.
If you're getting window locks changed with your doors, if you've likely already done this, but before you do anything like choosing blinds or curtains, you need to make sure that you have all the keys for any windows that lock and that they close securely in the frame.
You’re looking for signs of damage, both intentional and from wear, as this can impact the functionality and security of your windows. If anything isn't working correctly, you need to get it resolved quickly. For small DIY fixes, this likely won't cost more than a few dollars.
Get the HVAC Serviced
The previous owners might have a record showing that the HVAC has been serviced, but for peace of mind, it's worth booking one with a contractor of your choice.
Before you need to start using it or accidentally cause any damage, book a technician to come and assess the system as a whole. This will give you a clearer idea of the condition of the unit and allow you to get anything changed or replaced, i.e., filters, before you start relying on it. Plus, this way, you'll avoid an expensive emergency call-out if it's not fit for use and you turn it on, and it fails.
FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA
No comments:
Post a Comment
I love reading and responding to comments but in order to get my reply you must ensure you are NOT a no-reply blogger. If you are, here are some quick steps to change that!
1. Go to the home page of your Blogger account.
2. Select the drop down beside your name on the top right corner and choose Blogger Profile.
3. Select Edit Profile at the top right.
4. Select the Show My Email Address box.
5. Hit Save Profile.