Buying and moving into a new house is an exciting time for new homeowners, but many are also unaware of the projects that they may have to do for their new home to be move-in ready. So if you’re still thinking about buying a home, you’ll want to be sure to set aside some money to cover any repairs or maintenance ahead. As becoming a new homeowner is a big lifestyle change, we have researched and come up with the most common projects new homeowners usually face. Keep reading to find out all the things you may have to handle before or after moving in.
If you have already started your home projects, then you may want to read more on our crafts and projects page, where you will find several guides covering your home maintenance needs.
1. Rekey Exterior Locks
If you move into a home that was previously owned, you may want to consider rekeying your locks. It’s a fast way to secure your home and give you peace of mind. These days, many options don’t just include a locksmith. You can get SMART locks installed so that you can be assured that your home is locked and safe even if you are not there like on holiday with your family and friends. You may also want to install a home security system that comes with cameras, alarms, motion sensors and more.
2. Deep Cleaning
Many new homeowners have to have a deep cleaning of the space before putting up furniture. This deep clean means you can move into your home for a fresh start and can help lessen dingy aesthetics, while possibly lowering the need for costly repairs over time. Starting with mineral deposit removal from the toilets, all the way to dusting ceiling fans, whole home cleanings provide a clean start.
If your new home is fairly clean and doesn’t require a clean top to bottom, then you’ll surely have to clean your flooring. These include your carpet cleaning, porcelain tile and grout cleaning, and hardwood or laminate flooring cleaning.
If you don’t have the time to attend to your floors, then head over to SweepSouth – let us handle your deep cleaning and floor cleaning at an affordable rate.
3. New Interior And Exterior Paint
A new paint job can change your home’s style completely and fix minor issues. Repainting your home’s exterior can also protect it from weather elements while maintaining curb appeal.
Inside your home, you may want to repaint your living room, bedroom and kitchen walls and cabinets, particularly if the paint is chipped or if the colour isn’t really what you envisioned for your new home.
4. Landscaping
Often new homeowners tend to spend money on improving their home’s landscaping to improve curb appeal and create an outdoor entertainment area. You may want to plant some trees for shade or flowers for pollinators, or even low-maintenance landscaping features for your garden. For example, some people choose to install a braai area, or a stone patio, and a water feature instead of grass and a conventional garden.
5. Fence Repairs
Fencing adds curb appeal, it also provides you with a boundary and some privacy from your neighbours. If your fencing has some structural problems such as leaning or missing boards, rotten wood, mildew damage etc., then it will need repairs. It can be repaired for the right price, just research the professionals in your area.
6. Roof Repairs
It’s a smart idea to have your roof inspected by an expert when you move into a new home. A roofer will be able to identify any issues that could become expensive at a later stage. They can check for: missing shingles and tiles, cracked, warped or broken materials, mould, and mildew.
If these repairs aren’t addressed early enough, then you may need to get a new roof before you know it which will cost you some thousands of rands.
7. Floor Repairs And Replacement
If your new home has scratches, dents, or is uneven, you may need to consider repairing or refinishing your floors to make them look shiny and new. Or perhaps you’re not happy with the current flooring and would like to replace it, you could consider these options:
- Carpet: Provides comfort and warmth but carpet can be tricky when cleaning.
- Porcelain Tiles: Are great for bathrooms as they are water resistant.
- Hardwood: Classic look that can be refinished and last a lifetime.
8. Plumbing Repairs And Replacement
Water waste can become a huge problem. Regular maintenance and repairs cost more than a simple replacement, from the taps to the geyser. For example, a small leak can quickly become a flowing fountain for the bathroom sink. This is something that no new homeowner wants to experience. If your new home has plumbing issues, you’ll want to get a professional to fix those things as soon as possible.
9. Geyser Repairs And Replacement
Make sure your new home’s geyser is working properly, especially if you need a shower every morning. You should also stay on top of maintaining a schedule of regular maintenance. Staying up to date with maintenance is a way better option than replacing a broken geyser later on.
10. Regrout And Recaulk Bathroom Tile
Tiled bathroom surfaces can become unappealing over time if the grout isn’t maintained. Inspect that bathroom of your new home and check the tile floors, shower walls, and countertops, for any signs of cracked or crumbing grout along loose or uneven tiles.
11. Cabinet Repairs And Replacement
The cabinets in your new home should be sturdy and solid. If they’re not damaged beyond repair, you could just repaint them or add new hardware to give them a fresh new look.
12. Countertop Repairs And Replacement
Your bathroom and kitchen countertops will have endured heat, water, and daily wear and tear. Make sure your countertops are in good condition. Be sure to look for cracks, scratches and chips, water damage and stains. Depending on the extent of the damage, a pro may need to repair your countertops, or you may have them replaced.
13. Kitchen Appliance Repairs And Replacement
Hopefully, your fridge, stove, microwave and dishwasher are working properly when you move into your new home. If not, try to have these appliances repaired.
If you do get a professional to give you a quote for repairs, you should also ask about the cost. If the cost to repair is too expensive, you may be better off upgrading your kitchen with new appliances.
14. Lighting Replacement
Lighting creates a safer space, both outdoors and indoors. As you’re inspecting the lights in each room around the house, be sure to check that the lighting around your outside steps, swimming pool, water features, and indoor staircases, are working properly. If not, simply fix or replace them.
Get Your Home Move-In Ready
Buying a new home or your first home is an exciting and rewarding experience. If you’re a new or soon-to-be homeowner, you should avoid financial stress by being aware of hidden costs for repairs, replacements and upgrades. These common projects can cost lots of rands, especially if it’s something that has been left for a long time by previous owners. However, living in a functional, comfortable and appealing home should be priceless.
If you’re just moving into a new home, you may want to book a move-in clean with SweepSouth at an affordable price.
