Congratulations on your new home! We all know that moving into a new house is stressful, and the last thing you probably want to do is add more things to your to-do list. However, it’s best to tackle some home improvement projects before all your moving boxes and furniture get in the way. So if you’re looking to save money, time, and hassle, consider these 10 home improvements before you make the big move.
1. Change the locks
First and foremost, it is important to protect your family and your new home. So before you move in, be sure to call a locksmith and have your locks changed. You never know who might have a spare key, and it’s just not worth the risk. When installing the locks, don’t forget the back door and garage door locks, as well as any sheds or other buildings on your property.
If you want, you can also tackle this yourself and potentially save a little money. You can usually buy new locks, often in sets for multiple doors, at your local hardware store. Just follow the instructions and you’ll have new locks set up in no time.
2. Remove popcorn tops
Older homes may have textured “popcorn” on the ceiling, an unsightly older trend that makes your home’s interior look dated. It is important to note that these types of ceilings may contain asbestos – which in this case would require working with a professional asbestos removal company to remove it from your home. It doesn’t matter if you own one house in Atlanta or a Apartment in San Franciscoif your home was built before the 1980s and has Popcorn BlanketsIt is highly recommended to run a professional test and then remove it.
3. Paint the interior
Adding a fresh coat of paint is an easy and affordable home improvement project that can add color and breathe new life into your space. It also helps protect your home’s surfaces from wear and tear. Whether you do the work yourself or hire someone to do it, it’s a lot easier to paint an empty space. Plus, redoing your walls before moving day means you don’t have to live with the smell of drying paint in your home.
Remember that choosing a color isn’t just about the color. The finish of your paint, from matte to high gloss, can dramatically change the look of a room. There are also different types of eco-friendly color options – some of which have little to no VOC. If you have a paint color in mind, bring home samples of a few different finishes to see which ones you prefer.
4. Add closet storage options
You might want to replace wooden clothes rails with aluminum ones, or install shelves and shoe trees to maximize storage space. Pantries and storage closets may also need additional shelving and organization. If you’re short on space, adding shelves to the ceiling can help you organize and keep your space less cluttered.
“Decluttering your old home before you move and organizing your packing by the rooms in your new space will result in a much easier unpacking process, faster new home setup, and a better system of organization once you move in,” notes My Space Reclaimed, a professional Organizer based in Dallas, TX.
5. Perform electrical upgrades
You can always make these upgrades, but everything is easier to achieve in an empty room. If you’re moving into an older home, especially one built in the mid ’90s or earlier, you should consider installing additional outlets or upgrading the ones you already have. Many older homes do not have the electrical capacity for the number of electronic and powerful devices that many people use today. Additional outlets in your rooms make it easier to arrange furniture, including computers, speakers, gaming systems, and lighting fixtures, and free up space for anyone who can plug in their phones. Also, consider upgrading to programmable thermostats and light fixtures.
6. Replace the flooring
If you’re moving into a brand new home, you may not need to make any improvements to your floors. However, if you bought a home with carpets or tiles that you hate, or hardwood floors that need a touch up, this is a perfect time to make changes. If you procrastinate, you’ll have to get all your furniture out of the way. And who wants to rearrange furniture twice? There are many different unique and eco-friendly flooring from reclaimed hardwood floors to concrete to consider. As the flooring is updated, contractors can also replace baseboards and other matching trim work.
7. Install fence
The house you just bought may not have a proper fence for your pets or children. If so, this is a good time to think about adding it. Installing fences can provide security for your family, hide a swimming pool or hot tub, reduce traffic noise, protect the landscape, give privacy, increase the attractiveness of your home and much more. It’s also a desired feature by many homebuyers. So when the time comes sell your house Years later, this home improvement project may increase in value and make it stand out in the local housing market.
8. Call pest control
Even if you don’t see bugs, mice, or other pests in your home, that doesn’t mean they aren’t there or that they won’t move in. You can deter ants, cockroaches and other insects from making your home their home Hiring a professional pest control company. Here’s something you may not know – if your neighbors all have chemical pest barriers and you don’t, insect colonies can move into your home simply because it’s easier to access.
You may also want to have quarterly inspections for larger pests like mice or squirrels if you live in an area where they are widespread. In addition to the “ick” factor, these animals can be very destructive to your home, tearing holes in the walls or roof, ripping out insulation, and leaving feces that can cause disease.
9. Deep cleaning
Whether you do it yourself or hire a contractor, all homes can benefit from scrubbing every nook and cranny, especially the bathrooms and kitchen. Don’t forget to clean the cabinets and drawers too. This can also be a good time to install shelf liners and drip guards to extend the life of the cabinets.
10. Remodeling an entire room
If you’ve ever remodeled any part of a home, especially an area commonly used as a kitchen or bathroom, you know it can be a major inconvenience. You could end up cooking meals outside or sharing a bathroom with the whole family. So if you already know you’re going to be doing some remodeling, it’s a good idea to do it before you move in, whether it’s simple repairs like replacing outlet covers or updating window treatments, or major repairs like replacing an old door, replacing old windows, or updating a ceiling fan. Also before proceeding with your remodelbe sure to discuss with your contractor whether your home improvement project will do this require a building permit.
Shares Rick DePama Jr. of Westchester Bathroom Remodeling, “Upgrading a bathroom can be as simple as replacing the sink or as complex as transforming the space and increasing the size of the space itself. We see homeowners wanting new custom showers and oversized ones Add bathtubs, change the height and size of counters and vanities, or simply replace old fixtures. My team has found that by embracing modern ergonomic design principles we can help make even small bathrooms feel larger and are often commissioned to update or remodel bathrooms before the new owner moves in.”
