The time has come for you to move into a house you call can call your own. You’re excited because you finally have the privilege of owning your very own castle. You are sure you made the right choice, you consulted professionals, read widely and finally made your move. You spotted the house, made the necessary payments, signed the papers and now the title to the house has your name on it.
Now that you own that property, what are some of the steps you should take to make sure you enjoy it for a long time and allow it to retain or appreciate its value over time? Here are a few pointers as to what you need to deal with before settling into your new home.
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Check Utilities
As we go through our day to day routines, we often take for granted some of the utilities that make life comfortable. Utilities like the sewer system, gas supply, and drainage are quite critical and life would be pretty much unbearable if these systems did not operate smoothly. A new home demands that these utilities be in optimum working condition. Something like a gas leak could be disastrous for any home and faulty appliances contribute to this risk. That’s why you should get your faulty appliances checked by a professional to ensure all systems are working appropriately before settling down.
Check the Structure
A house on the market may undergo several repair jobs and a lot of work is done to make the house appealing to the eyes of the buyer. However, the seller of the house may have failed to see some structural issues or just overlooked them, as their aim was to get the house sold, not staying in it.
An inspection from a construction professional or surveyor is necessary to ensure that the house is free of defects, the common areas being roofs, the walls, floors, and the ceilings among others. A leaking roof or a faulty chimney is not fun for anyone and can be extremely costly, so a check will prevent you from dealing with unpleasant surprises. And since a faulty roof can be easily masked, it is essential that you have a roof inspection as soon as you get it in, if you didn’t do so already. A leaky roof is no small affair and is not an issue you can ignore. Furthermore, a leaky roof can cost tens of thousands to repair, so it would be wise to be prepared for such a big expense before something happens.
Check the Electric Circuits
If you live in a standard house, then chances are it runs on electricity. Your day to day activities like cooking, ironing, and lighting all rely on a solid electric circuit. Something as simple as a hand dryer can be enough to cause major electric surge in a poor or faulty one ring main. Electric issues can be another factor that owners might mask during your first visits. A poor electrical installation can lead to many issues, from frequent shortages to devastating electrical fires. It is, therefore, necessary to have a professional come by and run a check on the electrical systems of the new house, making sure that all faults are taken care of.
As you can see, life is not all roses when you step into a new house. Precautions must be taken to ensure that you protect your investment and that the house inhabitants remain safe and comfortable. So, make sure that you follow the few tips in this article if you want to prevent any surprises.
