Congratulations! You are finally moving into your new home. The process of purchasing the house and making other major financial decisions was likely a stressful time, and now you have a second set of challenges as you adapt to the new space—and adapt the new space to you.
You have a lengthy checklist of basic chores ahead: changing addresses, putting in new locks, arranging for inspections of the electrical system and the heating and cooling, checking the security system, and meeting the new neighbors. Once you’ve got these tasks done, you’ll face a few larger choices about the design and look of your new home. You were probably already considering possible remodeling ideas when you were doing your house-shopping, but now you can get down to actually making the alterations. We have a list of changes we recommend making when you move in—things more complex than purchasing new furniture and shelves from a store.
Locks / Security System
You should always have a working key to your property. Check all your doors and windows for locks to become familiar with how someone could access your home. If you are (or have) a tenant, consult the laws of your state before changing the locks. In many states, it is not a requirement to change the locks when renting to a new tenant. Do you know who else has a key? It’s a safe bet to change the locks and security codes as soon as you can.
Window Fixtures
Window treatments often get overlooked when new homeowners move in. But changing out old curtain windows for shutters and blinds can make an immense improvement to the interior beauty of a house. They can also work at controlling light and helping to avoid extra heat in the house. Older materials can be changed out for newer and brighter ones. Windows are a great way you can express individuality!
New Lighting
Lighting changes are one of the most cost-effective ways to give a new look to a house without massive expense. For example, you can take older fixtures and have designers install sleek recessed lighting. Homeowners can find ways to create better task lighting that isn’t glaring, potentially by changing all the lights from incandescent bulbs to energy-saving LED lights. Your designer can help you discover how to make lighting that is both functional and attractive, so the new home pops to life.
Repainting
Putting a coat of paint in a new color is another inexpensive way to freshen a room and brighten it. Have the wallpaper pulled off and get a new start with painted walls. Be cautious about trying to do this yourself, however, as some paints may negatively affect your indoor air quality with chemicals and volatile organic compounds. Let the re-modelers you hire for other projects take care of getting the right paint for your needs.
Upgrade the Kitchen and Bathrooms
When it comes to major remodeling projects to undertake for a new house, the two places we recommend you concentrate efforts are the bathrooms and the kitchen. These are important functional areas, and the kitchen is often at the center of the house—the way it looks affects the way everything looks.
Here are some of the changes you can have re-modelers do for bathrooms and kitchens:
- Take out old counter-tops and put in marble, quartz, or tile.
- Change a single-bowl kitchen sink with multiple bowls, maybe add a sprayer.
- Put in a new garbage disposal.
- Replace older toilets with low-flush models.
- Try luxury shower and tub options.
- Alter the cabinetry to create more storage space and an open appearance to both rooms.
Replace Flooring
This doesn’t have to be a whole-house project, but often older homes have worn out and outdated carpeting, vinyl, and tile flooring. Schedule the project with the contractors so they can go one room at a time and not create a major disruption for while you’re settling in elsewhere.
For more information on how we can assist you on your upcoming move call Murphy Moving & Storage at (845) 276-3060.
