Probably you can t wait until putting your own stamp on the new home of yours after closing. If you are a DIY enthusiast and don’t want to live in a home looking like a construction zone, there are certain projects to tackle before moving in.
Sorting out the where, when, and how of the projects make the difference between some serious frustration and a smooth move-in process. The following are a few tips to help you prioritize the DIY home projects.
What to Do Before Moving In
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The first major step is to make a list. Remember which were the features of the house you wanted to improve when you viewed it. Write every little thing down, prioritize, and rank the projects according to urgency. As you consider what will have to be done before moving in, consult a moving checklist.
Update Security Features
alarm systems feature keeping your possessions and family safe like smoke detectors and locks are some of the first to be updated, of course before moving in. Hire a local locksmith to switch all the doors’ locks. Additionally, it’s vital for your safety to test all carbon monoxide and smoke detectors before the move-in. Check to see if your home is already equipped with a security system that is under contract with a local monitoring company. If you come to an outdated, wired system, better replace it with a wireless, complete with all the modern features available today. Most of the contemporary wireless security systems are easily controlled by a smartphone and can replace the old hard-wired security system, as well as the contract that goes with it.
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Redo the Walls and Ceilings
Many homeowners move into their new place and update the ceilings and walls just a few days later. It’s quite a bad idea. Remember that updating the ceiling always creates a mess on everything below; painting the walls after moving in will result in tripping over furniture. Instead, give the walls a new paint coating before settling in. You may also wish to remove the popcorn ceiling or the sprayed-on textures which achieved popularity from the 50s through the late 80s. With a scraper for ceiling texture, a spray can, and other home tools, the removal of a popcorn ceiling is like a weekend project. Don’t forget to do research about toxic materials.
Check for Possible Toxic Materials as bestos professional
Maybe you are the foremost DIY expert in the world, but if the one thing that really requires a professional, is checking for toxic materials like asbestos and lead paint. If your new home was created before 1978, it might contain lead paint inside and outside, which can pose a health risk if you decide to strip paint off the walls of your house. Before your project, you’ll have to hire a certified inspector who will check for and eliminate any risks. Pre-1978 houses commonly contain asbestos in siding, walls, insulation, roofing, and floors. The only risk to your health is when such materials are tampered with. Consider hiring a professional asbestos consultant in advance of undergoing a remodeling project.
Redo the Kitchen and Bathrooms
You can easily get around a bedroom refit just by sleeping on the couch in the living room, but how could you live without a bathroom or a kitchen? If you want to renovate these essential rooms, better do so before moving in. Unless you plan to manage the project yourself, you’ll want to negotiate the remodeling with a contractor in advance of the move-in. This will speed the project along and will also ensure that you move in at an earlier date.
Тake Care of Legal Issues
Usually, new homeowners become preoccupied with the logistics of the move-in and forget about the involved legal issues. If you hire contractors, it’s always a good decision to sign a contract in advance and detail the timeframe and scope of the project, needed materials and labor, as well as to receive licensing information from your contractor. You may need to secure permits for major renovations and this can even include internal projects to your home, such as kitchen remodels. Be sure to check with the local municipality about permit requirements.
If you’re thinking about professional help before you move into a new home, head to an online contractor database, and get quotes from home improvement professionals. They help homeowners find flooring experts, cleaners, general contractors, and other professionals who can put finishing touches on any new house or apartment.
