Buying a new house is so exciting because it offers the chance to truly change the way you live. It also presents new challenges and opportunities. Some buyers want to make home renovations or improvements right away. Others just want to make any necessary fixes and start enjoying their new home. Whether you’re buying a fixer-upper or something more turnkey, here are the top house renovations you need to complete ASAP.
Emergency Repairs Take Top Priority
One of the top things to do is address any major concerns outlined in your home inspection report. Issues like roof repairs and foundation problems should be taken care of right away as further deterioration in these areas could turn a small issue into a major problem. If you accompanied your home inspector during the inspection process (which is highly recommended), you should have a pretty good idea of where your biggest problems are even before you receive their final report.
Improve Home Security
As you work to remedy any major issues, you should also focus your first house renovation projects around home security. Be sure to change out the locks as soon as possible because you never know how many spare keys may be floating around the neighborhood. Likewise, if your garage door uses a keypad to gain entry, reset the security code. Last, make sure any motion-activated floodlights or other security systems are in proper working order.
Test Emergency Systems
Test and make sure all carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are working properly. Often, one of the top things new home owners need to buy is a fire extinguisher. So, either buy a new one or make sure your current one is up to code and ready to use. Consider putting one on every floor, not just the kitchen. Make sure everyone in the household knows where they are and how to use them.
Check and Update Home Systems
From plumbing to HVAC, your new home comes with a lot of “systems” that you should familiarize yourself with. This will ensure they are working properly and don’t pose a risk to your home or family. Some of the top things new home owners need to do to make sure home systems are safe and efficient are:
- Check the temperature on your hot water heater. Manufacturers tend to set them slightly too high, which can lead to scalding. Experts say 120 degrees is the ideal temperature for most families.
- Replace HVAC air filters to improve air quality.
- Clean your dryer hose and vent when you first move in and on an annual basis as clogs can be a fire hazard.
- If you have an older refrigerator, clean the coils to improve performance and longevity. Again, be sure to do this at least once a year.
- Drain and refill your water heater (another project you should complete annually).
Major House Renovation Projects
Some new home buyers can’t wait to jump into their new house renovation projects like tearing out walls, remodeling kitchens and updating bathrooms. Depending on the state of your home, these may indeed be some of the first projects you tackle. After all, it’s nice to get things done quickly so you can start enjoying your new home sooner. If possible, it’s ideal to complete some house renovations before you even move in.
But some experts encourage new home owners not to take on major home renovations right away. They say it can be wise to live in the house for a while to get a better sense of how the space works for you and your family. For example, you may come up with a great kitchen design that tears out an old peninsula to open things up to the living room. But if you were to live in the kitchen for a while, you may realize you actually love the peninsula because it works better for fast meals and homework space for kids. The idea is that you are still learning what works, and doesn’t work, for your new lifestyle. As difficult as it may be, consider taking some time to thoroughly plan before starting major projects. This can also give you extra time to save up for all your house renovations.
Use Your Hero Rewards
Whether you’re taking on a major renovation or a small cosmetic update, Hero Rewards from Homes for Heroes can be a great way to pay for your new home owner projects. When you use our program to purchase your new home, you’ll receive a check after closing for 0.7% of the purchase price. On average, that works out to $2,400 for our heroes. That’s a significant amount of cash that can immediately pay for home renovations. With Homes for Heroes, you not only get great service, you also get a jumpstart on your home renovation savings to make your new home the home of your dreams.
Ready to buy a home and make the changes needed to make it your own? Register with Homes for Heroes and you’ll be automatically connected with a real estate specialist in your area who can help you find the perfect home while saving money for renovations.
