Things to Fix Before You Move in to a New Home

home inspection in westport connecticut

So you found a home, and you are almost ready to move… Congrats! But before you load up that moving truck though, consider what it is you’re actually moving into. Whether the home is older or newer, there is a chance that you’ll inherit a few quirks and issues. Most problems should be pointed out during the home’s inspection prior to the closing. After reviewing the issues, you may be wondering which home problems to fix before moving in and which to wait on? After all, some issues are worse than others. Problems such as damaged window treatments and broken light fixtures can probably wait to be addressed until after you move in. However, other issues are best remedied before moving a truck-load of furniture and belongings inside. Here are six common household problems that need to be fixed before moving into a new home.

  1. Pest problems

    There’s nothing like a nasty bug problem to squash that new home excitement. After weeks of packing and moving, the last thing you want to encounter is a serious pest infestation somewhere in the new home. To avoid this, we recommend having pest control personnel examine and assess the home prior to moving in. If there is an existing problem, you’ll want to treat the home as soon as possible. Treating the home may involve spraying dangerous chemicals or fumigating the home with a gas. If you have to spray the home, it’s better to do so before moving inside, as pesticide exposure isn’t healthy for anyone. If fumigation is necessary, you won’t be able to live inside the house for at least several days afterward. By nipping this problem in the bud, you’ll be able to focus on unpacking and decorating – not on an annoying bug situation.

  2. Drafty windows

    Moving in the winter when drafty windows affect the inside temperature? It might not be a bad idea to replace old windows with new, energy efficient ones. While some homeowners wait to do this, we recommend doing it prior to moving in. After you close on the house, enlist a window company to come to the home, take measurements and provide a quote for new windows. If you decide to move forward, arrange to have all the new windows put in the home before moving day. The reason? Removing old windows and installing new ones is a time-consuming process – one that will most certainly inconvenience anyone living in the home.

  3. Cigarette smoke smell

    Does the house reek of cigarettes? We recommend eliminating the smell as much as possible before moving in. Otherwise, you and all of your belongings will end up smelling like tobacco smoke. To get the cigarette smoke smell out of the home, first make sure to open windows and air out the interior as much as possible. Next, have all carpets and air ducts professionally cleaned. Wash the walls and wipe surfaces with white vinegar.

  4. Faulty appliances

    Appliances are items you’ll likely use every day in the new home. For instance, your new refrigerator, freezer, washer, dryer, oven and dishwasher will likely all be used within the first few days of living in the new house. Running into problems with these appliances will only make it harder to unpack and settle in. After all, if you can’t wash dishes or your clothes, you’re only going to spend the first week in the new home frustrated and annoyed. Once you order a new appliance it can take weeks to receive the item. Then, you’ll need to schedule an installation. To ensure that this is done prior to moving in, be sure to test all appliances after closing and make arrangements for new ones as soon as possible.

  5. Structural problems

    It’s very likely that any structural problems in your new home would have been flagged during the home inspection. These issues should be fixed prior to moving into the home. Otherwise, you could be moving into a house that is simply unsafe. Structural problems with a home might include water damage, roof damage, faulty wiring, drywall damage or sloping floors – just to name a few. If left unchecked, all of these structural issues could lead to even bigger problems with the home later down the road. To ensure that the home is safe and habitable for years to come, we recommend fixing any and all structural problems before moving in. 

  6. Cosmetic issues

    While small cosmetic issues can certainly be addressed after the move, other large-scale cosmetic changes need to be fixed prior to moving in. For instance, painting an entire house while living in it is not only inconvenient, it’s also not sensible. You’ll be forced to cover, protect or move furniture and belongings. You’ll also have to temporarily leave the home while the painters do their job. In addition, the home will need to be aired out before owners can reenter. Other cosmetic changes that might need to be made before moving include patching holes in the floor or on walls, thoroughly cleaning the interior, refinishing hardwood floors or any major home renovations, such as a kitchen remodel.

Buying a Home soon?

If you’re thinking of buying a home soon and need some help, we’re here for you.

We have over 15 years of experience in buying and selling homes in Fairfield County, New Haven County,
Litchfield County and adjacent areas.