We all know how stressful it is to buy a new house, and the last thing anyone wants is to spend more time and money on home repairs before moving in. However, think about it. Isn’t it better to eliminate all the problems before you move in with your boxes, furniture, and other stuff? Trust us, renovating a house filled with belongings is much more tiring and frustrating than an empty house. So, here are some home renovation projects that you should get done before moving into the house.
1. Change the locks
The first thing you should do is change the locks of your new house to ensure the safety of your belongings and family. You never know when someone with a spare key can enter your home, so keeping the old locks isn’t worth it. You might be more particular about changing the locks of your new house if you are moving from Miami, which, according to an index by BestPlace, scored 62.7 for property crime, even more than New York.
2. Paint the interior of your house
Painting the house can transform its appeal, making it look fresh and inviting. So, if you want to be welcomed by clean walls instead of chipping paint and imperfections, hire professionals to paint your new house. Consider upgrading your interiors with the use of commercial painting supplies that provide long-lasting beauty with durable finishes, and achieve unique aesthetics with specialized textures.
Painting a new house is a lengthy job. In case the lease of your previous home is ending soon, and your new house is still under renovation, do one thing. Ask your moving company to keep your belongings in their warehouse. This is easier if you live in a city like Miami—the ninth largest metropolitan in the US with a population of 449,514. Since it is quite large, you can find multiple moving companies offering this service.
You can also consider this when moving across country borders; in that case, find the best Miami international movers company that can offer storage along with their basic relocation services.
While your belongings are in a storage unit, you can find accommodation with your family or friends until your new house is ready for moving in.
3. Upgrade the storage in your new house
Another easy and simple home renovation project is upgrading the storage options in your house. You can replace the wooden clothing rods with smarter-looking aluminum ones or install innovative storage-maximizing options such as shoe trees.
Furthermore, you may find that your pantry and laundry room need extra drawers and cabinets to accommodate and organize your belongings. If you are moving to a small house, installing shelves till the ceilings is also a smart way to add extra storage space and keep the house clutter-free.
By addressing storage concerns in your new house, you can efficiently organize your possessions, ensuring your new home remains in order.
4. Refinish the flooring
A refinished floor can change the entire look of your house. If you are moving to a new home, changing the flooring may not be necessary. But if you are buying an old one whose floors have lost shine, refinish or upgrade them before moving in. Refinishing your floor before moving in will spare you the effort of moving your belongings out or reshuffling them around, making the process smoother.
5. Upgrade the plumbing and electrical systems
If you are buying an old house, it might have problems with its plumbing and electrical systems. Since these systems are the lifelines of any home, they must be in perfect condition. So, inspect your house with a professional plumber and an electrician like Radiance Electrical to locate possible issues.
Eliminating plumbing and electric issues before moving can save you from disturbances caused by renovation. Without your belongings, such as furniture and other stuff, contractors can easily access various parts of the house, expediting the upgrade process.
Moreover, McCawPropertyManagement.com says addressing plumbing and electrical issues when they are still in their early stages can prevent extensive and expensive repairs in the future.
6. Upgrade your kitchen
Upgrading the kitchen after moving into the house can disrupt the daily flow of activities. You will not find a place to cook food or keep your utensils, making kitchen remodeling a stressful experience.
Therefore, if your kitchen needs remodeling, carry it out before moving into your new house. Remodeling your kitchen before moving not only makes it aesthetically pleasing but also tailors it to your preferences and functional needs.
However, before remodeling your kitchen, have a clear vision of what you want to achieve or what is currently lacking in the kitchen. Does your kitchen lack smooth workflow, have insufficient storage options, or feel restricted?
You can do much to improve your kitchen, from upgrading appliances, reconfiguring layouts, and changing floors to adding new cabinets and shelves. This proactive approach not only prepares your kitchen for later use but also ensures a smooth transition to the new place.
7. Remodel your bathroom
Bathroom remodeling is another project that can become nerve-wracking after moving, especially if you have only one bathroom. In that case, not being able to use it even for one day can be frustrating.
So, whether hiring bathroom remodelers or upgrading it on your own, it is better to get done with it before moving in to avoid the associated disruption. Furthermore, it will ensure that the bathroom in your new house reflects your preference and taste.
8. Thoroughly clean your house
Whether or not the new house has been cleaned, deep cleaning is still necessary before moving in. Deep cleaning of the house will help you remove the signs of previous occupants, providing you with a clean space to start your life. So sanitize the floor, polish and scrub surfaces, remove stains, and sweep off the dust to bring your family and belongings to a healthier, inviting house.
Here is how you can clean your new house before moving in.
- Ensure you have all the cleaning supplies such as detergent, chemical cleaner, mop, duster, garbage bags, gloves, face masks, etc.
- Start the cleaning by decluttering the house. Remove debris, leftover items, and trash left by the previous residents to define a clear starting point.
- Dust the surfaces starting from the top, such as fans, windows, ceilings, and light fixtures. Work your way downwards towards surfaces like countertops, shelves, and baseboards.
- Scrub floors in various parts of the house, such as the kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms, etc.
- Disinfect bathroom fixtures, tiles, and surfaces, paying special attention to areas prone to mold.
- Clean and fumigate high-touch areas such as doorknobs, light switches, cabinet handles, and faucets to maintain a hygienic environment.
- While cleaning, look for light repairs, such as loose doorknobs, squeaky hinges, or chipped paint.
- Call professional help for intricate cleaning such as reapplication or cleaning of grout, window washing, or carpet and mattress cleaning.
Conclusion
Of course, you can do all the renovation projects mentioned in the article above after moving into your new house. However, renovating your house while living in it can disrupt your daily life. Knowing that these tasks have been checked off before moving can save you stress. Plus, it can make you love your new house even more than otherwise.
