Home Inspection Tips: 5 Things to Look For Before Moving Into Your New Home
To make sure your new home in NYC is truly move-in ready, it is important to inspect certain areas to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones. It will also make your move go more smoothly if you are aware of any issues in the house and can get them fixed beforehand. “one two three guys and a truck” full-service movers in NYC recommend following these five tips for inspecting your new home:
Check the Roof
A house is not truly a home until it has a roof. Before moving, grab a ladder and take a look at the quality of the roof. Be on the lookout for missing/broken shingles, debris in the gutters, and mossy spots (this is often a sign of decay). Getting your roof fixed can help you avoid issues such as water leaking in during a storm. A good way to figure out if there might be an issue with the roof is if you spot any water damage already inside the home. Inspect the walls, ceilings, and floors for possible signs of water damage.
Make Sure All Locks are in Working Order
The last thing you want when moving to a new home is to find out that your front door will not lock. This is why you should inspect all door and window locks before you move. Extreme cold and heat can warp doors, so you should also make sure they open and close properly. You may also want to get the lock on your front door changed if your home had a previous owner and you do not feel comfortable knowing they might still have a key to the house.
Eradicate Pests
While it is normal to find a few creepy crawlers in your house from time to time, you do not want an infestation. Look for bee nests on and around the outside of your home, and signs of ants or termites inside. Call pest control to eliminate the bugs before they become an issue for you.
Inspect Plumbing, Gas and Electric
Utilities should be up and running when you move into your new home. Check all the light switches to make sure the lights work, and test the electrical outlets by plugging something into each one. Once you know you will have electricity, move on to the plumbing. Check for leaks under sinks and around faucets, toilets, bathtubs, and the dishwasher. If you see mold or warping, this could be a sign that something is leaking. It is especially important during the winter months to make sure your gas is in working order. If you have a gas stove, turn it on so you can confirm the gas is on. If your stove is electric, you can try running the water to see if it gets hot.
Test Smoke Detectors
A huge safety precaution that is often overlooked is the presence of working smoke detectors. There should be a smoke detector on every level of your home, inside all the bedrooms, and outside of all sleeping areas. Smoke detectors should also be replaced every 8-10 years, so if your home is older, see if you can find out how long it has been since the detectors have been replaced.
“one two three guys and a truck”, the Best Professional Moving Company in NYC
After you have made sure your new home is safe to move into, “one two three guys and a truck” will be ready to assist you with your move. For a free quote, call us at 1-929-232-3444 or fill out our online form here.