Buying a new house is no easy feat, but making it a home is even more challenging. The goal is to thrive in your new space, not just live in it. Here’s what you should think about after getting settled in your home to make the most of your time there.
1. Add a Fireplace
After getting settled in your new home, consider adding a fireplace to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of your home. With today’s technologies and innovations, professionals can install one in virtually any room. For example, they can install an electric fireplace in your home office, an outdoor wood fireplace, or a gas fireplace in the bathroom, kitchen, or bedroom; you have a lot of options, each with great benefits.
Even the most effective heating system leaves some drafty spots. They’re common in bedrooms but can also occur in the living room. When you install a fireplace in either of these rooms, you’ll get the extra warmth you need to maintain a comfortable, warm indoor temperature during the cold months.
With home utility costs at an all-time high, every homeowner is concerned about their home’s energy efficiency and lowering energy costs. Adding a fireplace in your living room and the bedrooms will provide substantial heat without taxing your heating system, keeping your utility bills low. Whether you choose an electric or wood-burning one, your home will always be toasty in the fall and winter.
An outdoor fireplace is also a great addition to your deck or patio if you enjoy entertaining guests after dark or want a relaxing spot to retreat with your favorite book. On cold mornings, you can still enjoy a warm cup of coffee outside while taking in the view of your property’s landscape and the sky. You can also host outdoor holiday parties even when there’s snow cover on the ground, which can add to the fun.
2. Add a Deck
If you enjoy playing host but feel like having guests indoors is hectic, adding a deck after getting settled in will give you plenty of space for entertaining. From dinner parties al fresco to barbecues with the crew to birthday parties, you’ll soon be the most social family on the block. As a bonus, all the mess will stay outside, making cleaning up the morning after easier.
Whether you opt for a natural wood or composite metal deck installed by a composite metal decking company, a new deck can also add to your home’s exterior aesthetic appeal. Decks are available in a range of finishes and colors. With all the design options, you can stain or paint your deck to match the rest of your home’s style.
Adding a deck is also a great way of boosting your home’s value. Some experts contend that it adds the most value compared to additions such as a living room or bathroom. Decks are also typically much more inexpensive than these other renovations.
The cost primarily depends on your chosen material and the size. However, according to Deck and Fence Services, you can recoup about 70% of your investment after selling your home. Remember that higher-quality materials typically last longer and appeal to more prospective homeowners.
3. Clear Some Land
You should also consider clearing some land after getting settled in your new home. It would typically involve removing vegetation, boulders, trees, and other unwanted debris from the property. While this practice receives a bad rap among environmentalists, professional land clearing offers numerous benefits for property owners and our environment.
Towering and overgrown trees drastically detract from a property’s aesthetic appeal. Clearing your land will create a cleaner, healthier, and more attractive home. It’ll also raise your home’s value, which is great if you intend to sell in the future.
Whether termites, mosquitoes, or invasive plant species, a neglected property with overgrown trees creates a conducive environment for pests. One of the notable benefits of land clearing is it’ll chase them away and ensure they don’t come back. Besides insects and plants, dangerous creatures such as wasps, snakes, and even bears may make your home their habitat depending on the region.
Always hire professional land-clearing services. They know how to execute the job safely and effectively. They’ll do everything from trimming trees to removing boulders to bush hogging.
4. Waterproof the Basement
When you decide to take on a home improvement project after getting settled in your new home, remember to waterproof your basement. It’s one of a home’s coldest and dampest parts since it’s below ground. This project will offer several benefits for your home and its inhabitants.
You can’t use a basement that’s always damp as extra living space. However, waterproofing it will make it a safe and dry space you can convert into a home office, gym, or an extra bedroom. Don’t let the risk of water damage prevent you from improving and expanding your home.
A moist basement creates a conducive environment for mold growth. Mold spores in the home can make your eyes and skin itchy and cause serious complications for those with respiratory issues and asthma. Waterproofing will reduce the risk of such problems and eliminate the need to hire a water damage mold removal company.
A humid basement is among the many reasons that can cause an upsurge in your energy bills. The moist air can spread to other rooms. As a result, your HVAC system will have to work twice as hard to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
You may not notice it initially, but the effects will eventually reflect on your energy bills. Waterproofing your basement will help prevent this by keeping the space dry. The result will be lower energy bills.
5. Install New Glass
Consider architectural glass installation after getting settled in your new home. Glass adds a sleek, refined finish to a home, giving it a fresh and modern appeal. Other than the aesthetic benefits, new glass also offers other benefits.
Glass is a durable material that can last for years without needing replacement, but you must practice proper care and adhere to the relevant safety standards. If you get a scratch-resistant glass, you’ll enjoy the compliments that come with its long-lasting shine. Just ensure you avoid exposing it to excessive loads.
Besides regular cleaning and polishing, glass only requires a little maintenance. One can’t say the same for materials such as certain wood or metal, which need constant maintenance to prevent rot or corrosion. However, you should regularly check the handles and locks on your glass windows.
The glass itself, however, only needs regular cleaning. If it’s only one panel with no frames, you’ll have an even easier time. Glass only needs a replacement when it cracks or breaks.
6. Install AC
Most homeowners postpone replacing their air conditioner with the help of an air conditioning contractor until it malfunctions. However, doing this can end up putting you in an uncomfortable situation, literally. Updating your unit offers several benefits.
Your home’s air quality plays a key role in the health of its occupants, particularly for those with allergies or other respiratory issues. A central air conditioner’s filtration mechanism eliminates air pollutants, significantly improving its quality and mitigating the harmful effects of airborne particles. For example, if someone in your home suffers from hay fever, leaving the windows open in the summer when the pollen count is high will be impractical, but an AC unit can relieve the symptoms and heat.
Excessive heat is one of the main sleep disruptors in the summer months as it interferes with your body’s natural ability to regulate its temperature. While fans provide relief to an extent, they still circulate the stale, warm air. An AC unit will keep your body temperature low to allow for a more restful sleep.
Installing an AC will also help to reduce the risk of parasite and insect infestations in the home. Insects thrive in warm, damp environments, which an AC can eliminate. A cool body temperature helps prevent bites from mosquitoes and other insects which gravitate to warmth.
Replacing the existing unit after getting settled in will also reduce the need for air conditioner repair. Older units have outdated technology, which may not meet your home’s heating and cooling needs. Newer models are more efficient and safer.
7. Test the Water
Your home’s water quality plays a key role in maintaining the hygiene and health of your family. Remember to test the water after getting settled in your new home. There are several reasons why this is recommended.
You may think that the water in your new home is safe to drink, but you can only be sure once you perform a test. It may harbor contaminants such as lead or harmful bacteria without your knowledge. Although the EPA has established standards for water safety, conducting your test is the surest way of guaranteeing its safe to drink.
Water testing does more than ensure the water is safe; it also helps identify harmless issues that still impact its quality and taste. These include pH levels, hardness, and Sulphur which can fill your home with the smell of rotten eggs. Knowing the makeup of your water will help you determine which water filter or filtration system will be the most effective for your needs.
Contaminants such as Nitrates and heavy metals can cause long-term health problems, particularly for older people and youngsters. To ensure it’s completely safe, find a professional service that offers drinking water testing near me. Do this before you open any faucet.
8. Check Your Furnace
Most people have professionals perform furnace checks and maintenance right before winter. Some companies occasionally message you to remind you it’s time to schedule a tune-up. However, have you ever considered why homeowners should have a professional inspect their furnaces?
The longer you wait to schedule a check-up, the higher the chances your system will fail when you need it the most. When you schedule an inspection after getting settled in your new home, a trained technician will identify and address furnace repairs requiring prompt attention to prevent them from worsening. Preventive maintenance helps to ensure all components are functioning optimally to reliably and safely heat your home.
A proper check involves checking for corrosion and dirt that can accumulate on your furnace’s burners. This buildup may result in pockets that trap gas, leading to hot spots on the heat exchanger. Even a brand-new furnace can benefit from an inspection since different factors can trigger corrosion and dirt buildup.
Over time, the interior components of a furnace tend to deteriorate and stop functioning. Have a professional check the parts and replace any potentially problematic ones. Always work with a licensed and insured service to protect yourself from liability.
9. Clean the Drains
Some homeowners overlook one of the most important home maintenance tasks, cleaning the drains. Most don’t even consider their condition until they encounter an issue like a clogged drain. So after getting settled in your new home, call in a drain cleaning service.
One of the most notable benefits of clean drains is they drain water faster. You won’t have to wait for it to slowly gurgle away, which typically indicates the need for drain cleaning. Drains without obstructions also reduce the risk of overflowing.
Your first instinct when you notice a foul odor in the home is likely to check the toilet. However, failing to clean the drains may trigger the growth of bacteria and mold, producing unpleasant smells. Mold spores particularly thrive in a dark, moist environment, and your home’s interior drains provide just that.
Don’t wait for regular water flow to wash away these spores. A thorough drain cleaning will eliminate them to prevent bacteria growth. Ensure you hire seasoned professionals with a great track record.
Buying a home is just one step in the process. It’s your responsibility to do what it takes to ensure it’s comfortable and safe for you and your family. Use this read as a guide for what to do after getting settled in your new home.