New Homeowner? 5 Projects to Finish Before Moving In

If you’ve recently been involved in a home search, you’re probably familiar with the term “move-in ready.” It’s used to convey to homebuyers that the home they’re looking at doesn’t need any work. You can get the keys and make yourself at home.

But in hot markets where the supply of homes for sale can’t keep up with homebuyer demand, it’s rare to find homes that are perfect. Sellers who know they’re in a seller’s market don’t make as many concessions when it comes to a home’s condition. So even if you’re not buying a true fixer-upper, there might be some work to do on a newly purchased home.

If you’ve recently bought a home that needs a little work, or simply want to establish your personal touches, here are five projects to finish before moving in.

Paint

There are two primary categories of projects you’ll want to get done before moving into a home: those that will make day to day living easier and more enjoyable, and those that are best done while the house is still vacant. Painting can be a home project that falls into both categories.

Maybe the walls don’t really need paint, but you don’t love the color. Remember that when you live there, you’ll stare at that color every day. If you want to change it to something brighter, more soothing, or better suited to your furniture, painting before any of your belongings are in the way makes perfect sense.

 Flooring

Hard-surface flooring, instead of carpeting, is a trend in today’s homes. Tearing out carpeting, to install new flooring, is so much easier when a home is empty. There’s no furniture to move or cover while the new floor is going in, and there will be more room to work.

With the recent advancements in luxury vinyl products, realistic-looking tiles and planks, you can put in a new floor with minimal expense. These snap-together materials aren’t very difficult to install yourself.

Lighting

It might not be the first thing you think of, but lighting can make a huge difference in a home’s day-in and day-out livability.

A dreary, dimly lit home can put a damper on your mood, and outdated light fixtures can make even newer homes feel old. Modern fixtures can make a home feel less dated, and moving up to brighter LED bulbs, or adding new lights in a room or two, can really brighten things up.

Outdoor spaces

One of the perks of living in a home rather than a multi-family building is having your own yard. If you enjoy relaxing in the sun, grilling your meals, or playing ball with your kids, you’ll want the outdoor spaces of your home to accommodate your activities.

Depending on the time of year, it can be a real drag to move into a home that doesn’t have a deck, patio, porch, or fenced-in spot for your dog. Tackling home projects that create functional outdoor space before you move in, will mean you’ll be able to enjoy the outside of your home from day one.

Mechanicals

In most home sale processes, there will be a home inspection that should uncover any faults with a home’s mechanical systems, (furnace, air conditioner, hot water tank, appliances, etc…). Even if you waived a home inspection contingency in the purchase agreement, it’s still a good idea to have those items inspected.

If mechanical appliances are older but currently working, or have been inadequately maintained, it can be a good idea to get them tuned up or replaced, before you move in. Nothing’s worse than waking up in the middle of the night without heat or hot water. Be proactive.

The bottom line

Even “move-in” ready homes will sometimes require a little work, and if you want to take advantage of an empty home and make sure it fits your taste from the start, there are some things best done before moving day.

Image credit: kynny | iStock | Getty Images Plus