Walking into your new home after closing day is always exciting. But it doesn’t take long for the newness to wear off as the list of projects you want to complete grows. From paint color to minor repairs to decor, you want your home to match your style AND feel like new. 

Safety First

First and foremost, take care of any major safety issues. If you had a home inspection, you were notified of any problems with the property. Many times, buyers and sellers come to an agreement to either fix major problems or lower the purchase price before closing day. If you agreed to fix any of these issues on your own, they should be first on your list: 

Roof and Gutters

Your home needs to have a good roof, gutters, and downspouts to eliminate leaks and water damage down the road. A good roof will also help to insulate the home, keeping you comfortable all year long. 

Foundation

Any cracks in the foundation of a home require immediate attention. A structural engineer can assess the damage and determine what steps are needed to fix the problem. 

Comfort

Next, consider what you need to stay comfortable in your home, both physically and financially. Here are some improvements to make within your first year to ensure maximum comfort:

HVAC

Consider updating your HVAC system or adding air conditioning. Newer systems are more efficient and can keep energy costs down while keeping the home your preferred temperature. 

Sealing and Insulation

Make sure your home is properly sealed and well-insulated to keep warm air in during the winter, and hot air out during the summer. Not only does this help to keep the temperature steady, but it also saves on utility bills and helps keeps bugs and other critters out. 

Design

Once your safety and comfort are taken care of, it’s time to think about design! While there are numerous projects you can do over the years, here are two things to do right away to help immediately transform the home and make it feel like yours:

Painting

A fresh coat of paint can be transformational! Brighten up a room with a neutral color, make a bold statement with an accent wall, or simply freshen up all the trim in the home to make it feel like new. 

Lighting

Lighting is another easy way to create a new look and feel in a space. Outdated lighting fixtures make an entire home feel old. Swap out old fixtures for ones that fit your style. You can also upgrade the bulbs to match the feel you want in each room: LED lights come in a variety ranging from a warm glow to bright daylight. 

While many new homeowners want to get everything finished in the first couple of weeks after moving in, that’s not always practical. Create a timeline, set your budget, and before long your home will be complete. 

Questions? Contact Us!