Congratulations on your exciting new journey as a homeowner! Whether it’s your first time purchasing a property or not, securing your dream home is truly incomparable. There’s something magical and exhilarating about closing a deal and holding the keys to your very own sanctuary.
You may already be envisioning all the different ways you can personalize your new abode, but with so much to consider, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Fortunately, we have put together this quick guide to help you spruce up your home and make it uniquely yours.
Here are 10 things to invest in when you buy a house:
1. Home Security System – Secure Your Home
Top on the list of your “new home to-do list” is investing in a home security system. The peace of mind that comes with knowing your home and loved ones are safe and secure is priceless. Safety first, right? You get to relax and settle into your new home without worrying about break-ins, thefts, or other threats.
Take time to look into the best home security systems for your house. This may include security cameras, a smart doorbell to give you a peek of who’s at the door, security lights, or an alarm system. And if you have pets or kids around, consider setting up relevant safety devices.
2. New Locks
Sure, you’re thrilled at the thought of holding the keys to your new house. But don’t get too attached to the first set of keys you receive, as you shouldn’t hold onto them for too long. Why?
Well, you never know who else has a spare. Maybe it’s a previous owner, or perhaps it’s a repair person. Whatever the case, it’s better to be safe than sorry by ensuring you’re the only one with direct access to your new home.
3. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
According to National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), there is a 55% lower risk of dying in reported home structure fires in homes with working smoke alarms compared to homes with no alarms or none that worked. Takeaway? Smoke alarms are not to be taken for granted—especially when moving to a new house.
While your new home likely has smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed, don’t take chances. Ensure they are working correctly (update batteries?) and placed in the right locations. And if your home uses natural gas, a gas leak detector can also be a lifesaver. But fire safety doesn’t stop there – consider investing in fire extinguishers and placing them strategically around the house.
4. Essential Tools
Moving into a new house typically comes bundled with a long list of maintenance and customization tasks—from assembling furniture to hanging artwork. And if you’re like most homeowners, you probably want to power through this to-do list and get settled sooner than later. But for this, you need an arsenal of tools.
Investing in a set of essential tools can come in handy in helping you streamline your household operations. This may include a hammer, screwdrivers, wrenches, a drill, paint brushes, and pliers, to name a few.
5. Home Insurance Policy
If you’re like most people, buying your home was arguably your most significant investment. But have you considered what could happen if a natural disaster, fire, or theft damaged or destroyed your home? The thought alone is enough to send shivers down anyone’s spine.
That’s why it’s crucial to invest in the right home insurance policy. It helps protect your investment and your family’s future. The right home insurance policy ensures you don’t have to worry about the financial burden of repairing or rebuilding your home.
6. Fresh Coat of Paint
Home sellers typically lean towards neutrals (i.e., crowd-pleasing hues) to boost the value of a house and get it off the market faster. While this approach works for the housing market, you’re now a homeowner with complete control over your color palette.
Whether your heart yearns for bold and daring hues or soft and soothing tones, a fresh coat of paint is an affordable (but impactful) investment to transform your house into a home. And if you can get the job done before you move in your furniture, the easier your work.
7. Utilities
This may seem like a no-brainer, but investing in setting up your utilities (electricity, gas, water, etc.) is important before calling your new house home. You don’t want to sit in the dark or survive on take-out meals, do you?
Call your local utility companies and schedule a turn-on date for the day you move in. This way, you’ll have everything up and running as soon as you enter your new home. Also, make sure to compare different companies’ rates to find the best fit for your budget.
8. Electrical and Plumbing Upgrades
If you bought an older home, you might want to thoroughly inspect your electrical and plumbing system and schedule upgrades before moving in. Well, unless you’re comfortable with living in a construction zone.
By fixing any issues upfront, you can avoid costly repairs down the road. Plus, modernizing your home’s electrical and plumbing systems can make it more energy-efficient—which translates to lower utility bills and a smaller carbon footprint.
9. Water Leak Sensor
One thing that can quickly turn that ‘new house excitement’ into frustration is water damage. Water leaks can happen anywhere—from your basement drains to under the sink. And by the time you notice a leak, it might be too late. You could be dealing with rot, mold, and a whole lot of damage.
But with water leak sensors, you’ll know about a leak before it turns into a catastrophe. These small devices can detect even the smallest leaks and alert you immediately, giving you time to act and prevent further damage.
10. Drapes/Blinds/Curtains
Investing in window coverings is a smart decision for any new homeowner. You likely don’t want to feel exposed in your own house—especially when starting in a new neighborhood. Curtains come in handy in preventing awkward moments with your neighbors. But they’re not just about privacy. Window coverings also offer security, energy efficiency, and a touch of coziness.
Bottomline
Buying a house is a thrilling experience! But to truly make your new house a home, you need to take some steps to ensure that it’s a sanctuary for you and your family. A few investments can turn your house into a haven that reflects your personality, is safe and secure, feels comfortable and inviting, and connects you with your community.
Remember, your home is where memories are made, so make it a place you and your loved ones will cherish for years.
