3 Things to Look for and Fix After Buying Your First Home

A living room with green walls and bookshelves after fixing up a home.

For many people, buying a first home is a major goal. It’s a milestone that marks financial freedom and stability. However, first-time homebuyers soon learn that while having a home is worthwhile, it usually comes with a lot of work.

Homes hold their value well, but they deteriorate over time, and it’s not uncommon for homeowners to constantly have a project in the works. When you first move into a new home, it’s important to prioritize the things that need fixed the most. Paint and other cosmetic issues can wait, but you should look for and potentially repair problems associated with the property. Here are three issues to look for and immediately fix after buying your first home.

Appliances

Although not all sellers leave the appliances behind when they move, many do. A stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, washer, and dryer can set you back thousands of dollars if you were to purchase them brand new, so it’s smart to negotiate them into the transaction.

If you get the appliances with the home, it’s important to inspect each unit thoroughly for the sake of your budget and personal safety. When not working properly, appliances can eat electricity or gas, driving up your utility bills. In some cases, they can also pose a fire hazard.

Research “appliance repair in Honolulu” or wherever you’re buying your first home to have your appliances checked out by a professional. Remember that it will save you a lot of money to have these units repaired rather than replaced.

Foundation

One of the most costly repairs you could face with your new home is the foundation. Many people don’t realize it, but if there are problems with the base of your home, it can affect almost every other aspect of your house. Such damage can lead to problems like water damage, separated siding, collapsed walls, or holes in the roof.

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The good news is, if it’s caught early, home foundation repair doesn’t have to be a huge, expensive job. Oftentimes, it simply involves grading the dirt away from your home and reinforcing the existing foundation. It’s a lot more affordable to take these preventative actions than it is to fix a foundation after it’s been seriously damaged.

Additionally, consider the value of your home when choosing how to repair your foundation. If the home is selling for a good price, it’s certainly worthwhile to buy it and then put more money into the foundation. It will increase your property values, so you can get at least some of your money back when you sell the home.

However, if the sellers are asking for a premium price, it might not be worth it to purchase the home unless you can negotiate a lower price. You need to factor in the expense of repairing the foundation before closing the sale to avoid overpaying in the long run.

Windows

One of the best things you can do for any home as far as increasing the value is to replace all the windows. New windows not only improve the look from both the inside and out, but they also contribute to reduced energy bills.

Depending on your situation, the US Department of Energy reports that you can save hundreds of dollars per year by changing old, single-pane windows with new, double-pane replacements. It more efficiently traps the air inside the home where it belongs so you don’t have to overwork your HVAC system.

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It simply looks a lot better to have new windows, as well. Old windows become dirty and the paint and gloss can chip over time. When paired with an attractively-painted wall and up-to-date flooring, your new windows will provide an exceptional look that will last for a decade or even more.

1 thought on “3 Things to Look for and Fix After Buying Your First Home”

  1. hvac philadelphia

    Great guide. After I bought a new house, I decided to make a comprehensive renovation of the house. First I found a professional contractor company. I do not recommend doing any repairs or construction work if you do not have the necessary skills and knowledge. Firstly was checked the condition of the bearing walls of the house, the waterproofing of the basement, the insulation of the house. After that, they checked the condition of the HVAC systems. The heating system was in poor condition, so I had to completely replace it. Also in addition to the water heater, they installed several solar collectors. The cost of repairs was very high … Sometimes it is easier to build a new house.

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