So you’ve bought a new home and everyone’s excited about moving in! I know it’s an amazing feeling, finally being able to give everyone their own rooms, or even just a backyard that’s big enough for a dog. But before you call any movers, you’ll need to make sure your new home is ready for you, which means checking a few boxes. Here’s what you’ll need to do before you settle in.
Call an electrician
Whether you’ve got an older pre-loved property or a brand new house, it’s definitely worthwhile booking a local electrician in Melbourne to come and inspect your wiring, outlets, and smoke and carbon monoxide alarms amongst other things. Oftentimes, electrical wiring in older structures can be in dire need of some freshening up, just to ensure that there’s no exposed wires or other potentially dangerous factors.
Even with new homes, it pays to have a good understanding of where your wiring runs through, just in case you ever want to renovate in the future. Alongside this, certified electricians will provide you with some much-needed assistance in the installation and maintenance of your smoke alarms. It’s up to you as the homeowner to ensure that your smoke alarms are active and up to date. This might seem like a small detail, but it’s absolutely crucial not just for the safety of your family, but also to keep yourself protected from procuring any hefty fines. Your electrician will also be able to conduct mandatory annual check-ups of your smoke alarms so that you don’t have to worry about them too much, if at all.
Clean your vents and air ducts
Your handover inspection keeps you covered with your basic electrical, plumbing, and structural concerns, but more often than not, there are still areas of your new home that can go easily neglected, simply because they’re not top priorities in regards to ensuring occupant safety. A prime example here is your ducted heating or other ventilation systems.
If your new place has ducted heating, you’ll want to make sure that your ducts are free from dust build-ups or even pests and mould. Floor vents are relatively easy to clean on their own, with just some wipes or paper towels and a handheld or stick vacuum, but it’s also recommended that you call in a professional to take a look at your ducts as they can be tricky to inspect independently, and unclean ducts can definitely impact the air quality in your home.
Home security and lighting
It helps to get a good understanding of your property’s surroundings. This means checking all your doors and windows for cracking or gaps to make sure you get no drafts, but also installing outdoor lighting and an integrated alarm system to keep your home safe from any potential intruders. With all the smart home technology available to us now, it’s easier than ever to keep your home secure even when you’re out and about. Valid home insurance is a must-have but there are measures you can put into place as, of course, it’s better to have it and never need to use it.
Installing hardwired smart security cameras with live-streaming options will ensure that you’ll be able to keep an eye on your home when you’re at work or even on holiday simply by downloading an app to your smartphone. Even smart lighting that can be connected to your home Wi-Fi network can help keep your home secure almost effortlessly. Just make sure your integrated security system is set up in the most efficient configuration for your home’s layout. A certified electrician will also be a very valuable set of eyes here.
Keeping your loved ones safe can be as easy as showing their new home just enough care and attention to make it a secure and happy environment. By taking these simple steps prior to moving in, you’ll have a huge weight off your shoulders come moving day, and you’ll also be secure in the knowledge that your new home is more than ready for you and your family.
