Check Your Piping
One of the first things you should ask when you’re considering a new home is to see the condition of the pipes. You’ll want to be thorough here; leaky or faulty pipes can have serious implications, and repairing them can incur high costs. Any signs of corrosion or rust need to be dealt with as soon as possible before they spin out of control.
Change the Locks
Unless you personally know the person who owned the house before you, you don’t know how many people have keys to your house. Changing the locks can give you the peace of mind that no one you don’t know will drop in on you unexpectedly. While you’re at it, consider upgrading to a smart lock that you can lock and unlock with your phone for extra convenience.
Test the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Don’t assume that your new home’s smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are automatically in working order. Give each of them a test run, possibly replace the batteries if you’d like, and you should feel much more secure about your home’s safety. If there is no carbon monoxide detector, go out and buy one immediately. The peace of mind is worth it.
Get the Home Tested for Radon
Radon testing is often overlooked when buying a new home, but it is vital that you do it. This is especially important if you live in an area known to have high levels of radon. Radon is a tasteless, odorless, invisible gas that is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers. There is no excuse for putting yourself at risk and not getting a radon test.
Secure Fire Extinguishers
While not the most glamorous item to be buying for your new home, fire extinguishers should be considered a staple in your home. Make sure to keep them in areas where the chance of fire is the highest, such as the kitchen or garage.
This essential home safety checklist for new homeowners should alleviate any anxiety about moving into a new place. Doing these things before you get settled in can give you the peace of mind needed to set down your roots.
If you like this post, check out these:
Water Pipe Safety for Your Home
Practical Emergency Preparedness Tips for General Home Safety
