Getting your first home is exciting, but it’s also a great deal to keep track of. With things like packing boxes, changing your address, and even working out where the boxes should go, it’s easy to overlook the dull tasks. However, it’s usually the dull tasks that end up saving you money later on.

Before you shift even one box, go through the house one final time—not in order to admire it but to check it over. That’s what really counts.

Start with the Basics: Water, Power, and Heat

Make sure that all the faucets are turned on and check the water pressure in the kitchen as well as in both bathrooms. The pressure might be weak because of old pipes or it might simply be due to a clogged aerator; in any case, you should find out before you end up having to deal with it.

Make sure that all the light switches are flipped and, if possible, check each outlet, with particular attention given to the kitchen and bathrooms since these areas are meant to have GFCI outlets. If a switch has no effect or if a light flickers when another appliance is switched on, it’s something that should be investigated before the matter is closed.

Look at the thermostat and turn on the heat for a few minutes, and then switch on the air conditioning if the house has it. You don’t want to cool the house, you just want to hear it start and feel the air moving.

Look at the Roof and the Attic

You have no need to go up there yourself; all you have to do is look from the ground level for any obvious issues such as missing shingles, areas that are sagging, or gutters that are pulling away from the house.

When you get to the attic, take a flashlight with you because water damage on the wood—even if it’s old—shows that there was a leak at some time; it may have been repaired or it may not have been. You should find out.

Windows and Doors Matter More Than People Think

Open all the windows and then close them. Since old houses settle, it sometimes happens that the windows get stuck or no longer seal properly. Every winter you’ll end up paying for a window that doesn’t close completely.

It’s just the same with the external doors—make sure they close properly and that the weather-stripping is not cracked or missing. Although it may seem like a minor issue, it does make a difference to your heating bill.

The Appliances That Are Staying

In most cases, home sales come with a number of appliances, typically those that are already built in. So, before you agree to anything, check each one.

Switch on the stove burners, run the oven for a few minutes to check whether it actually heats up, start the washing machine and the dryer using a short cycle, and if there is a dishwasher, also run that. Note the level of noise it makes and make sure that the water drains properly. It is known that some bosch dishwasher models operate more quietly than older ones, so this should be taken into account if you are deciding whether or not to replace the dishwasher immediately.

Even if something appears wrong, old, or abnormally loud, that doesn’t in itself mean it’s unacceptable. It’s merely information, and you can then choose whether or not to discuss it or whether you’re content to carry on with it for the moment.

Check for Pests, Mold, and Moisture

Check beneath the sinks, in the basement, and around the foundation for any signs of water damage or dampness. If you haven’t already done so, it is important to note to the inspector any musty odor present in the basement or crawlspace.

Small gaps situated around the pipes, vents, or the foundation may allow pests to get in gradually. Although you’re not carrying out a comprehensive inspection, you’re still looking for any obvious things that might have been overlooked.

Test the Locks and Security Features

Each door lock and each window lock—make certain that the keys work for every door, not merely the front door. If the house included a garage door opener, then check that as well and find out how many remotes you will be receiving.

It’s important to check whether the alarm system is still in operation using the previous owner’s account or whether you’ll have to arrange your own service, since this point is often overlooked and leads to confusion during the first few weeks.

Walk the Yard, Not Just the House

When there is outdoor space, inspect the fence for any loose boards or posts that are leaning. Examine the condition of any sheds or other structures and make sure that the outdoor faucets are working, as a broken one outside is easy to forget about until you actually need it.

If a sprinkler system is present, find out when it was last serviced since these are easy to miss and can be costly to repair if they have been left unused.

Make a Simple List and Take Photos

You don’t need to prepare a formal report; you can use a notes app and your phone’s camera. As you go through each room, make a note of anything that requires attention and take a quick photo or video of anything you want to remember later on.

There are several ways in which this list proves to be useful. It allows you to plan the repairs according to how urgent they are rather than carrying out all of them at the same time. It provides you with a specific point of reference should you need to contact the seller about anything that is discovered after the closing date. And to be honest, it simply makes those first weeks in the house less stressful since you already know which things need looking at and which don’t.

Final Thought

When you move into your first home, there are a great many things you need to deal with, and it’s not always practical to check all the details before move-in day. However, going over the essential items—such as water, power, the appliances, the windows, and the doors—can be done in about an hour and will help avoid problems later on.

You needn’t try to catch everything; it’s only necessary to know enough so that you can make decisions while keeping your eyes open.