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By Kelly Smith
The moving company has left, and you're thrilled to have your new place, but let's be frank: No house is perfect. There a few things to take care of to make it fully livable, comfortable and safe -- easy, quick things. Let's look at some potential issues.
Your Home Inspection
The analysis from your home inspector is a good jumping off point for identifying possible repairs – take another look at it right before or after you move in to get a good idea of what you need to tackle. A good home inspector will catch the critical issues.
Some of the things that he might have identified:
- Foundation issues -- Foundation problems are critical because they can affect many other areas in your home. For example, doors and windows will fail to open and close properly; drywall cracks and separates along seams.
- Basement problems -- Your basement can also be a source of mold and mildew. Any leaks will have to be repaired and sealed.
- Roof problems --Your roof could have leaks you didn't notice because the incoming water evaporates before it makes its way through your ceiling. This can still pose health issues because of mold and mildew. The shingles may be on their last leg; in this case, it's best to re-roof before leaks have a chance to become an issue.
Safety and Environmental Repairs
There are several things to look at in the home safety and environmental arena.
- Radon in the home -- Radon is a radioactive gas produced from the breakdown of uranium in the soil and water. Testing for it is straightforward – just get a kit from your local home improvement store. After the recommended test period, typically two to 90 days, send it to the lab for analysis. Radon is measured in units of pCI/L and if it comes in at 2 pCI/L or less, you're fine. Otherwise, you should do repairs to lower it. This can be done with point-of-use water treatment and a basement ventilation system.
- Smoke alarm check -- Do a smoke alarm inventory. There should be at least one in each room and in every hallway. If they're there, replace the batteries, and test them every month.
- Install fire extinguishers -- Granted, fire extinguishers aren't noted for making a fashion statement. (Then again, neither is a charred bedroom.) Install one in any room where there is a potential risk. This includes, at a minimum, the kitchen, the garage, and a workshop.
- Upgrade your electrical receptacles -- Almost all electrical building codes are in a continual state of evolution. Because of this, you would be hard pressed to find a city or county that doesn't require GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) receptacles in the bath and kitchen. If your new home is old, it might not be up to code. Go ahead and install them if they're missing (swap the old receptacles out). Like smoke alarms, test GFCI receptacles monthly.
Cosmetic Repairs
Finally, get the family together and have a bonding experience by compiling a wish list of repairs. New cabinets? Repaint that appallingly colored living room? Refinish the basement game room? The list is endless, but that's one of the joys of home ownership, isn't it?
Kelly Smith is a former software engineer at NASA and a professional handyman who is now a full-time writer.
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