Things to check before moving into your new house

Buying a new home must be one of the happiest events in someone's life. So, if you just purchased your dream home in Connecticut - congrats! You probably can't wait to move in and start a new chapter in your life. However, before you do that, you should make absolutely sure everything's in perfect order in your new house. One last final inspection can make your life much easier once you move in. In addition, this will make you more comfortable from the very beginning. Tackling these final tasks will help you turn your new house into a home. Therefore, we decided to make a list of things to check before moving into your new house. Let's scroll!

Do a final walkthrough 

There are many things to check before moving into your new house, so you mustn't skip the final walkthrough. And there's no better time to do this than before you fill your new home with furniture and other items. So, visit your new home while it's still empty and make sure to check out the following:

• Make sure the former owner did all the agreed-upon repairs in the house.

• Inspect all outlets, fixtures, and switches and see if they're working properly.

• Finally, check your contract and see if everything the previous owner said will be included in the sale after the closing. 

Sometimes sellers don't abide by the sale contract, and you can find yourself without a stove or washing machine even though they agreed to include them in the sale. In situations like this, you have every right to put in a complaint and get what you agreed on. On the other hand, there may be some other repairs that weren't in the contract you'll have to do, so it's always better to do them before you move in. This can even imply a home renovation such as kitchen or bathroom remodel.

Set up utilities 

Spending the first day in your new home in the dark and with no running water is something you don't want to go through. That's why you have to set up the utilities beforehand. Your priority should be electricity, gas, water, and heat. If your company allows you to transfer these utilities from your former address to your new one, make sure to cancel the ones in your old house first.

Besides these, you'll also want to set up the Internet, phone, and cable before you move in. We live in the 21st century, and you can't pretend like you won't need them as soon as you relocate. So, don't wait for the 11th hour; make the appointment on time and let them be move-in ready. Additionally, contact your local waste management company to arrange your new house for regular garbage pick-ups. So, make sure to put all this stuff on the list of things you should check before moving into your new house.

Decide on furniture layout 

You may have a general idea of what's going where in your new home. However, drawing up the actual layout will make your move-in day so much easier. By doing this, you won't have many bulky furniture pieces and moving boxes lying in the middle of every room. Instead, you'll be able to make the furniture arrangements as soon as the moving crew starts unloading their trucks. This is especially helpful if you're making a long-distance move in Connecticut because you'll want all the help you need. When it comes to relocation, skilled teams can jump in and help you set up your furniture according to your wanted layout. So, not only will this save you a lot of energy, but it will also save you a lot of time.

Child or pet-proof your new home

Your new Connecticut home may be move-in ready for you, but what about your child or a pet? If you have one, you'll have to make time for child or pet-proofing. Fortunately, this is not a timely or costly process. So, what you need to do is make sure your new house is safe for them the second you set foot into it. You can create a moving-free zone in the corner of the living room or any room where you can keep your eye on your kid. In this area of the house, you won't put any moving materials, boxes, or tools. Throw a cozy blanket and a few toys and try to entertain your child as much as possible. This will make this process so much easier.

Locate essential functions in the house

Looking for things like a fuse box, water valve, and circuit breaker all around the house when you need them the most is something you want to avoid. That's why you need to locate them before you actually move into your new house. You usually find a fuse box in the garage, storage space, or basement, while a water valve is typically positioned someplace around the perimeter of your property. Additionally, make a note of where your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are located and test them to ensure they're working correctly.

Do a deep clean

The last thing you want to do on the first day in your new home is cleaning. Since you can't skip this step for logical reasons, we suggest setting aside one day before the move-in day to deep clean the whole house. This way, a clean and fresh place will be waiting for you from the very beginning. Now, the relocation and renovation process tends to be pretty dirty, so it would be best if you hired a professional cleaning service to help you with this. You'll just be sure everything is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

Secure your home

The one thing you definitely want is to feel safe in your new home. That's why one of the first things you should do before moving into your new place is changing the locks. You never know who has the keys to your place, so this is a smart thing to do. Additionally, if you want to feel extra safe, you can install a smart security system and even cameras. The choice is yours as long as you feel safe.

Check out your new neighborhood 

So, the last thing you should check before moving into your new house should be your neighborhood. Since Connecticut has fantastic neighborhoods, we're sure you'll love yours, whichever you choose. But it never hurts to meet your neighbors before you start your new life there. Ask them what they love about this area, are there any community activities, which schools are the best, etc. In addition, explore surroundings and discover what it has to offer. This will help you adjust to your new neighborhood and, thus, home.

Final thoughts 

Moving into a new house is a big and exciting step for everybody. So, in order to feel at home from the very first moment in the new place, you'll have to make sure everything is move-in ready. We gave you the list of things to check before moving into your new house. Try and do all of them. Crossing everything from this list will not only make relocation easier but also the whole adjusting process.

Exterior Design Styles That Look Great With Metal Roofing

We partnered with a roofing company for this post. The opinions in the post are honest. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal views. We are excited because we know you will love it.

Metal roofing is an increasingly popular choice thanks to its superior longevity, impact-resistance and ease of maintenance. However, one downside of metal roofing for many homeowners is its aesthetic appearance. Although a metal roof can look disjointed or too industrial on some homes, many styles are in perfect harmony with the sheen and smoothness of metal. Here are four exterior design styles that look great with metal roofing.

Farmhouse

A common complaint about metal roofing is that it makes homes look like a barn, but you can make this rural aesthetic work in your home's favor if you own a farmhouse. Whether your farmhouse is a classic Victorian or American prairie style, a durable metal roof will complement it perfectly. Consider a weathered roof made from recycled metal to add extra rustic charm.

Mid-Century Modern

Most mid-century modern architecture is from the 1950s, and many of these homes are due for roofing repairs or replacements. If you're looking for an affordable, durable and attractive option, the clean, contemporary lines of mid-century modern design go great with a metal roof. The sleek lines and standing seams of a metal roof enhance the minimalist design of a mid-century modern home, while the available bright colors add a pop of fun.

Craftsman

The craftsman style is all about natural materials, and there is no better natural material for the roof of a craftsman home than metal. With a pitched roof and large covered porch as its dominant features, craftsman design is perfect for showing off the unique charm of a metal roof, and a long-lasting roof is even more important when the roof occupies so much space.

Mediterranean

Mediterranean architecture is beloved in warm, sunny climates all over the world. Traditionally, Mediterranean homes feature roofs made of tiles to reflect the sun's heat, but metal roofs are becoming a popular choice for both old and new Mediterranean architecture. Metal roofing retains all the cooling benefits of tile but lasts decades longer. Because metal and tile are both shiny and reflective, a metal roof doesn't look out of place on a Mediterranean home.

Do you want a durable and efficient metal roof without changing your home's exterior style? Don't worry. Metal roofing can complement almost any style if you choose the right type of roof for your home. Do research on hiring the best metal roofers to make sure the project is successful. You may have to pay a little more for certain metal roofing styles, but choosing a roof style to match your home is still less expensive than remodeling your home's entire exterior.

Reasons To Declutter Your Home This Winter

There are many reasons to declutter your home this winter. With more time inside due to the cold weather, now’s the perfect time to start a new decluttering and organizing project. Don’t believe us? Keep reading to check out all the reasons to declutter your home this winter.

Helps Reduce Stress

The holidays are a busy time of year for many; you don’t need the added stress of a cluttered house on top of it all. Take the time early to go through your belongings and sort through the clutter. Decluttering can also help your home feel larger, which is great for entertaining and hosting since many homeowners have family and friends over for the holidays. Help your home feel less cramped in time for the holidays, and take one more thing off your list by decluttering now.

Discover Donations

Another benefit of winter decluttering is all the potential items you can find and donate. Clothing, especially cold weather clothing, is one of the most useful things you can donate this winter. Why not go through your family’s coats, scarves, mittens, and clothes and set aside whatever you’ve outgrown or don’t need? More charities need donations during the winter than ever, and donating a little something extra will help give you the warm fuzzies this holiday season.

Make Spring-Cleaning Easier

One more reason to declutter your home this winter is to make next year’s spring-cleaning easier. Are you already stressing out over the idea of next year’s spring-cleaning? Why not break it up into winter- and spring-cleaning sessions? The more decluttering you do now, the fewer tasks you will have on your plate this coming year. The future you will thank you for planning ahead!

Now that you know all these benefits of a good winter decluttering session, what are you waiting for? Start decluttering now to spruce up your home just in time for the holidays.

How to Decide When It's Time to Replace Your Furnace

As the temperatures start to drop, it is important that you are prepared for the colder months. One way to do this is by making sure your furnace is in good condition. If you have noticed a decrease in efficiency or an increase in noise, then it's time to consider replacing your current furnace with a new one. This blog post will walk through some of the reasons why it might be time for you to replace your old system.

Rising Energy Bills

If you notice that your energy bills are starting to increase, it could be because your furnace is not functioning efficiently. Also, your furnace could be reaching the end of its life cycle and can no longer produce enough heat or use as much fuel as before; you should contact an HVAC professional to discuss replacement alternatives.

Excessive Rust, Soot, or Dirt Particles

If your furnace is not frequently maintained, then rust, soot, or dirt particles can accumulate. Once this happens, it will cause part of the heat exchanger to become obstructed. If you notice a buildup of these contaminants in your system, then replacement should be considered as soon as possible.

Home Humidity Problems

If you notice that the humidity in your home is off, then it could be a sign of trouble for your furnace. If moisture has begun to accumulate in or around your system, this will cause corrosion and reduce heat transfer efficiency.

Rooms Are Heating Unevenly

If you notice that some rooms are hotter or colder than others, this could indicate an issue with your current system. One way to test the efficiency of your furnace is by using a simple household thermometer. Place one on each floor of your house and compare them after 24 hours have passed. The average reading should be about the same across the board. If some register higher than others, this is a sign of inefficiency, and it's time to replace it.

Furnace Produces Unusual Noise

Noisy furnaces can be a sign of several problems. If you notice your furnace making strange noises such as an unusual humming or clanging, it could mean that something has become loose or broken inside the unit. You need to call an HVAC contractor and discuss furnace repair options.

If any of these problems sound familiar, then replacement might be necessary. Or, you can reach out to an HVAC professional to discuss repair options.