Essential Repairs and Upgrades to Complete Before or Soon After Moving In
Moving into a new home is an exciting time, often filled with dreams of how you'll decorate each room and settle into your new space. However, before you get comfortable, there are important repair and upgrade tasks that can save you time, money, and stress down the line. Completing certain projects before or soon after moving in ensures your home is safe, functional, and tailored to your preferences. Whether you’ve bought a fixer-upper or a move-in-ready beach property, this guide will help you prioritize necessary repairs and upgrades to make your new home truly yours.
Why Prioritize Repairs and Upgrades Early?
When you first move in, it may be tempting to focus solely on unpacking and decorating. While these are essential parts of settling in, there are several benefits to tackling repairs and upgrades early:
Avoid Disruptions Later: Completing repairs before you move your belongings in means you won’t have to deal with the inconvenience of moving furniture around or having work done while you’re living there.
Increase Efficiency: Many upgrades, such as insulating your home or replacing outdated windows, improve energy efficiency, saving you money on utilities from day one.
Boost Property Value: Early upgrades can enhance the value of your home, especially if you plan to sell it down the road.
Peace of Mind: Knowing your home is in good repair will give you peace of mind as you settle in, especially if you're addressing safety issues or replacing outdated systems.
Let’s explore the key repairs and upgrades you should consider tackling before or soon after moving into your new Northwest Florida home.
1. Inspect and Repair the Roof
One of the most critical components of any home is the roof. A damaged or leaking roof can lead to water damage, mold, and structural issues if left unaddressed. Before moving in, hire a professional to inspect the roof for any signs of wear and tear, including loose or missing shingles, cracks, or leaks. If any problems are found, it's best to repair or replace the roof immediately to avoid more costly issues in the future. If you are financing your new home chances are your lender or insurance company may already have raised an issue with the roof. Our Northwest Florida real estate team has observed an decrease in available insurance companies. The companies still insuring in Northwest Florida are keen on new roof and new water heater.
2. Upgrade the Electrical System
Older homes, in particular, may have outdated electrical systems that can’t handle modern energy demands. This can be both inconvenient and dangerous. An outdated electrical system poses a fire risk, and inadequate wiring or circuits can lead to frequent breaker trips or insufficient power for modern appliances and electronics.
Before moving in, hire a licensed electrician to inspect the electrical system, and consider upgrading the following:
Circuit breaker panel: Ensure the panel can handle your home’s electrical needs, especially if you plan on using high-power appliances.
Outlets: Consider upgrading to GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) outlets, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas, where water exposure is more likely.
Wiring: Replace any old or faulty wiring that could pose a safety risk.
Smart home upgrades: While you're working on the electrical system, you may want to add smart home technology like lighting, thermostats, and security systems.
Addressing electrical issues before or soon after moving in ensures that your home is safe and equipped to meet your needs. Pro Tip: If you are buying a home in Northwest Florida built from 1960 to 1990 double and triple check the electrical system. Many homes in the Fort Walton Beach area of Florida were built using aluminum wiring. Opinion vary about this type of wiring but lenders, appraisers, and insurance companies do not seem to like aluminum.
3. Replace or Upgrade Flooring
Flooring is one of the most visible aspects of a home and can significantly affect its overall aesthetic. If the floors in your new home are outdated, damaged, or simply not to your taste, it’s a good idea to replace or refinish them before moving in. This is particularly true for hardwood floors, which may require sanding and refinishing to restore their original beauty.
If your budget allows, you can upgrade to high-quality materials such as:
Hardwood floors for a classic, durable option.
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) for a water-resistant, affordable alternative that mimics wood.
Tile for moisture-prone areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
Replacing or refinishing floors before you move in allows you to avoid the hassle of moving furniture around later and helps you start fresh in a space that feels more like home. Northwest Florida Pro Tip: Carpet feels nice but Northwest Florida has an abundance of sand and moistier which can possibly make it a regrettable choice.
4. Improve Insulation and Weatherproofing
Proper insulation and weatherproofing can make a significant difference in your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. If your new home is drafty or poorly insulated, you may notice higher heating and cooling bills, as well as rooms that are too hot or too cold.
Key areas to focus on include:
Attic insulation: If your attic isn’t properly insulated, heat can escape during the winter and make it harder to cool your home in the summer.
Windows and doors: Replace old, single-pane windows with energy-efficient double-pane windows. Check for drafts around doors and windows and apply weatherstripping or caulking to seal any gaps.
Crawl spaces and basements: While basements are rare in here on the Emerald Coast of Florida, insulate these areas to prevent drafts and moisture buildup, which can lead to mold growth.
Addressing insulation and weatherproofing before or shortly after moving in will make your home more comfortable and reduce energy costs.
5. Repaint the Interior and Exterior
A fresh coat of paint is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to personalize your new home. Painting the interior before you move in means you won’t have to worry about protecting furniture or moving boxes around. Plus, painting empty rooms is much faster and easier.
Choose neutral colors for a timeless look, or make a statement with bold accent walls. In addition to aesthetics, painting can also protect your walls from wear and tear.
Don’t forget about the exterior! If the exterior paint is chipped, faded, or peeling, it’s worth repainting the outside of your home to improve curb appeal and protect your home from the elements. Be sure to read our post on the life expectancy of exterior paint in Florida. It's around 3 to 5 years.
6. Replace Outdated Plumbing Fixtures
Plumbing issues can be inconvenient and costly if left unresolved. Before moving in, have a plumber inspect your home’s plumbing system for any leaks, corrosion, or water pressure problems. Replacing old pipes and fixtures not only prevents future issues but can also improve water efficiency.
If your home has outdated plumbing fixtures, consider upgrading to more modern, water-efficient options, such as:
Low-flow toilets and showerheads: These fixtures reduce water usage without sacrificing performance, helping you save on your water bill.
Faucet upgrades: Replace old or worn-out faucets in the kitchen and bathroom for both aesthetic and functional improvements.
Tackling plumbing upgrades early on ensures that you won’t face any unpleasant surprises after settling into your new home.
7. Test and Upgrade HVAC Systems
Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is critical for keeping your home comfortable year-round. If the HVAC system in your new home is outdated or hasn’t been properly maintained, it could break down or operate inefficiently.
Before moving in, schedule a professional HVAC inspection to ensure everything is in working order. If necessary, replace the system with a more energy-efficient model, which can significantly reduce your utility bills over time. Also, consider installing a programmable thermostat to help regulate temperature and further increase energy savings. As you can imagine the hot humid temperatures of Florida decrease the overall life expectancy of air conditioning units.
8. Install or Upgrade Security Systems
Feeling secure in your new home is essential for peace of mind. Whether you’ve moved to a new neighborhood or just want to enhance your home’s security, installing a security system should be a priority. Modern security systems offer features such as motion sensors, cameras, smart locks, and remote monitoring, giving you full control over your home’s safety.
If your home already has a security system in place, consider upgrading it to include smart home features, which allow you to monitor and control the system from your smartphone.
9. Landscaping and Outdoor Upgrades
Your home’s exterior is just as important as the interior, and early outdoor upgrades can improve curb appeal and functionality. Consider the following:
Lawn care: Install an irrigation system or improve drainage to keep your lawn healthy.
Fencing: If you have pets or children, installing a fence can provide safety and privacy.
Outdoor lighting: Upgrade outdoor lighting to enhance security and aesthetics. Motion-activated lights and pathway lighting are great options.
Investing in landscaping and outdoor upgrades before moving in will make your home’s exterior more inviting and functional. We prepared a post outlining the 10 best low maintenance landscape ideas for Northwest Florida and the Emerald Coast.
Moving into a new home is an exciting milestone, but it’s essential to prioritize repairs and upgrades early on to ensure your home is safe, efficient, and comfortable. From inspecting the roof to upgrading the electrical system and enhancing security, tackling these tasks before or soon after moving in will save you time, money, and stress in the long run. By addressing these key areas, you can settle into your new home with confidence and enjoy all the benefits of a well-maintained property for years to come. Plus you'll have more time to enjoy the white sand beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. It's the reason most people move to the Destin and 30A area.
