New Homeowner? 8 Renovations To Tackle Before You Move In

Buying a new home is a huge milestone in life – and you are probably full of dreams that involve settling in, decorating your new digs and making the whole place your own.

However, the reality is that even a house that seems “move-in ready” often has a few “quirks” that you could do without. Whether it’s a really ugly accent wall, wallpaper that is reminiscent of another era, or necessary fixes for problems that are lurking beneath the surface, some renovations and repairs just can’t wait until after you’ve unpacked.

Taking care of certain projects in advance of your move-in date can save you time, money and a whole lot of stress. Think about it: once you’re living in the house, every repair or upgrade requires working around furniture, juggling contractors and interrupting your daily routine. That’s why it’s worth prioritizing a few key projects before the moving truck rolls up. Whether it’s adding safety features, boosting the home’s energy efficiency or just doing a few things to improve the aesthetics, here are some important renovations and repairs to consider tackling before you move in:

1. Change the Locks and Take Security Measures

One of the simplest (and most important) updates you can make is changing all the locks. You never know how many copies of the house keys are floating around from previous owners, contractors or neighbors. It’s a relatively inexpensive fix that provides instant security and peace of mind. 

You may also want to consider upgrading to smart locks, which allow for keyless entry and remote access, or installing a home security system with cameras and motion sensors to keep your family safe in your new home from day one.

2. Paint the Walls and Ceilings

Even if the previous owners had decent taste, nothing makes a home feel fresh like a new coat of paint. Painting before you move in means you won’t have to worry about moving furniture, covering valuables or dealing with the lingering smell of paint while you sleep. 

Plus, painting empty rooms is infinitely faster and easier than working around beds, couches, bookshelves and assorted other furniture. If you’re feeling bold, this is also the time to experiment with accent walls, statement ceilings and custom finishes – which can be easily completed or altered when there’s less “stuff” to work around.

3. Refinish or Replace Old Flooring

Is your new home full of old carpets, scratched hardwoods or outdated tiles? Now’s the time to replace or refinish them. Flooring projects can be time-consuming and messy, so tackling them before moving in saves you from having to live in a construction zone. Plus, if you’re tearing out carpets, you might uncover beautiful hardwoods underneath! 

If new floors aren’t in the budget just yet, a deep professional cleaning can do wonders to refresh carpets and sanding and refinishing can bring old hardwoods back to life.

4. Check and Upgrade the Electrical System

If your home is older, it’s wise to have an electrician inspect the wiring, outlets and breaker panel – and you may have been alerted to issues during the home inspection. Older homes may have outdated or even unsafe wiring that doesn’t meet modern standards. 

Replacing old outlets with grounded ones or even upgrading to USB-equipped outlets can make a big difference in convenience. If you’re planning on mounting a TV, installing ceiling fans or adding recessed lighting, now is the perfect time to run the necessary wiring before the rooms are fully in use.

5. Make Any Plumbing Fixes 

This is a big one. Nobody wants to deal with a leaky faucet or a failing water heater right after moving in. Have a plumber check for leaks, inspect the water heater’s age and condition and update any old fixtures or pipes. 

Even something as simple as replacing outdated faucets, showerheads or toilets with more water-efficient models can enhance your home’s water efficiency and reduce your utility bill. Found a small leak in the shower? Fix it before you spend your first night there. Even a new toilet seat, updated showerhead or modern faucet can dramatically update a bathroom without the expense of a full remodel. 

6. Deep Clean Everything

Even if the previous owners did a decent job of tidying up, there’s nothing like a true deep clean to make your home feel really yours. Scrub the grout, steam-clean the carpets, wipe down the baseboards –  and don’t forget to wash the inside of cabinets and closets. Pay special attention to high-touch (and germy) areas like light switches, door handles and window sills. 

If you can, hire professionals to tackle things like air duct cleaning to reduce allergens and make sure the furnace is also inspected and cleaned.

7. Improve Energy Efficiency

Small upgrades like replacing old weather stripping, sealing windows and upgrading to energy-efficient appliances can save you money in the long run. If your budget allows, consider adding extra insulation, replacing an outdated HVAC system –  or even adding a smart thermostat to improve your comfort and energy efficiency from day one. 

These upgrades not only lower your utility bills but also increase the overall value and sustainability of your home, which is ultimately helpful for your resale value in the future.

8. Address Any Pest or Mold Issues

The last thing you want is to move in and discover unwanted guests – whether they’re squirrels in the attic, mice in the kitchen or ants all over the back deck. A thorough inspection and preventative treatments before moving in can save you from major headaches later. 

Even if you don’t see signs of pests, consider having an exterminator do a preventative treatment to keep insects and rodents from settling in before you do – particularly if the house has been empty for a little while.

Final Thoughts

It can be tough to delay your move-in date when you’re excited about your new home, but doing these renovations and repairs before your furniture gets there can make your transition a lot smoother. You won’t just be stepping into your new home but a home that’s actually ready for you!