Apr
02
Home Improvement for New Homeowners
Buying your first home is an overwhelming experience. Jumping though all the hoops to get a loan, finding the perfect house, negotiating the deal and finally closing. You didn’t know it could be so hard or you’d have to sign your name on so many pieces of paper. The home is now yours and you’re ready to move in. Now what?
I Have to Buy That Too?
Your first day in your new house is a great day for your independence but a bit of a hit to the ego. You probably didn’t know new houses don’t automatically come with shower curtains or any bathroom accessories. Spending your first morning getting dressed in the closet or hastily nailing towels over your windows will remind you there is still shopping to do.
First Thing First
Whether you are in a brand new, just built house or one that has been through five owners your first purchase should be for new door hardware - deadbolts, door knobs, door levers, etc . Who knows how many extra keys the previous owners have given out over the years? And newly built houses have locks which numbers of builders and contractors have access to.
For new houses you can just get locks re-keyed by a certified locksmith, but for older houses now is the time to upgrade. New locks with and without door handles can be inexpensively bought and installed with no experience needed. Baldwin Mortise locks and Emtek Mortise Locks from A Touch of Brass are some of the most secure and stylish ones you can get.
Cheap vs. Inexpensive
Chances are most of the home’s accessories are on the cheap side. Builders cut corners to save money and previous home owners take most of the good stuff with them. Houses often have plastic vent covers and wall registers which are effective but not stylish. If cabinets have door hardware at all they are probably basic and cheap.
By replacing your plastic accessories with brass hardware you can immediately begin to add value into your new home with brass floor registers, wall registers, cabinet hardware and any other rooms for improvement.
Oh Yeah, I Have a Yard Now
If you are coming from an apartment or condo you probably didn’t have to deal with the outside at all. But as a homeowner you get to become your own lawn and snow removal service.
Here is a wholly incomplete list of outdoor tools you need
- Garden hose and hose caddy
- Lawnmower (spend the extra money and get a self-propelled)
- Snow shovels and possibly a snow plow
- Rake, shovel and wheelbarrow
- gardening gloves and an old pair of shoes
- Edger and weed whacker
- Outdoor broom and leaf blower
- Extra-large garbage can on wheels for trash pickup
As a homeowner you’re going to have to learn to love the outdoors because you’ll have to spend some time ensuring your yard is as beautiful as your house.
Welcome to new home ownership. It’s both a challenge and a joy and not for the fainthearted.
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