Whether it’s because of a job transfer, you have a new or better home, or you want to live in a cheaper area or a bigger place, there comes a time when you have to make big moving considerations. However, as you are ready for this new chapter of your life, what condition will you leave your current abode in? Leaving your current home in the best possible condition is essential before moving out.
Taking time to address certain key areas can make a big difference in your home’s value and appeal, especially if you are considering renting or selling it. Here’s a comprehensive list of essential to-do tasks before bidding farewell to your beloved dwelling. Considering it will ensure you leave a lasting impression and help set the stage for the next occupants to enjoy an inviting home.
1. Remodel the Kitchen
The kitchen, the heart of any home, is the most used room; no wonder it’s also the first to be thought of while making renovation plans for moving considerations. Giving your kitchen a fresh look involves several remodeling ideas to impress the next resident. The good news is, even with a small budget, you can update the kitchen into an inviting, beautiful place.
For instance, working on your kitchen cabinets can have a positive impact. You can paint the cabinets fresh, replace the hardware, and update the cabinet’s lighting fixtures. Replacing the cabinet doors with classic, stylish ones is an affordable way to give your kitchen a new facelift without changing the footprint. Consider installing trendy open shelving and rethink your kitchen island.
You don’t have to change the kitchen’s layout. You can reconfigure the placement of the cooktop and refrigerator, then work on the kitchen walls and trim. The next occupants will appreciate a crisp white coated wall that matches the cabinet. With the best lighting, these color combinations will give the effect of a clean place, and who doesn’t want that?
The next kitchen remodel you should consider is the flooring and countertops. With so many available flooring material options, you may get stuck, but with the help of reputable flooring contractors, you will make the best choice. Consider installing a ceramic subway tile with lovely patterns to match a beautiful patterned ceiling for added texture. Restoring the kitchen to its original condition(or upgrading it) before moving out will attract potential home buyers or tenants easily.
2. Waterproof the Basement
As a house’s foundation shifts, cracks may inevitably develop, allowing water to seep in, resulting in a wet basement. It doesn’t matter the number of years you have stayed in your home; the basement is prone to accumulating excess moisture, especially if it’s below grade. It’s important to consider waterproofing the basement while making moving considerations.
Typically, simple DIY basement waterproofing solutions can easily fix foundation cracks. However, there are complex exterior basement waterproofing instances where you must consult with expert basement waterproofing service companies. Before you start, clean the basement, remove old paint, and plug holes and large cracks.
Consider running a dehumidifier to reduce condensation and ensure the dryer is correctly hooked to the vent. If the patio is sloped toward the house, consider re-leveling the slabs so that they drain away from the house. When should you call a professional waterproofing company? If you cannot fix the issue using simple DIY, call a basement waterproofing expert to inspect it.
A good company should offer a free inspection, highlight the extent of the basement damage, and give a quotation of the repair services. Tackling basement waterproofing issues before you move out will guarantee the safety of the next occupant. Extensive basement leaks allow water to seep in, cause major structural damage, and have potential foundation damage.
3. Replace the Water Heater
Hot water is a daily necessity in homes. You rely on hot water for household activities like cooking, showering, and cleaning. If you haven’t lately done water heater repair or inspection and it’s performing inefficiently, it’s a problem you should check and ensure it’s fixed before you move out. It will save the next occupant from a lot of inconvenience.
However, don’t attempt to fix them yourself – it can be a big safety hazard. Schedule with an expert water heater technician who, after inspecting, will recommend water heater replacement or repair depending on how much damage it has. Hiring a professional for the job provides the convenience of letting an expert handle the job, allowing you to put your time and effort into moving considerations.
How do you decide between repair and replacement? If your water heater has been producing noises, it needs repair. However, if it’s past the manufacturer’s life expectancy(8-12 years) and has been working erratically, it’s time to replace or upgrade to an energy-efficient model. Seek professional help before replacement to rule out troubleshooting or electrical issues.
Fixing your water heaters before moving out is convenient for the nest occupant as there will be reduced energy and water bills. You will contribute to their comfort as they enjoy a home with consistent and high-quality hot water for their daily activities.
4. Invest in a New Roof
Regular maintenance and having small roof problems fixed professionally extend the lifespan of your roof during your stay there. However, at some point, the roof needs to be replaced. One common reason you should schedule a professional roof inspection is the presence of a storm, strong wind, or fallen tree branches that damage the roof.
The bottom line is the roof gets old, damaged, and misses shingles, and as your home’s first line of defense, if it’s damaged and leaking, the entire interior is susceptible to more danger. No one would want to reside in such a home. You should invest in a new roof as part of your moving considerations.
Investing in a new roof is stressful. You may not even know which are the current quality roofing materials. That’s why an expert installation is essential for a long-lasting replacement once you decide to install a new roof. Working with a roof contractor with warranty, experience, and values safety will save you from unnecessary spending and recommend a roof that will protect the incoming occupants for decades.
As you decide on a new roof, choose one that’s durable, attractive, fire resistant, energy efficient, and, most importantly, preserves your home’s architectural design. The question is, which roof has all these qualities? A tile roof is your answer and a smart investment.
Though they may have a significantly higher price tag than asphalt or cedar shake roofs, tile roofs have a long life span (more than 50 years, imagine that!), and if they crack, you can easily replace individual tiles. Besides fire resistance and a roof that helps ventilate heat away from the roof, tiles are easy to clean, hold their value, and are the first thing that will attract the next occupant.
After all, everyone loves coming home to an aesthetically pleasing home. If you’re also considering selling the home, you’ll easily find buyers if your roof complements your home style. A new tile roof is indeed a smart investment.
5. Replace the HVAC
If you love(and who doesn’t?) a house with comfortable temperature and quality air, be rest assured that your home’s next occupant will enjoy it more. As you make moving considerations, the last thing you want is to leave behind a corrupt HVAC system.
As the unit ages, it struggles with maintaining consistent temperatures and makes squealing or buzzing noises, which can be uncomfortable. If you notice such issues, it’s time to consider replacing your HVAC system.
A brand new HVAC unit guarantees better air quality, reduced energy consumption cost, less air conditioner repairs, and most importantly, it increases the value of your home if you’re looking to sell it. If your system is outdated and you’re considering replacement, schedule an appointment with an expert HVAC specialist.
Installing a new HVAC system could be costly, but it has a longer lifespan(average,15 to 20 years). It’s cost-effective to replace it compared to the current increasing repair costs. A reliable HVAC professional should check for air leaks and cracks, noting the energy efficiency of the old system, and then help you explore your financial options and the best replacement model if needed.
Finally, considering replacing your HVAC system can be overwhelming, especially if you are moving out of your home. However, considering it a smart investment with high ROI will ensure the next occupants have a consistently comfortable temperature and save money in the long run. With the help of an HVAC expert, you can weigh your options and determine if the new system is beneficial.
6. Repair or Replace Appliances
If your appliances aren’t working efficiently and are beyond their lifespan, it is natural to decide to replace them rather than repair them. However, appliances often malfunction before their life, making it harder to determine if you need a repair or replacement. If you’re making moving considerations, it may seem convenient to take the shortcut– repairing.
However, the problem may be so complex that it needs a replacement altogether. Deciding whether to fix your broken appliance or buy a new one is so tricky that it makes it a must to seek the help of Viking appliance repair services near you. Whether you’re leaving a dishwasher that smells funny or a refrigerator that doesn’t keep food cold, there are a lot of factors to consider before making the repair-or-replace decision.
To determine the best thing to do, check whether the appliance still has a warranty and consider repair. If it’s closer to its hypothetical past useful life date, it’s wiser to replace it. However, if it’s a troubleshooting problem and you know your way around the socket wrench, you can fix it using the manual’s repair tips.
The downside of fixing appliances yourself is that many electrical appliance parts aren’t refundable, so once you misdiagnose the issue, it’ll be a waste of money. If you’re also not an expert, you risk injury and damage on lifting heavy and large appliances. Once you mess with the machine, some warranties get voided, which is more reason to have an expert repairing or replacing your appliances. Leaving your appliances in the best condition while moving out of your home is advisable. It guarantees safety to the next occupant while also increasing the value of your home.
7. Fix Up Your Yard
Now that your home is almost new again with all the above fixes, will you let it sit on a land that has been there for ages? You’ll need to consider this important part of your home. Attending to your yard boosts your home’s curb appeal is the first thing potential tenants or buyers will note. Thus, giving your landscape as much TLC as you give your home’s interior and exterior is crucial.
A tidy lawn is essential, so as you make moving considerations, take time to trim it. If you can’t recall when you last mowed your yard, it’s time to give it a good edging and create a nice, clean line with sidewalks. For the best results while caring for your lawn, research reputable local lawn care services and hire them to help nurture the growth of a healthy root system.
With the help of a landscaping services provider, evaluate your landscape design, identify what needs to be fixed in the old yard, and plant beautiful plant species that will match your exterior home’s painting. Finally, tackling an old, disheveled yard before moving out will give the home a new feel and appearance, an aspect the next potential home buyer or tenant wants.
When you moved into your current house, you thought it was a good home. A clean kitchen, great plumbing, excellent HVAC, clean attic and yard, just name it, exterior and interior, it was all in perfect condition. Now it’s time to move out to another home – why don’t you leave the place in the best condition for the next person? You made a smart investment in building or purchasing your home and following these seven simple moving considerations tasks will attract buyers or tenants to your home.