Home Purchasing Guide: Steps to Prepare Your New Home for a Fresh Start

Purchasing a house is one of the most memorable moments in anyone's life. No matter whether you are buying a house for the first time or purchasing a house for your growing family, entering your new home should feel like an achievement and a reward for all the hard work you've done. But before getting all settled in the house, you should make sure that the place where you'll be spending most of your time is clean and safe enough. While the house may look well maintained during inspections, dust, allergens, bacteria, stains, or pests may still be present in the house after the former owners left. That's why the professional cleaning and maintenance of a house should become an essential part of your checklist when purchasing the house. # Check Out the Property for More Than Its Beauty Sometimes, a well-presented house isn’t really all there is when it comes to the real story. It's important to have an inspection of the property before settling or just after acquiring it. You should look out for: >> Plumbing and water pressure >> Power outlets and lighting >> State of roof and ceiling >> State of windows and door seals >> Mold and moisture indications >> Wall and floor cracks >> Ventilation systems >> Indication of pest activity If you detect these problems, you will be able to arrange for them to be fixed before moving your furniture into the property. # Begin with Deep Cleaning Even though previous owners might have done a good job in cleaning the property prior to moving out, it is still essential to deep clean the entire place before moving in. Spring cleaning is different from the usual routine cleaning in the way that it targets those spots that aren't usually cleaned and are full of dust and grime. It usually includes: >> Washing of walls, doors, and skirting boards >> Window cleaning and window frames cleaning >> Ceiling fans and light fittings dusting >> Deep cleaning of kitchens, cabinets and appliances >> Bathrooms and toilet sanitizing >> Floor vacuuming and mopping of entire property >> Removing cobwebs from ceilings and corners Starting with a freshly cleaned home gives you peace of mind and makes unpacking much more enjoyable. # Refresh Your Carpets and Upholstery Carpets may seem clean to the eye while being loaded up with dust, allergens, pet hair and other stains underneath their fibres. Professional carpet cleaning offers much more thorough cleaning compared to simple vacuuming. With advanced hot water extraction technology, professional carpet cleaning services not only provide deep cleaning of carpets but also purify the air of the house. Professionally cleaned carpets will: >> Help eliminate allergens and dust mites >> Eliminate odors >> Reduce bacteria >> Extend carpet’s lifespan >> Increase overall attractiveness of your house In case there is upholstered furniture or fabric curtains in the property, you should think about cleaning them professionally as well. # Arrange a Pest Control Inspection One of the best things that you could invest in right after moving into a new house is arranging a pest inspection. Pests can be hard to spot until the infestation becomes significant. Common pests that may inhabit your house are: >> Termites >> Cockroaches >> Ants >> Rodents >> Spiders >> Silverfish It is a good idea to get preventive pest control if the property has been empty for quite some time or is situated near bushlands, gardens, or old timber constructions. # Should You Think About Bond Clean? While bond cleaning is often linked to rented premises, there is nothing stopping you from opting for this level of cleaning after buying a house either. Bond standard cleaning involves meticulous cleaning of each and every room and surface in the property prior to moving in. The following are part of the typical bond cleaning process: >> Cabinet and wardrobe cleaning >> Cleaning of grease from kitchen appliances >> Sanitization of the bathroom >> Window cleaning >> Spot cleaning of walls >> Vacuum and mopping of floors >> Dust cleaning of hard to reach areas This option would prove useful if you have bought a property which was once a rented one or it has been vacant for quite some time. # Other Critical Maintenance Before Occupying the House Cleaning is only one of the many activities necessary to ensure proper functioning of your house. Some maintenance chores can contribute towards improving comfort and avoiding problems in the future. ## Air Conditioning and Duct Cleaning Dust and other contaminants tend to collect inside the air conditioning system and its ducts. Cleaning increases airflow and air quality indoors and ensures that the system works more efficiently. ## Window Cleaning Clean windows let in more natural light and improve the aesthetic appeal of your property. Remember to clean the tracks, fly screens, and frames. ## Smoke Alarm Test This activity consists in testing all your smoke alarms and replacing batteries in case they are required. This is an easy way to ensure your family stays safe. ## Gutter Inspection Over time, gutters tend to clog with various contaminants. Cleaning the gutters before the rainy season prevents water damage to your roof and building foundations. ## Sanitisation of the Kitchen and Bathroom These rooms are amongst the most frequently used rooms in any property. Sanitization eliminates all kinds of bacteria, grease, soap, and other contaminations left behind by the previous tenants. ## Garden Maintenance Cut off any overgrowth, remove weeds, and inspect outdoor drainage. A tidy outdoor area improves both safety and kerb appeal. # Create a Maintenance Schedule for Your New Home Homeownership doesn’t end with the purchase of your new house. Proper maintenance ensures that you continue to enjoy your property for many years to come. Your effective maintenance schedule should include the following items: Weekly >> Clean your floors with vacuum cleaner and mop >> Clean your kitchen and bathroom surfaces >> Dust your furniture Monthly >> Clean your windows >> Clean your ceiling fans >> Inspect your plumbing >> Inspect your air filters Every Six to Twelve Months >> Professional carpet cleaning >> Pest control service >> Thorough spring cleaning >> AC service # Final Thoughts Purchasing a house is a large investment, and proper preparation before moving into it is always important. A clean, hygienic, and maintained house is healthier to live in and less prone to any surprises. Spring cleaning, carpet cleaning, pest treatment, and thorough cleaning like bond cleaning all work together to create a good beginning in your new house. Along with regular maintenance tasks like window cleaning, air conditioner check-up, smoke alarm testing, and gutter inspection, they all add up to provide better protection for your property and your family. Instead of just unpacking, it is worthwhile investing your time in preparation for the new house. A proactive attitude is what is going to ensure a smooth transition into your new home.