Moving into a previously owned home comes with its own set of surprises—some charming, some not so much. Before you start settling in and hanging up art, take time to knock out a few smart tasks that will make your space cleaner, safer, and truly yours. Whether your new place is five years old or fifty, here are the first things I recommend doing:
1. Replace All Air Filters
You have no idea how old those filters are or what they've trapped. Swap out all HVAC and return vent filters right away to improve air quality and help your system run efficiently. If your home has a whole-house filter, change it immediately and check monthly until you find a routine that fits your household’s activity level.
2. Deep Clean or Reseal the Grout
Grout collects grime, water stains, and who-knows-what over time. If the grout is in decent shape, give it a thorough clean and reseal it to protect against future wear. If it’s already looking rough, now’s the time to freshen it up or regrout altogether.
3. Check and Lock Every Window
Do a complete walk-through and test every window. Make sure they open, close, and lock properly. Not only does this boost safety, it helps with energy efficiency and can clue you in on any needed repairs, like missing screens or cracked seals.
4. Flush the Ice Maker and Water Line
Even if the fridge looks spotless, the water lines and ice maker might still hold stagnant water or old debris. Dump the first few batches of ice and run at least a gallon of water through the dispenser to flush the system.
5. Replace Smoke Detector Batteries
Unless you enjoy the 2:00 a.m. chirp of a dying smoke detector, go ahead and replace all the batteries now. Once the new battery is in, press the test button to make sure every alarm is working properly. It’s quick peace of mind that can save lives.
6. Seal Granite Countertops
Granite may be durable, but it's still porous. If the previous owners didn’t seal it recently (or at all), it could soak up spills and stains before you even get your cutting boards unpacked. Use a granite cleaner followed by a good sealer to protect the surface and keep it looking its best.
Final Thoughts
Existing homes come with character, charm, and sometimes a few surprises from the past. Taking a little time to reset the basics helps you start fresh with fewer headaches later. Things like replacing filters and sealing surfaces might not be glamorous, but they’re smart, easy wins that give your home a healthy head start. And once those are checked off, you can turn your attention to the rest of that home inspection report!
Until next time, keep your home maintained and your inspection stress-free.
- Your Fave Female Inspector