In nearly every case, homebuying requires compromise. Even when you fall in love with a house during your hunt, there will likely be some changes or improvements you’ll want to make eventually. 

And while your budget is probably the primary factor for deciding when the time is right, certain upgrades make sense to do sooner rather than later. If you’re struggling to prioritize the home improvement to-do list that came with your new house, consider moving these projects ahead of the rest. 

Safety

A new home should be a safe home. Hopefully, obvious issues were addressed before closing, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be additional efforts worth undertaking. The initial days of ownership are the perfect time to make any repairs or adjustments that can protect you and your family. 

Make sure fencing is adequate and secure for your children and pets. Put fresh batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. For families with small children, appropriate precautions such as safety gates and child-proof cabinets and door locks should also be installed as soon as possible. 

It’s also a good idea to consider rekeying or replacing the home’s locks. Even if the sellers made every effort to turn over all the keys, you can’t be sure who may still have a spare and what their intentions are. A security system may also be a wise investment prior to move-in when you know that prying eyes may be getting a good look at your belongings, and the house may not be consistently occupied. 

Convenience

Other than safety, convenience is a great reason to push improvements to the top of your list. Upgrades to flooring, fresh paint, eliminating the dreaded popcorn ceiling texture, and even a kitchen refresh can become much more complicated after moving in. Completing the work before your furniture is in place, and with less disruption to your daily life can be a fantastic decision and may even reduce costs. 

Efficiency

Decisions to increase the efficiency of a home can pay for themselves, but it takes time. And in some cases, it can take a long time for the savings to add up. This is why a plan to make your home more efficient should start as early as possible. 

While a new HVAC system or windows can be a substantial hit to your savings, the long-term calculations probably favor immediate action over a delay. At a minimum, you should be checking the caulking and weather stripping around your windows and doors. Smart thermostats are more affordable than ever and relatively simple to install for those looking to increase efficiency. Transitioning to LED light bulbs can also be an excellent first step to lowering your utility bill as soon as you move in. 

The lending experts at Open Mortgage are ready to help you on your path to making a new house feel like a home. Browse our website or call us today, to find the loan program that is right for you.