Moving to a new home can be an exciting time. However, it can also be stressful and exhausting, not to mention expensive to the point of draining your wallet dry. Depending on your new home state, there are some home improvements and repairs you must do before moving in. 

Are improvements and repairs expensive?

Specific improvements will increase your property's value, which is always good when the time to sell it comes. Repairs can help reduce maintenance costs you will be facing in the future, and it’s always good to save money. If you are smart, some of the work you do on your home will end up giving you a net benefit.  Some renovations will increase your home insurance rates, so be sure to calculate this into your overall budget. Other types of work on your home simply can’t be avoided, especially for glaring issues that need to be fixed.

Can I do some of the repairs later?

The short answer is: yes, of course. On the other hand, dragging the repairs will involve you living in total chaos for a long time. You might think it will just be for a week or two, but old houses can have problems you weren’t expecting. Since you don't know how the house was constructed, there could be hidden issues that you didn't initially notice. These could end up causing unexpected delays, and you don't want to be trapped in a house remodel limbo. And people promise themselves they will take care of minor repairs later when the relocation is over. But then those minor issues sit unaddressed for years because you never got around to it.

Renovating before you move in

Everyone has ideas of what their dream home should look like. Relocating to a new home is the perfect time to let your imagination run wild. And spring is a great time to do renovations on your home. You might think that doing everything at once is expensive, but doing multiple home improvements and repairs at the same time will probably be cheaper. Some renovations will require some touch-ups after the main work is over. We’re talking about small finishing touches like patching up walls or floors and painting the house. The best solution is to do the cleanup just once when you have done all the work.

Realistically your best bet is to schedule all of the home improvements and repairs you must do before moving in and living on the property. Once everything is finished, you can just relocate to your new home without worrying about doing more work. So, plan for how long the work will take but have backup options. Rent storage for your possessions, so they don't get in the way of the repairs. Ensure you get a clean and mold-free unit for your items so they are safe and dry during the spring rain season. Even if the repairs last longer than expected, your possessions won't clutter the workspace, and you will know they are secure.

Here is a list of 8 home improvements and repairs you must do before moving in:

1. Check the roof – repair any cracks or leaks since water damage can wreak havoc on your home. Invest in roof repairs to avoid rotting wood and mold buildups.

2. Refloor – this is one of the repairs most people skip to save money. While fitting new floors can be expensive, it will be a lot cheaper and easier to do before moving in.

3. Improve the insulation – investing some money before moving in can save you a lot in the long run. Draft-proofing and insulating are great ways to save on heating and electricity bills.

4. Apply wood finish – it's not just the floors that need to be re-done. It would be best to refinish all the wooden elements like panels, windows, or railings before you move in. This will give them a bit of time to sit and air out.

5. Popcorn ceilings and walls – they used to be standard in houses constructed before the '90s. Besides being an eyesore, popcorn fixtures can contain asbestos or other toxic materials that can be harmful to your health.

6. Check the plumbing – leaks can cause some of the worst and most expensive damage to a home. Hire professional plumbers to take care of any problems before you move in. Mildew and mold will be much more costly to deal with later if water damage is left unchecked.

7. Replace locks – it shouldn't take long and doesn't cost much. With new locks, you can be sure that no one else has the keys to your home. Replace the exterior locks; it's cheap and will give you peace of mind.

8. Exterior and interior painting – we recommend doing this last but before bringing in the furniture from storage. All of the other major work will already be done. Also, painting an empty home free from the clutter of furniture and boxes is a much simpler task.

One more thing we need to mention is that it is essential to pay attention to your health. People get so caught up in renovations, repairs, and moving that they can forget about their well-being. We all hope to see the end to the coronavirus pandemic, but the fight isn't over yet. So, when the moving day finally arrives, you have to take all the necessary precautions in order to stay healthy during these hard times. Moving to a new home means that you will be interacting with many different people. Sometimes we all need reminders, even for the basics - so be smart and stay safe.

Taking care of home improvements and repairs you must do before moving in will end up saving you a lot of stress. Additionally, doing the repairs while you are not living on the property will mean they will be done faster – since nothing will be in the way of the work. And if the work is done faster, it usually means less added expenses. Taking care of everything while saving time and money – what's not to love?

Meta description: Moving to a new home and need to renovate? Here is a list of 8 home improvements and repairs you must do before moving in.

Guest Contributor: Sophia Perry