In this article, we will explore the most important things new first-time homeowners must be aware of. If you are a first-time home buyer, these pointers will help you to make a smooth and worry-free transition into your new residence.
1) Utilize the Canada Post Service to order a new community mailbox key by creating a Service Ticket online on the Canada Post website. This will ensure your mails are secure. This can be done online by creating a service ticket from here -> New Community Mailbox Keys
2) It is advisable to get duct cleaning done to remove dust/contaminants and any unpleasant odours as you take over your new home.
3) For any carpeted areas, have professional carpet cleaning done to remove dirt and bacteria; it would also assist in removing any stains.
4) Replace the front door locks, as there might be a chance that previous owners might have shared the keys with contractors, handyman etc., and you want to ensure the home is safe.
5) Replace the furnace filter; they need to be replaced every three months for having clean airflow in your new home.
6) Utilize the Mail Forwarding Service provided by Canada Post to ensure mails are routed from your previous address to the new one. This would allow you time to ensure the address is changed everywhere.
7) At the onset of the winter season, do remember to shut off the water valve for the outdoor water lines to the backyard and garage areas and drain the exterior faucets. This will eliminate the possibility of bursting of exterior plumbing pipes during winter months.
8) During the winter months, never turn off the heat in your home. Even if you are on vacation, always keep the heat on at no less than 65° F. You have a high risk of freeze damage to the home, especially in a cold climate like ours when temperatures reach subzero levels.
9) During the summer months, never turn off the air conditioner in your home, as it would help to control humidity and prevent mold growth in the home. Although, you can always set the temperature higher to save on energy.
10) Check every floor in your home has a smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide detector. In the kitchen area, a Carbon Monoxide alarm should not be placed as it will not function correctly. Refer to the graphic here.
11) If you spot any water leakage in any area of your home, as a first step, shut off the main water supply in the home, usually found in basements. This will control any further water damage, and then call a qualified master plumber.
12) When going on a vacation for more than 1-2 days, shut off the main water supply in the home. Usually, you can find it in your basement. As a next step, drain the water from the pipes at the main and top floors. This will ensure you will avoid any water damage to the property due to pipe leakage when you aren’t there to monitor the home.
13) When going on a vacation for more than 1-2 days, unplug all electronics as it would save some energy bills and also help in reducing the probability of electrical fire.
14) Before leaving for a vacation, it’s a good idea to ensure your insurance coverages are intact.
Hope these tips you will find helpful.
Wish you all the very best! Reach out to our dedicated team at Elixir for any queries you have in Real Estate and we will do our best to help.
Mudit Mehta
Broker of Record
ELIXIR REAL ESTATE INC.
Off: 416-816-6001 | [email protected]
