New Homeowner Checklist: Simplifying Your House’s Needs
As a new homeowner, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the necessary maintenance and upkeep that your new house may require. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can break things down to put everything in perspective. Whether your home is walk-in ready or a major fixer-upper, you can use this checklist to simplify the post-move-in process.
#1. Audit the Openings in your House
Making sure the external window and door openings in your house are secure is always a major step for any new homeowner. Though this may initially seem like a simple task, it can be easy to forget one or two openings, given the sheer number in the average home. Make sure to list all openings and check the locks on each of them to test for any issues. It’s important to remember to go through this process with every window and door in your home, even if they appear to have limited access to the outside elements. Any opening that stays open for too long can invite outside weather into your home, which can cause negative effects over time.
#2. Evaluate your Home’s Accessibility
Making sure your home is a welcoming place for everyone who enters is very important and can prevent undue stress when having family and friends over in your new home. Look through your home for an entry point that is the most accessible for wheelchair users or those who have difficulties using stairs. If you need help identifying which of your entrances is the most accessible, consult the ADA’s guide for their accessibility standards here. Once you’ve identified the entrance that is most convenient, keep it in mind for future events you’ll be hosting. Also, take a few minutes prior to hosting guests to make sure the floors are clear of any obstacles or unnecessary area rugs, as these can be a hazard.
For further information on ADA compliance, visit BHMA’s page on the subject here.
#3. Moving to a New Region? What’s the Local Weather?
Making sure your home is properly suited to the weather patterns of the region is significant. If your area is prone to extreme weather such as tornadoes or hurricanes, check your roof for loose shingles that could potentially dethatch during a storm. It’s also best to have a chosen area in your home to use for shelter during a major weather event – such as an interior closet or bathroom without windows.
Even in less extreme conditions, weather can still influence the maintenance of a home. Humidity, rainfall and snowstorms can cause discoloration or corrosion on the exterior locksets and deadbolts of your home. The best way to prepare for this possibility is to make sure your doorknobs, handles and deadbolts have all been tested for their finish and strength. For more information on how to verify that a product has been tested, visit the BHMA Secure Home page here.
#4. Consider your Family’s Comings and Goings
If your family is active, with plenty of small children running in and out of the house, it’s important to evaluate whether your doorknobs and handles can withstand endless use. A good way to prepare is to look for doorknobs and handles that have been tested for their durability. The BHMA Certified Secure Home™ label makes this process easy with its durability rating. Any lock with the label has a rating of Good (C), Better (B), or Best (A) in durability and has met BHMA’s specific durability testing standards.