Moving into first home tomorrow!!!

[markem]

Congratulations!

My experience is that, with a new house, things will pop up but as long as the plumbing and electrical are good, no crises should arise.

I would make sure that you are prepared to check all the outlets to make sure that they are wired correctly (including the ground wire) since that is a common problem. Also, it is likely that your pipes are PVC, so have some PVC cleaner and cement on hand in case of a leak.

If possible, make a list of which outlets are on which breaker and which GFI reset is for that circuit. Simple testers at home depot and the like.

My one word of advice to all new home owners is this:

Buy a programmable light timer and use it on a light in your front room. Also get a replacement for the outside light switch that is a timer that automatically adjusts for daylight savings time. Mine knows how to come on at dusk on off some time around midnight which is when the inside timer goes out. Makes the house looked lived in even when you are not home.

[never_enough]

Thanks for the advice Mark.

Plumbing and electrical is all brand new. Passed inspection, guy said he wished all the stuff he looked at was like that. But I will check everything tomorrow.

Love the idea of timers for a couple of lights. My g/f will definitely feel better if she comes home late and the lights are already on.

[CigarNut]

Congratulations!

[BHalbrooks]

This was my Wife and I (At the time, girlfriend.) a lot of it will be trial and error. "Hey babe, we need this..."

I suggest buying a quality, I repeat QUALITY, Vacuum and Carpet Cleaner. On our carpet Cleaner get the warranty they offer. Best advice anyone will give you in my opinion... Unless you have hardwood floors, then never mind lol

[never_enough]

Thanks Michael. Brian, we do have hardwood floors throughout. Probably my favorite thing, I believe they are original to the house.

[BHalbrooks]

Power washer down the road woul be handy too.

[pektel]

Decide where your future dog house will be, and make it nice and comfy. Stereo, beer fridge, TV, couch to sleep on, etc.

[never_enough]

Originally Posted by BHalbrooks

Power washer down the road woul be handy too.

Would really like to have one, but I don't think I would purchase one for at least a year. Too much other crap to spend money on!!

Originally Posted by pektel

Decide where your future dog house will be, and make it nice and comfy. Stereo, beer fridge, TV, couch to sleep on, etc.

Its a tiny house, she will just have to deal with me.

[TJarv]

Always know where the emergency water shutoff is, and if it rusts replace it.

Nothing like coming home to 4 inches of water throughout the house, and it happens more than you'd think.

[joeobx]

Originally Posted by TJarv

Always know where the emergency water shutoff is, and if it rusts replace it.

Nothing like coming home to 4 inches of water throughout the house, and it happens more than you'd think.

/\ This./\

Also find where you water meter is and make sure you can get the top off. I came home to a flooded basement from a pipe that broke before the shut off valve in the basement, 13" of water in a 900 sq foot basement was not fun.
Like Tony said, know where your main breaker is and take the time to go through the house and lable the breakers for each room / outlet.

Also I'd check the smoke detectors... they may be new but not the greatest quailty. Do a search on photoelectric vs ionization smoke detectors.

[Thrak]

Congrats! Lots of batteries and power strips... I always seem to need a power strip!

Do you have a garage door opener? Get one of the wireless keypads for outside so you can get in/out if your opener dies or breaks. Comes in handy when going on walks or jogging.

Also spare light bulbs.

[Brlesq]

Congrats on the big move.

I second the quality vacuum: get a Dyson. Just got my wife one last year after 20 years of cheaper models. She loves it, and they have great sales on these around Christmas.

Progammable thermostat. A must.

Fire Extinguisher. Hope its never needed, but peace of mind. You need Smoke detectors too!

Sump pump if you have a basement and a hole built for it.

And if you thought cigars were a money pit, you ain't seen nothing yet!

[kelmac07]

Congrats brother!!

[SvilleKid]

Curtains, rods. Shower Curtains, rods and hooks. Shoe Racks for the closets? wire and hooks for hanging pictures (or some other methods for hanging pictures). A 18 inch level. Electronic stud finder? Folding chairs. Flashlights.

Congrats on becoming a homeowner!

[never_enough]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I have some work cut out for me!

First thing when I walk in the house tomorrow I'm finding the water shutoff valve. The stories sound horrible.

[Brlesq]

Forgot one: Furnace filter. Cheap and easy. Check it out the day you move in and make sure to change it every 3 months. When we bought our current house, the lady that owned it hadn't changed it in 3 years because she didn't know it had one!

[cjhalbrooks]

Originally Posted by TJarv

Always know where the emergency water shutoff is, and if it rusts replace it.

Nothing like coming home to 4 inches of water throughout the house, and it happens more than you'd think.

When i grew up in Michigan i had to crawl under my parents house twice in the winter to shut off the water. MARK in some way the easiest way to get to the shut off. That way in case if your GF needs the water shut off and your not around she can do it easy like. (IF it is under a crawl space.

[hotreds]

Best wishes!

[Remo]

Congrats bro!!!

[omowasu]

Congratulations, buying a home is a great decision and owning one is even better as long as you enjoy the work and remember that for everything you do to improve the house, you are building equity which you will get back!

Things most forget but you gotta have -
A good pair of safety glasses. Trust me.
Two pairs of gloves - one nylon for working around the garage and basement and one thick leather for working in the yard and pulling weeds.
A box of those large contractor trash bags.
Adjustable wrenches.
Leak alarms - these are little boxes that take a 9v battery. They scream like he11 when they detect water. Get several, put one under each sink and one in the basement.
Mousetraps - if you are near woods, you will get mice.