So, you have just moved into a new home. Congratulations! But now what? Unless you have identical taste to the previous owners, there are undoubtedly changes you will want to make. Of course there may be many, but with the help of Luxury Flooring & Furnishings, we will discuss the top 3 that are neglected due to false perceptions about price, effort or the level of fun involved in the process!
Floors, Doors and Walls
Start at the bottom! Flooring is one of those things that people are not all too sure about. Solid and engineered wood flooring are often carpeted over in older homes, or even have cheap vinyl placed on top! By peeling back the flooring to see what’s underneath, you may actually be pleasantly surprised! Even if this isn’t the case, any wood flooring may need sanding, or the shorter life-spanned laminate and LVT may need replacing entirely. You can see this flooring advice blog for more information about what to choose that will be best for your new home, your needs and your tastes. Skirting boards and beading will also need considering when replacing flooring, as matching ones are essential for an elegant and complete look.
Doors could also be considered in this decision, but they don’t need to match in color – a crisp painted white door will stand out well amongst light wood flooring for example, and chances are paint will need to be replaced after years of use from a previous owner. Wallpaper is a must when moving into a new home, otherwise you are living under the décor standards of past owners, and your house can never truly become a home.
The Garden
Gardens are hit and miss with new homes. Many take pride in their flowerbeds and garden furniture, whereas others leave grass uncut and neglected for the new owner to sort out. Chances are, your garden will also be a bit empty. We recommend replacing natural grass with artificial grass, as well as adding tables, chairs, a fire pit or barbeque, flower pots and trying your hand at growing your own veg. This way, things can stay relatively low maintenance whilst creating a gorgeous place to socialise or relax.
Installations and Appliances
Unfortunately, some pesky repairs will remain hidden until you actually move in. Examples include the shower, the oven, the fridge, or any other appliances, fixtures and fittings. Once you move in (or before if possible), ensure you get the boiler serviced, appliances checked, and get confirmation that there are no electric, gas or water related issues to be solved. If this is done early enough, you can even negotiate a lower price for your home or have them fixed for free before they become your responsibility after moving in. Overall, you need to assertive and know your rights when it comes to repairs!
Have any of you moved into a new home and found improvements to be made? Let others know in the comments so they can avoid inconveniences or plan ahead.