Congratulations! You’ve done it.
Now What?
After going through the entire buying process, you are now the proud owner of a new home in the vibrant city of Canada.
But before you kick back and relax, there are some important steps to take to ensure a smooth transition into your new space.
While the excitement of owning a new property is exciting, you’ll want to make sure your home is safe, comfortable, and fully ready for you to settle in.
Here’s a guide on the first things you should do after buying your house in Canada.
1. Get Your Utilities Set Up
One of the first things to do after moving in is set up your utilities. Make sure water, electricity, and gas are running.
Check that your phone services are working, too. This will help you settle in comfortably. Additionally, you can get real estate advice to enhance services.
- Contact your utility providers: If the previous homeowner hasn’t already, you’ll need to contact your local utility providers to set up accounts in your name. This way, you’ll avoid any interruptions in service.
- Transfer services: If you are moving from another home, don’t forget to transfer services like internet and phone. Sometimes, it’s as easy as calling your provider and updating your address.
2. Update Your Address
After purchasing a new home, it’s essential to update your address with organizations and services. Look at the checklist to help you out:
- Government services: Notify government organizations like the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), your health insurance provider, and Service Canada of your new address.
- Financial institutions: Make sure to update your bank, credit card companies, and any other financial services with your new details.
- Insurance: You’ll also need to inform your home insurance company and car insurance provider about your move.
- Subscriptions: If you have any magazine or food delivery subscriptions, update those too.
3. Home Insurance
insurance for new homes is vital. You should arrange for coverage before finalizing your home purchase.
Now is the time to review your home insurance policy and ensure it covers everything you need. If you didn’t purchase enough coverage during the process, consider increasing it to protect your home and belongings.
Take a moment to evaluate your policy for:
- Building coverage: Make sure the structure of your home is fully protected.
- Content coverage: Ensure all your personal belongings are covered in case of damage or theft.
- Liability coverage: Check if your policy includes liability protection in case someone is injured on your property.
4. Inspect Your Home
Even though you likely had a home inspection done before closing, it’s a good idea to inspect the home yourself once you move in.
Take a thorough walk through the house and look for anything that might have been missed, such as:
- Leaks: Check for any signs of water damage or leaks in the roof, basement, and around windows.
- Appliances: Test the appliances to make sure they are all in working order.
- Electrical systems: Flip the switches and check the outlets to confirm everything is functioning properly.
- Heating and cooling systems: Turn on the heating and air conditioning to ensure they are working as expected.
5. Change the Locks
For your peace of mind, consider changing the locks on all the exterior doors of your new home. The previous homeowners may have handed over all the keys.
However, there’s no way to be sure that copies don’t exist. Changing the locks ensures that only you and your family have access to the home.
6. Test Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Safety should always come first. After moving into your new home, take a moment to test the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.
These devices are essential for your safety, so you want to make sure they are functioning correctly.
- Replace batteries: If you’re unsure when the batteries were last changed, it’s a good idea to replace them immediately.
- Test the alarms: Push the test button to confirm the alarm sounds. If it doesn’t work, replace the unit.
7. Familiarize Yourself with Your Home’s Systems
Your new home has many systems that you’ll need to get familiar with many things. It includes heating and cooling, electrical, and plumbing systems. Understanding home decor for new homes can save you from frustration in the future.
- Find the main water shutoff valve: In case of a plumbing emergency, knowing where the water shutoff valve is located is crucial.
- Locate the breaker panel: If an appliance trips the electricity, you’ll need to know where the breaker panel is to reset it.
- Understand the thermostat: If your new home has a smart thermostat, spend some time learning how to program it to save on energy costs.
8. Make It Your Own
Now comes the fun part – making your new house feel like home! Decorating, painting, and adding personal touches will help you create a space that reflects your style.
- Unpack strategically: Start with the essentials like your bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom. Then, gradually work on other rooms.
- Paint and decorate: If you want to change the color of the walls or hang artwork, now is a great time to start.
- Arrange furniture: Play around with the layout of your furniture until you find a setup that feels right.
9. Meet Your Neighbors
Getting to know your neighbors is an excellent way to build a sense of community. Introduce yourself, and if you’re comfortable, have a chat.
Knowing your neighbors can provide an extra layer of security, and they can also give you helpful information about the area.
10. Budget for Home Maintenance
Owning a home means you’re responsible for its upkeep. It’s essential to set aside money each year for maintenance and repairs.
Whether it’s fixing a leaky faucet or replacing the roof, these costs will add up over time.
- Create a maintenance schedule: Regularly inspect your home for potential issues, and take care of minor problems before they become major ones.
- Save for emergencies: Aim to save 1-3% of your home’s value annually for unexpected repairs or renovations.
Final Thought
After buying a new home in Canada, it’s important to do a few key things to make moving in easier.
As we discussed, firstly you have to set up your utilities, change your address, check your home insurance, and more.
Get in touch with the best real estate agency in Canada and make your home safe, and comfortable.
