Milwaukee/NARI Offers Suggestions on Projects to Consider Before Move-In

The papers are signed, moving day is set, and you eagerly anticipate your move to a new home. But if you have access to your new residence and several days or more before the move takes place, it’s a good idea to cast a critical eye at your new home and decide if there are any improvements that can be made prior to your move. The Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council Inc., the area's leading home improvement and remodeling industry resource for more than 47 years, offers some tips.

Deep Clean the Entire House – No matter how clean and sparkling things looked when you bought the home, dirt and dust may have accumulated, and there may have been debris left from the previous homeowners. Consider having a professional come in and give everything a going over, including the insides of cupboard and cabinets, will assure you arrive to a home that not only looks bright and fresh, but smells fresh as well.

Clean Carpets – Steam-cleaning the carpets is easier before you move into the new home because there is no furniture to move and no family members tracking things in before the carpets are completely dry. Plus, any pet dander or hair will be extracted as well as any food or drink spill that may have been absorbed.

Painting – Even if the home was freshly painted pre-sale, there will probably be a room or two that you want to make your own. Doing it before furniture goes in should enable you to speed through the process. If the home wasn’t freshly painted before the purchase, there is no better time to do it than before all the furniture arrives. When painting, don’t forget the closets. It’s a great time to freshen them up and get rid of the scuffmarks left by the previous owner before they are stocked with your belongings. Plus a new coat of paint will really make the closets smell better too.

Closet Organization – While you’re in the closet painting, you may see a need for extra shelves or racks. A closet organization system enhances functionality and would make unpacking all those clothes so much easier.

Flooring – How does the flooring look throughout now that the previous owner’s furniture is removed? You may see worn or burn spots, frays, or just general wear and tear. Again, without furniture, it’s a much easier job to tear out the carpet and replace it. If repairing, rather than replacing, any damaged stone, ceramic, or linoleum, it is better done pre-moving day before heavy furniture moving across it causes more damage. With wood floors, you may be tempted to wait to resand until the moving is finished. Remember that sanding raises further dust, and it would be better to have it done before people and furnishing are in the house. Wood floors can be protected during the move with throw rugs or tarps.

Electrical and HVAC – You may not need to replace your furnace or air-conditioning unit, but it’s a good idea to make sure everything is in good working order before the first night. A heating and cooling contractor can also give the furnace a tune-up, clean coils, and check efficiency. If you need an electrical upgrade, as may be the case with an older home, it’s easier and faster for electricians to work if they have free and clear access to outlets and room for ladders and equipment. While the electrician is there, consider whether the kitchen, hallways, or closets need additional lighting, or if the bathroom needs an extra outlet for other grooming aids. For added security, have motion-sensor lighting installed.

Chimney Cleaning – If there’s a fireplace and you intend to use it, a chimney sweep can make sure the chimney is free of creosote and also remove any ashes. If there isn’t a cap on the chimney to keep out critters, now is a good time to have one installed.

Re-key – Since you’re unsure how many house keys were passed out by the previous homeowners, or to whom, having new locks will enhance your safety and security, not to mention peace of mind.

The Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council was chartered in July 1961, as a Chapter of the National Home Improvement Council. In May of 1982, the National Home Improvement Council merged with the National Remodelers Association to form NARI – the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

The Council’s goals of encouraging ethical conduct, professionalism, and sound business practices in the remodeling industry have led to the remodeling industry’s growth and made NARI a recognized authority in that industry. With over 900 members, the Milwaukee Chapter is the nation’s largest.

For more information or to receive a free copy of an annual membership roster listing all members alphabetically and by category, and the booklet, “Milwaukee/NARI’s Remodeling Guide,” call (414) 771-4071 or visit the Council’s Web site at www.milwaukeenari.org.