Moving into a new place is exciting, but there are a few things you’ll want to check right away to keep your family safe and comfortable. You really can’t skip making sure your electrical system is up to date—think outlets, wiring, and the electrical panel. That way, you’ll dodge headaches like shocks, fires, or annoying outages once you’re all settled in.
Test every outlet, especially outside, to see if they’re grounded and working right. Watch for old or damaged wiring—outlets that spark or feel warm are red flags. If something feels off or you just want to be sure, Magnify Electric’s licensed electricians can do a thorough inspection and handle any fixes.
With Magnify Electric, you get folks who can handle everything from swapping out a light fixture to adding new outlets or sorting out tricky wiring. We’re here to keep your electrical system safe so you can just enjoy your new home.
Inspect Essential Utilities
Before you move in, check that your home’s main systems actually work and are safe. We’re talking water, electrical outlets, heating, and cooling. Catching problems now can save you a lot of trouble later.
Check Water Supply and Pipes
Turn on every faucet—does the water flow like it should? Check the temperature, too. Peek under sinks and around pipes for leaks or water spots. If the water pressure feels weak, the pipes could be clogged or damaged.
Find the main water shut-off valve and make sure you know how to use it in case something bursts. Old pipes? You might want a pro to check for corrosion or lead, which can mess with your health and water quality.
If you spot leaks or anything questionable, have a plumber fix it before move-in. That way, you’re not dealing with water damage or mold down the road.
Test Electrical Outlets and Circuit Breaker
Plug a lamp or something small into every outlet—make sure they all work. If you find any that are warm or have burn marks, you’re probably looking at electrical problems.
Flip every light switch. Head to the breaker panel and check that switches aren’t stuck and breakers are labeled clearly.
If you notice ungrounded outlets or sketchy wiring, Magnify Electric’s team is ready to help. We’re happy to handle everything from quick fixes to safely adding new outlets.
Review Heating and Cooling Systems
Fire up the furnace and air conditioner. Do they run? Do they actually heat and cool? Swap out filters if they’re dirty—that helps air quality and keeps things running efficiently.
Listen for weird noises like clanking or rattling. Make sure vents are open and not stuffed with dust. Test the thermostat to see if it really controls the temperature.
If something seems off or you’re not sure, calling in a pro for a checkup might save you cash and hassle in the long run.
Assess Safety Features
Before you move in, double-check that your new place has key safety features in place. Alarms, locks, and fire safety tools matter more than you might think.
Verify Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Are smoke detectors in the right spots—bedrooms, hallways, kitchen? Hit the test button on each. Change batteries if they’re dead or missing.
Carbon monoxide detectors should be near sleeping areas. If your new place doesn’t have them, get some ASAP. They’ll warn you about this invisible, odorless danger.
If you find any missing or broken detectors, Magnify Electric can help. We’ll make sure your alarms are up to code and working right.
Examine Door and Window Locks
Test every lock on outside doors and windows. They should latch smoothly and feel solid. If you see rust, damage, or they just feel flimsy, upgrade to deadbolts or better window locks.
Need help with electrical alarms or smart locks? Magnify Electric installs those too, whether it’s a simple job or something more involved.
Locate Fire Extinguishers
Figure out where the fire extinguishers are—ideally, you want one in the kitchen and near heat sources.
Check the pressure gauge (should be in the green), look at the expiration date, and make sure the pin’s there. If you don’t have any or yours are expired, pick up new ones. Keep them where adults can grab them fast, but out of reach of kids.
Evaluate Structural Elements
Give the big parts of your home a once-over before move-in. Roof, gutters, walls, ceilings, and the foundation—these are what keep your place dry and standing strong.
Inspect Roof and Gutters
Look for missing, cracked, or curling shingles. Around chimneys, vents, and skylights, check for gaps or cracks that could let water in.
Gutters should be clear and attached tight. If they’re clogged, water can overflow and mess up your roof or walls. Downspouts need to send water away from the foundation.
If you need electrical work up high—like outdoor lighting—Magnify Electric can help with that safely.
Look for Wall and Ceiling Cracks
Little hairline cracks are normal. Big ones (wider than 1/8 inch), zigzags, or those near windows and doors? Not so much. Watch for water stains, bubbling paint, or peeling wallpaper—these usually mean leaks or moisture issues.
If you see electrical fixtures near damaged spots, have Magnify Electric check the wiring before you move in.
Check Foundation Integrity
The foundation should be level and free of big cracks. Horizontal cracks, major gaps, or doors and windows that stick could mean settling. Uneven floors are another warning sign.
Check that water drains away from the foundation. If not, fix grading or drainage now to avoid bigger problems.
If you’ve got electrical stuff in basements or crawl spaces, Magnify Electric can make sure it’s safe and up to code.
Review Appliances and Fixtures
Before you really move in, take a close look at appliances and fixtures. Making sure they work now can save you headaches later.
Test Kitchen and Laundry Appliances
Start in the kitchen. Plug in and run the stove, oven, fridge, and dishwasher. Make sure burners heat up, the oven gets hot, and fridge doors seal tight.
In the laundry, run a quick cycle on the washer and dryer. Watch for leaks around hoses and check if the dryer vents outside. If anything feels hot or isn’t working, Magnify Electric’s licensed electricians can check your electrical setup and make sure it’s up to code.
Examine Plumbing Fixtures
Turn on every faucet and shower—check water pressure and how well you can control the temperature. Look under sinks and around toilets for leaks. Flush toilets a few times to be sure they work.
Run hot water for a bit to see if the water heater is doing its job. Check pipes for rust or corrosion. Slow drains or leaks? Might be time to call a plumber.
Spotting these things early means you won’t have to deal with surprise repairs right after moving in.
Document Condition and Plan Upgrades
Before you unpack boxes, take time to record your home’s current state and make a plan for any fixes or upgrades you want. It’ll help you keep track and avoid surprises.
Photograph Current State of Rooms
Take clear photos of every room—walls, ceilings, floors, fixtures. Snap pics of any cracks, stains, or worn spots. Don’t skip door frames, windows, and outlets.
These photos are your backup if you need repairs or upgrades later. They’ll help you explain things and compare before-and-after. If you want to add outlets or update fixtures, these images make planning with your electrician way easier.
Create a Maintenance Checklist
Write down all the stuff in your home that’ll need regular checks or upgrades. Break it up by electrical, plumbing, heating, and structure. For electrical, note outlets, switches, fuse boxes, and wiring.
Flag anything that looks old or unsafe—like ancient wiring or too few outlets. If you want new lighting or outlets, Magnify Electric’s licensed electricians can help. Your checklist will keep you organized and make repairs easier to schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before you get too comfy in your new place, check things like electrical systems, plumbing, and safety features. It’s smart to have a move-in plan and grab the basics you’ll need right away.
What should I inspect when buying a new house?
Focus on electrical wiring, outlets, and grounding. Check for leaks in plumbing and see if the HVAC works. Test doors, windows, and smoke detectors, too.
What items should be on my move-in inspection checklist?
Test all lights and outlets. Check windows, doors, water pressure, and heating or cooling. Look for damage to walls and floors. Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors work.
What are the essential things to buy for a new house?
You’ll want a flashlight, batteries, smoke detectors, and a fire extinguisher. Grab cleaning supplies, light bulbs, and outlet covers. Surge protectors and a few extension cords are a good idea for safety and convenience.
Can you provide a checklist for what to do on the first day in a new home?
Change the door locks. Test utilities—water, electricity, gas. Check that appliances work and test safety devices. Set up internet and phone. Take photos of any damage you notice.
Where can I find a comprehensive new homeowner checklist?
There are plenty online, but you can also ask pros like Magnify Electric. Our licensed electricians make sure your electrical systems are safe and up to code for both homes and businesses, whether you need a new outlet or a full lighting upgrade.
How do I understand the 20 30 3 rule for home buying?
The 20 30 3 rule is a handy way to budget when you’re thinking about buying a home. Basically, you try to put down 20% upfront, make sure your monthly housing costs don’t eat up more than 30% of your income, and have enough stashed away to cover three months of expenses in case something unexpected happens. It’s not a magic formula, but it can keep your finances from spinning out of control while you’re in the thick of house hunting.