Buying a home is incredibly exciting. If you’re like most people, you’re already planning how to position the furniture, where you’ll spend time in the yard and so much more.
However, before you get to any of that, you need to do one thing: a home safety inspection.
You don’t need to bring in a professional for a safety inspection (don’t worry—while your expenses include the down payment, closing costs and other fees related to buying a home, this isn’t one of them).
Safety Inspection Tips for Your Home
Your home inspector will check for important safety features, such as smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, but it’s important that you know where they are (and what condition they’re in) before you move into the home.
As part of your own safety inspection, you’ll need to:
- Check the batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
- Inspect your fire extinguishers and make sure they’re in the right places
- Make sure that your fuel-burning appliances are inspected by a professional at least once a year
- Keep portable and countertop appliances unplugged when you’re not using them
- Inspect electrical cords for damage
- Make sure that your water heater is set to a safe maximum temperature
Because your new home has a different layout from what you’re used to, you’ll also have to create a new fire escape plan. You should know at least two ways out of each room and follow the shortest possible path out of the home in the event of a fire.
Ready to Find Your Madeleine Lightman Home?
Call me at (917) 612-8402or contact me online when you’re ready to find your next home. Feel free to browse our listings and see what’s available in a variety of Madeleine Lightman neighborhoods while you’re here, and I’ll get to work as soon as you tell us what you’re looking for.
Links:
How Much Do I Have to Save to Buy a Home
Inspection Checklist
