Owners occupied 65.1% of homes in the United States in 2019, and in 2020 home sales continued to rise.
Whether you’re building or buying, there are several essentials your new home should have. Essential household items include structural items, accessories, and tools. Learn about these household essentials here.
1. Kitchen Cabinets
Custom kitchen cabinets can increase the value of your home while showing off your personal style. Kitchen cabinets also provide valuable storage space for dishes, utensils, appliances, and other items. Invest in cabinets with under-mount glides and soft-close hinges to prevent your drawers and doors from slamming shut. Make your kitchen both functional and beautiful with the right kitchen cabinets for you.
2. Kitchen Counters
Every time you prepare food, you will use your kitchen counters. Your kitchen counters should be durable and flat. If you are purchasing an older home with tile countertops, you can increase your home’s value by replacing them with granite or marble counters.
3. Functional Pipes and Toilets
You may have high water bills if you have leaky toilets or taps. Replace leaking toilets and faucets to control your water bills and prevent structural damage from leaks. A leaking toilet can damage your floor and subfloor.
4. Modern Electrical
People use a lot of electrical appliances now. Old electrical systems cannot meet this level of use. You may blow fuses regularly if you are using too many electrical items at the same time. You can improve your home’s safety by replacing old wiring and updating your electrical panel. Your home’s resale value will also increase if you update your electrical.
5. Insurance
You will be compensated for any damaged property or personal belongings if you have home and contents insurance. Home and contents insurance is one of the most critical household items you can have because it protects your investment in your property. You can compare home and contents insurance with iSelect to find the best insurance plan for your needs.
6. Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors alert residents if they detect smoke. Occupants can leave the residence and contact the fire department or inspect the property to ensure their home is not on fire.
7. Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas, so you will not see or smell carbon monoxide if it is leaking. You may feel nauseous or have a headache if you start to experience carbon monoxide poisoning. A carbon monoxide detector activates if this gas is detected so you can avoid exposure altogether. Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide can be fatal, so it is crucial to invest in an accurate detector before you move into your new home.
8. Windows
Double glazed windows prevent cold air from entering your home during the winter months and help reduce your heating costs. They also reduce electric costs during the summer by retaining cold air generated by your air conditioning system.
9. Doors
Solid doors prevent unwanted airflow and eliminate drafts. These doors will help you save money on home heating costs. You can also protect yourself from burglars by installing reinforced doors without glass panels.
10. Roof
Your roof protects your home from water damage. Leaking roofs will allow water to enter your home. These leaks can lead to structural damage that requires costly repairs. You may have to replace ceilings, floors, and structural beams in your home if your roof leaks.
11. First Aid Kit
Buy or create a custom first aid kit for your home. Include bandages, scissors, gauze, antiseptic wipes, and disposable gloves. You may also want to include an elastic bandage in case someone suffers a sprain.
12. Efficient Appliances
Upgrade your washer, dryer, refrigerator, stove, and microwave to reduce your electricity costs. Refer to each appliance’s Energy Star rating to determine how efficient they are. You can save money by replacing the oldest items with the lowest Energy Star ratings first.
13. Cleaning Supplies
Stock up on bleach, floor cleaners, kitchen cleaners, and bathroom disinfectants to keep your new home clean. Make sure you have sponges, mops, and rags for cleaning all surfaces.
14. Window Coverings
Install drapes and curtains to protect your privacy. Additionally, window coverings prevent potential thieves from identifying valuable items in your home. Drapes can also reduce drafts and retain heat in the winter.
15. Tools
You will need several tools to address household issues. You may need screwdrivers to remove fixtures from lights or switch panels. You may also need a snake and plunger to fix blockages in your pipes. Your tool kit should include drills, wrenches, batteries, and flashlights. You never know what kind of issue may arise, so it’s a good idea to have a wide variety of tools from the start.
