Make a list of the essential service providers you might possibly need. The last thing you want is to start seeking plumber recommendations after your pipes have burst. As a minimum, get trusty repair sources for appliances, roofing, plumbing, electrical, and fireplace maintenance. Neighbors are good sources for reliable local options. Also, check your home warranty, which you may have automatically received with the purchase of your home. Many basic repairs are covered for the first year for a nominal fee.
If it's in move-in condition, don't make any remodeling decisions until you've lived in your house for a few months. Once you get used to your new space you'll have a better idea of whether you really need an extra closet or kitchen island—not to mention where it should be. Understanding the nuances of your home and how you maneuver within it allows you to make educated decisions about changes. Taking your time also allows you to grasp how one change may affect other elements of the house and maximize your remodeling efforts.
If you don't have a lot of money to decorate, splurge on fresh paint in rich, colorful hues. Paint will make the mood in any room. Envision a deep burgundy dining room or a buttercup yellow kitchen and you'll see what we mean. If you slap a vibrant coat of paint on a white room, suddenly it's warm and inviting. Before committing to a palette, test the colors on your wall. Your light sources will affect the final result, and the last thing you want is to paint your living room a golden wheat only to discover it looks painfully peach in your environment.
Don't rip up your yard until you've lived through every season. That ugly bare bush in the corner of the lot may look limp in winter and burst into gorgeous giant blossoms come summertime. Take the time to get to know the merits of your existing plants before making any changes.
Do add a few key plants. Even if you're putting off landscaping for later and aren't thrilled with your yard's current look, consider planting a few blossoming vines or trees; if it takes years before you get into gardening you'll be delighted to look at a fences blanketed with jasmine or potato vine or sit under the shade of your new birch tree.
