A move-in checklist for an older house

Quick answer

When you move into an older home, rekey or replace locks, find the water and gas shutoffs, test smoke and CO alarms, test GFCIs, check under sinks for leaks and look for loose hardware. Fix small things before they become big ones.

Moving into an older San Gabriel home is exciting. A short checklist helps you understand the house and fix small issues early.

Safety first

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
• Find the main water shutoff, gas shutoff and electrical panel.
• Test GFCI outlets.

Locks

Replace or rekey exterior locks, since previous owners may still have keys.

Plumbing

Check under every sink for leaks. Test shutoff valves gently. Run each faucet and flush each toilet.

Electrical

Note any dead outlets, flickering lights or warm switch plates.

Doors and windows

Check that doors latch and windows open and lock.

Walls

Patch nail holes before painting.

Older-home details to look at

Older San Gabriel homes come with their own list. Original wood windows may be painted shut. Mortise locks on interior doors may have no keys.

Bathrooms may have three-handle tub valves without separate shutoffs. Some outlets may be two-prong. None of these are urgent on their own, but it helps to know where they are.

Make a list as you unpack

Keep a note on your phone and add every small thing as you find it: a drawer that sticks, a cabinet hinge that sags, a light that flickers, a towel bar you want moved. After a couple of weeks, you will have a clear list for one visit.

Hanging and mounting

Moving in usually means hanging curtains, shelves, mirrors, art and a TV. In thick plaster walls, that takes more care than drywall, and it pays to plan the layout before drilling. See mounting, hanging and assembly.

Earthquake prep

Strap tall furniture and the TV as you set up each room. It is much easier when the room is empty than after everything is in place.

Paint before furniture

If you plan to repaint, doing it before furniture goes in saves time and gives you a fresh start. Patch nail holes left by the previous owners and check trim for old peeling paint.

First-week safety checks

Moving into an older San Gabriel home brings character and some quirks. In the first week, find and test the main water shutoff, the gas shutoff, and the electrical panel. Label breakers if they are not marked.

Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and replace batteries. California requires smoke alarms in bedrooms, outside sleeping areas and on each level, and carbon monoxide alarms in homes with gas appliances or attached garages.

Locks

Rekey or replace exterior locks. You do not know how many keys are out there. Old mortise locks may not be secure.

See old mortise locks and vintage door hardware.

Water and plumbing

Test every shutoff valve under sinks and toilets. Old valves often fail. Check for leaks under sinks.

Look at the water heater for its age, strapping and a drain pan. Run water at every fixture and flush toilets.

Electrical

Check for two-prong outlets, which have no ground. Look for GFCI outlets in kitchens, bathrooms and outdoors. Watch for flickering lights or warm outlets. Older homes may have knob-and-tube wiring.

Earthquake prep

Anchor tall furniture to studs as you set it up. Install cabinet latches. Strap the water heater.

See cabinet latches and earthquake safety.

Our steps:

• Find and test shutoffs
• Label the electrical panel
• Test smoke and CO alarms
• Rekey locks
• Check plumbing and fixtures
• Anchor furniture
• Install cabinet latches

Windows and doors

Test every window and door. Free painted-shut windows. Check locks.

See sticky wood windows.

Lead paint

Homes built before 1978 may have lead paint. Avoid sanding or scraping without testing.

Making a list

Note everything that needs work and schedule repairs in batches. That saves time and money.

Filters and appliances

Replace HVAC filters. Clean dryer vents, which collect lint and can be a fire risk. Check the age of the water heater, furnace and air conditioner.

Older systems may need service or replacement soon. Clean refrigerator coils.

Exterior

Walk around the house. Check gutters, stucco cracks, wood trim, fences and gates. Check outdoor lights and outlets.

Records

Keep a home file with receipts, warranties, manuals and service records.

Neighbors

Ask neighbors about the house and neighborhood. They often know about past issues, local services, and helpful tips.

Pest checks

Look for signs of termites, such as small piles of wood pellets or mud tubes. Older wood homes are common targets. Check for rodents in the garage and attic. Seal gaps around pipes and vents.

Trees

Large old trees are part of San Gabriel's charm. Have them checked by an arborist if branches hang over the house.

Window coverings

Install blinds or curtains for privacy and heat control. Anchor curtain rods into framing.

Paint

Paint before moving furniture in when possible. Empty rooms paint faster.

Keep a first-year notebook for the house. Note what you find, what you fix, and when. Older homes reveal their quirks over the first year of seasons.

Utilities

Set up water, power, gas, trash and internet service before moving day. Find out the trash pickup day and where bins go. Note where the cable and internet lines enter the house.

Ask the previous owner for manuals, paint colors, and contacts for past repairs.

What we can help with

We handle locks, fixtures, valves, outlets, patching and hanging in one visit. See doors, cabinets and hardware.

Move-in visits on the west side often wrap up with a family-style lunch at Newport Seafood.

Want us to handle it?

Call or text (626) 684-3505, Mon–Sat 8:30 AM–7 PM. Send a photo and we will give you an upfront quote.

Call or text (626) 684-3505