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 Patti Wagner Home?

Call me at 708.218.8102 or 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 Patti Wagner neighborhoods while you’re here, and I’ll get to work as soon as you tell us what you’re looking for.