Welcome. You moved into your new home. Boxes fill the rooms. The walls show marks. The doors do not close. You have a list of tasks. Time is limited. This guide shows you how to manage repairs. Focus on the essentials first. Then plan the rest.
Start with safety
Change the locks. You do not know who has keys. Previous owners or tenants might have copies. Book a lock change for the first day. This secures your space. Check the deadbolts. Test the latches. Ensure the keys turn without force.
Test the smoke alarms. Press the button on each unit. Listen for the sound. Change the batteries if the unit chirps. Do this in every bedroom. Do this in the hallways. Check the carbon monoxide detector. Place it near the sleeping areas. These devices save lives. Do not skip this step.
Locate the water shut-off valve. Look in the basement or under the sink. Find the main electrical panel. Label the breakers. Use a marker. Identify the stove, the fridge, and the lights. This helps during power issues.
Inspect the walls and floors
Walk through every room. Start in the kitchen. Move to the living room. Look at the drywall. Find holes from previous pictures. Note the scuffs on the baseboards. You will need drywall repair. Use spackle for small holes. Sand the surface. Apply paint. Match the color of the wall.
Check the floors. Look for loose tiles in the bathroom. Check the hardwood for gaps. In East Vancouver houses, floors can settle. Note the uneven areas. Avoid trips. Fix the transitions between rooms.
Repair the doors and windows
Test every door. Open the door. Close the door. Check the hinge pins. Tighten the screws if the door sags. Lubricate the hinges if they squeak. Use a silicone spray.
Check the windows. Slide them open. Ensure the locks engage. Look at the screens. Look for tears or holes. Vancouver rain enters through gaps. Check the caulking around the frames. Replace the silicone if it peels. This keeps the moisture out.
Set up your technology
Mount your TV. Do not leave it on the floor. Find the studs in the wall. Use a level. Mark the holes. Drill the pilot holes. Secure the bracket. Lift the TV onto the mount. Hide the cables in the wall. This clears the floor space.
Install your smart home devices. Set up the doorbell camera. Connect the smart thermostat. This helps with energy costs in North Vancouver winters. Program the lights. Sync the devices to your phone. Use the apps. Then test the connections.
Check the plumbing fixtures
Inspect the kitchen faucet. Look for leaks at the base. Turn the water on. Check the pressure. Clean the aerator if the flow is weak. Look under the sink. Check the P-trap for drips. Tighten the nuts by hand.
Check the toilets. Flush them. Listen for the fill valve. If the water runs, replace the flapper. This saves water. Check the seal at the floor. Ensure the toilet does not wobble. In Yaletown condos, leaks can affect the units below. Act fast to avoid damage.
Manage your strata requirements
Condos in Kitsilano and Yaletown have rules. These are strata bylaws. Read the handbook. Check the move-in times. Book the elevator. You might need a permit for repairs.
Some buildings require insurance certificates for workers. Verify this before booking a handyman. Ask about the flooring rules. Some strata groups limit the types of underlay. Follow the rules to avoid fines.
Handle the exterior tasks
If you have a house in South Vancouver or Kerrisdale, look outside. Check the gutters. Remove the leaves. Clear the debris. This prevents water damage to the foundation.
Inspect the fence. Look for loose boards. Repair the gate latch. Check the deck for rot. Sand the wood. Apply a sealer. This protects the wood from Vancouver weather.
Use a professional service
You have a job. You have a family. You have errands. The list of repairs grows. You can delegate the work. This saves you time. Randall The Handyman serves Metro Vancouver. We cover Burnaby, Richmond, and the West End.
We bring the tools. We bring the parts. We complete the tasks on your list. You stay focused on your move. We handle the repairs.
Pricing for services
Budget for your repairs. The first hour of service costs $120. Each additional hour costs $85. This covers the labor for the tasks. You pay for materials separately. This keeps the pricing clear.
List your tasks before the visit. Group the repairs. Have the TV mount ready. Have the new faucet in the box. This makes the visit efficient. The handyman moves from task to task.
Neighborhood specific tips
In the West End, parking is difficult. Inform the handyman about parking spots. In Yaletown, elevator bookings are strict. Schedule the repair during your window.
In Main St and South Main St, houses are older. They have specific plumbing needs. In the Westside and UBC, homes are large. They have many windows. Plan for a full day of maintenance.
Final move-in checklist
- Change locks and keys.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Label the electrical panel.
- Repair holes in the drywall.
- Mount the TV to the wall.
- Install the smart doorbell.
- Check faucets and toilets for leaks.
- Clear the gutters on the house.
- Fix loose door handles and hinges.
- Assemble new furniture.
Forward momentum
Start your list today. Identify the most urgent tasks. Secure your home first. Then focus on the comforts. Contact Randall The Handyman to schedule your move-in repairs. We help homeowners in Vancouver and the surrounding areas. We get the job done right.
