Welcome to Kitsilano. You bought a house. You moved your boxes. Your home needs work. Start with repairs now. Use this guide to manage your tasks.
Secure Your New Home
Security is the first step. You do not know who has keys. Previous owners have keys. Realtors have keys. Cleaners have keys. Change every lock.
Identify your doors. Count the deadbolts. Buy new hardware. Remove the old screws. Slide out the old bolt. Insert the new bolt. Align the handle. Tighten the screws. Test the key. Do this for the front door. Do this for the back door. Do this for the garage door.
Check your smoke alarms. Locate every unit. Press the test button. Listen for the beep. Replace the batteries. Use fresh 9-volt batteries. Check the date on the back. Replace units older than ten years. Install a carbon monoxide detector on every floor. Place them near bedrooms. Plug them into outlets. Test them.
Manage Vancouver Moisture
Vancouver is wet. Kitsilano gets heavy rain. Moisture ruins homes. Prevent rot now.
Check under your kitchen sink. Look at the pipes. Run the water. Watch for drips. Feel the wood for dampness. Check the bathroom sinks. Check the toilets. Look for water at the base. Tighten the bolts if the toilet moves. Check the bathtub seal. Look at the caulking. Remove old caulk with a blade. Wipe the surface dry. Apply new silicone caulk. Smooth the line with your finger. Let it dry for 24 hours.
Go outside. Look at your gutters. Find the downspouts. Clear the leaves. Remove the dirt. Run a hose through the pipe. Ensure water flows away from the house. Look at the foundation. Find cracks in the concrete. Fill small cracks with sealant. Divert water away from the walls.
Inspect Your Systems
Your home has hidden systems. They need attention.
Find your electrical panel. Open the door. Read the labels. Flip every switch. Confirm the labels are correct. Relabel them if needed. Look for charred wires. Call a pro for burning smells. Check your outlets. Plug in a tester. Ensure the lights turn green. Replace cracked outlet covers. Unscrew the old cover. Place the new cover. Tighten the center screw.
Check your heating. Locate the furnace. Find the filter. Pull the old filter out. Slide a new filter in. Look at the hot water tank. Check the manufacture date. Note the age. Look for rust on the bottom. Check the seismic straps. Ensure the metal bands hold the tank to the wall. This is for earthquake safety.
Repair the Interior
Empty rooms are easy to fix. Do this before the furniture arrives.
Inspect the walls. Find the nail holes. Find the dents. Scoop spackle onto a putty knife. Press the spackle into the hole. Wipe the excess away. Let it dry. Sand the surface flat. Wipe the dust away. Paint the patch. Use a small roller. Blend the edges.
Check the floors. Look for loose boards. Look for tripped transitions. Screw down loose hardwood. Hide the screw with wood filler. Fix carpet transitions. Stretch the carpet if it ripples. Clean the baseboards. Use a damp cloth. Wipe the dust. Wipe the grime.
Check the cabinets. Open every door. Tighten the hinges. Adjust the screws to level the doors. Clean the inside of the drawers. Remove the old liners. Measure the drawer base. Cut new liners. Lay them flat.
Local Kitsilano Context
Kitsilano has many older homes. These homes have character. They also have old plumbing. Check for lead pipes. Check for knob-and-tube wiring. These are common in the Westside and East Vancouver.
If you live in a condo in Yaletown or the West End, check your strata rules. Read the bylaws before you drill. Ask about water shut-off times. Notify the manager before you start. Check the balcony drains. Clear the needles from the trees.
Prepare for the Future
Move-in repairs take time. You have many tasks. Make a list. Prioritize safety. Then fix the leaks. Then do the painting.
We help homeowners in Vancouver. We serve Kitsilano. We serve Kerrisdale. We serve UBC. We serve South Vancouver. We serve Main St. We serve South Main St. We serve Burnaby. We serve Richmond. We serve North Vancouver. We serve West Vancouver.
Our pricing is simple. Pay $120 for the first hour. Pay $85 for each additional hour. We handle the small jobs. We fix the things you do not want to fix.
Your Move-In Checklist
- Rekey exterior locks.
- Change smoke alarm batteries.
- Install CO detectors.
- Check sinks for leaks.
- Inspect toilet bases.
- Recaulk tubs and showers.
- Clean gutters and downspouts.
- Divert water from foundation.
- Label the electrical panel.
- Test all outlets.
- Change furnace filters.
- Secure the hot water tank.
- Patch wall holes.
- Paint the patches.
- Tighten cabinet hinges.
Start your repairs today. Finish your list. Enjoy your new home. Call us for help.
