The Ultimate Checklist for New Homeowners in Ireland

Congratulations, you’ve done it — you’ve secured the keys to your first home! It’s an exciting milestone, but it’s also the beginning of a journey that requires a lot of planning and preparation. To help you settle in smoothly, here’s the ultimate checklist for new homeowners in Ireland.

Do a final inspection

Take a thorough walk-through of your new home and ensure the property is in the condition agreed. Check for any damage that may have occurred since your last viewing and test essential systems like plumbing, heating, and electricity. If you spot any issues, contact your solicitor immediately. 

Make a renovations plan

Before diving into  renovations, establish a clear budget. Visualise your ideal home and prioritise the most urgent tasks. Not everything needs to be completed at once, so take your time to figure out what’s essential. If you want to make any structural changes to the house, it’s important to identify these early and engage with professionals for advice. While there are some things that you can complete DIY-style, others will require you to hire a professional so make sure you account for this in your budget. 

Furnish and decorate

Decide what you want to keep or remove before settling in. Consider old fixtures, wallpaper, carpets, and flooring—do they align with your vision? Evaluate any furniture left by the previous owners and decide whether to keep or replace it. Once you’ve cleared out what you don’t need, focus on bringing in new elements. Balance your style with your budget and take your time with non-essentials and personal touches.

Set up utilities

Arrange for electricity, gas, waste collection and broadband and TV connections. It might take a little bit of time and effort, but it’s a good idea to try to ensure these are in place before you move in to avoid any disruptions. You don’t want to have to use a torch or candles on your first night in your new home! 

Secure your home

For added security and peace of mind, replace all external locks. Check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Don’t forget to arrange a comprehensive home insurance policy to protect both the property and its contents. Check out our top six home security tips for more information.

Explore your new neighbourhood

Get to know your local area to help you feel more at home. Locate nearby shops, chemists, schools, parks, and recreational facilities. Research public transport options, and don’t hesitate to introduce yourself to your new neighbours. Building a sense of community is an important step in settling into your new home. 

Create a maintenance schedule

Keep your home in good shape by scheduling regular maintenance tasks. Plan for annual boiler servicing, gutter cleaning and damp or mould checks, as well as other tasks that may get overlooked. Build an emergency kit that includes a flashlight, batteries, first-aid equipment and important contact numbers for electricians and plumbers — just in case your DIY doesn’t go according to plan! 

Furnish and decorate

Decide what you want to keep or remove before settling in. Consider old fixtures, wallpaper, carpets, and flooring—do they align with your vision? Evaluate any furniture left by the previous owners and decide whether to keep or replace it. Once you’ve cleared out what you don’t need, focus on bringing in new elements. Balance your style with your budget and take your time with non-essentials and personal touches.

Inform important contacts

Update your address with banks, employers, insurance providers, your GP, and the post office. This ensures you won’t miss important correspondence. You should also check the electoral register to make sure they have your up-to-date details. 

Deep clean

Give your new home a fresh start by deep cleaning it. You can hire professionals or tackle it yourself to make the space truly yours before moving in. Consider taking the time to freshen up your own furniture with a steam clean, stain removal, fresh varnish or even the addition of new knobs and handles if you’re feeling creative. 

Moving into a new home in Ireland marks an exciting chapter. While the process can seem overwhelming, taking things step by step will help you settle in and enjoy your new space quickly. By following this checklist, you’ll be well on your way to turning your new house into a home. Here’s to many years of happy homemaking!