Buying a new home can be an overwhelming process and surprises come with the territory. So, we got expert advice from Consumer Reports -- revealing some not-so-obvious products that could end up saving you thousands of dollars later.
“When you’re in the home buying process it’s really easy to get obsessed with the actual purchase but remember there are plenty of things you can do starting day one after you move in that will set you up to save money and avoid repairs down the road,” said Paul Hope with Consumer Reports.
Water leaks
You want to keep your home free from any water damage. That’s where newer technology -- like smart water leak detectors -- can give you a critical heads-up.
“A leak detector system will alert you to any leaks in your home and that could save you thousands on potential repairs,” Hope explained.
To monitor a handful of trouble spots in your home, consider the X-Sense Wi-Fi Water Leak Detector SWS54 for about $50 (on sale on Amazon for $39.99). It offers a hub with a siren and three wireless sensors you can place throughout your home.
WATCH TO SAVE MONEY: Consumer Reports shows you how to find and fix leaks around the house:
Excess humidity
Even if there’s not a leak, excess humidity can often creep into your home, and you’ll want a way to reduce it.
“Dehumidifiers are a great idea anywhere you have excess humidity,” Hope said.
The Midea MAD50C1ZWS for about $260 (on sale on Amazon for $219) is a large capacity dehumidifier and earns top scores from Consumer Reports for water removal and very good energy efficiency.
Hope says an inexpensive humidistat can help you keep tabs on your home’s humidity levels.
Home Safety
When you’re in that new home, you’ll want to keep it secure. Hope says the SimpliSafe The Essentials SS3-01 System for $220 (on sale at SimpliSafe for $139.97) earned top scores in Consumer Reports’ tests and offers self or professional monitoring plans.
When it comes to home safety, don’t forget about smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers -- and they won’t cost you a lot of money.
For fire extinguishers, Consumer Reports says:
- You can find approved UL Listed or ULC listed fire extinguishers starting at about $20.
- You should have one in the kitchen for easy access, -but Consumer Reports does not recommend storing it under your sink because moisture could damage it
- You should also have a fire extinguisher on each floor if you have a multi-level home
- Have another fire extinguisher in the garage
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are also a must for a safe home. Some of Consumer Reports’ top-tested devices -- including battery and hardwired -- range in price from about $30 to $40. You can check out the 2024 Buying Guide here.
Other items new homeowners need
Hope says don’t forget those must-have toolbox essentials.
“Some of the most important tools to have around the house are obviously regular essentials like a hammer and screwdriver but you also want to have a drill, flashlights pretty much everywhere and batteries to power anything you might need,” he said.