Moving Into a New Home in California? 5 Home Repairs To Do
You’ve just closed on your new California home. The boxes are packed, the moving truck is ready — but before you start unpacking and hanging up curtains, there are **critical home fixes** that should be at the top of your to-do list. In our new 2025 guide, we’ll walk you through the **5 essential new home repairs and upgrades that every California homeowner should tackle** *before* settling in — from electrical safety to drywall and plumbing.
Why now? Because once furniture’s in place and life gets busy, these problems only get costlier and harder to fix.
Let’s get into it.
- Patch & Prep Your Drywall
- Test and Repair Outlets & Electrical
- Seal Windows and Doors
- Install or Repair Plumbing Fixtures
- Check for Safety Hazards (Especially in Older Homes)
1. 🧱 Patch & Prep Your Drywall Before Moving In
Drywall issues — cracks, holes, nail pops — are far easier to fix when your walls are bare and accessible. In California homes, seismic activity and settling often leave small flaws that grow worse over time.
- Look for: hairline cracks, soft spots, stains, and uneven textures
- Typical cost: $150–$400 for small-to-medium patch jobs
- Pro tip: Combine repairs with paint touch-ups to save on labor
📦 Fix this first so you’re not rearranging furniture later to reach hidden damage.
2. ⚡ Test Electrical and Fix Unsafe Outlets
Before plugging in expensive appliances, make sure your home’s wiring is safe and up to code.
- Check every outlet for grounding issues and proper voltage
- Replace loose outlets, flickering lights, or outdated switches
- Install GFCIs in bathrooms, kitchens, and garages (required by CA code)
🔌 Insight: In homes built before 1990, outdated wiring is one of the top safety concerns flagged by inspectors.
⚠️ Hire a licensed handyman or electrician (like us) if you spot burn marks, buzzing sounds, or breaker issues.
3. 🪟 Seal Windows & Doors to Stop Energy Leaks
Drafty doors and poorly sealed windows don’t just make your home uncomfortable — they’re a **huge energy drain**. Especially in California’s hot summers and coastal climates.
- Inspect for gaps: around frames, baseboards, and sills
- Apply caulk or weather stripping: simple fixes that can cut your A/C bill by 10–20%
- Cost: Around $75–$150 per window/door professionally sealed
🧊 You can lower the heat (and energy bill) by fixing this early — especially if your home sits in LA, San Diego, or the Valley.
4. 🚿 Fix or Install Key Plumbing Fixtures
There’s nothing worse than a faulty showerhead or leaky toilet *after* you’ve moved in. Handle these before day one:
- Swap old faucets, aerators, and low-efficiency toilets
- Inspect supply lines for corrosion or leaks
- Ensure water heaters are working efficiently and safely
🔧 Pro Tip: Combine multiple plumbing fixes into one handyman visit and save on trip fees.
💸 Minor upgrades can improve water pressure, efficiency, and help you meet local conservation guidelines.
5. 🛑 Check for Safety Hazards You Might’ve Missed
Your inspector might’ve signed off, but you should still do a once-over for issues like:
- Loose railings, stairs, or deck boards
- Missing smoke or carbon monoxide detectors (required in all California homes)
- Trip hazards like uneven flooring, warped baseboards, or lifted carpet
🛠️ Many of these home repairs can be fixed affordably by a handyman (like us) during your first week — before kids, pets, and furniture make it harder.
Why These Home Repairs Pay Off
You’ll save time, stress, and money by knocking these essentials out before boxes are unpacked.
- 🕒 Save hours of disruption later
- 💸 Avoid surprise bills from worsening problems
- 📦 Move in once and settle in for good
🏠 California homeowners report spending up to \$2,000 more fixing these issues *after* they’re already settled — usually because of damage that could’ve been caught early.
Why Hire The Handy Geeks Before Move-In?
We specialize in fast, affordable move-in handyman services across California.
- ✅ Licensed, bonded, and insured in all major cities
- ✅ Same-day or next-day availability
- ✅ 5-star service with no surprise pricing
📞 (818) 835‑0556 or book your move-in fixes here before it’s too late.
📍 Areas We Serve Across California
We serve: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Sacramento, Woodland Hills, West Hills, Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Long Beach, Anaheim, Irvine, Santa Ana, Riverside, Fresno, Bakersfield, Stockton, Modesto, Oakland, Chula Vista, Santa Clarita, Oxnard, Escondido, Fontana, Huntington Beach, Thousand Oaks, Palmdale, and more.
FAQ: Move-In Handyman Fixes
How soon should I schedule move-in fixes?
Ideally a week before moving day. Many pros get booked during peak seasons.
Can I bundle services into one visit?
Yes — drywall, plumbing, electrical, and safety items can be handled in one handyman call.
Do you work with property managers or agents?
Absolutely. We’re often booked by realtors and landlords to prep homes for tenants.
Conclusion
Don’t let a leaking faucet or broken light switch ruin your new homeowner high. Knock out these 5 must-do repairs before you unpack and thank yourself later.
📦 Need help? Contact The Handy Geeks — California’s trusted move-in handyman team.
📞 Call (818) 835‑0556 or book online now.