Moving into First Home - What Would You Recommend Buying for It?

Ldallos on 03/04/2021 - 16:53
Last edited 04/04/2021 - 17:12 by 1 other user

Hi all. I hope you're well.

My partner and I just bought our first home. Very exciting!

Am just after a list of things you recommend we buy - ie smart products, speakers, security etc. We have cameras that will be coming to our new house so that's all fine, but more looking at smart products and just cool handy products that make your life much better.

For example am thinking of getting Google Nest Hub/mesh Wi-Fi for the house. Also looking at OLED TV when they drop a bit in price. Would love some great speakers that hook up together in different rooms and outside for example.

I very much look forward to your recommendations.

Cheers in advance

Home & Garden

Comments

  • Nugs on 03/04/2021 - 16:56
    +45

    bed.
    .

  • Cheaplikethebird on 03/04/2021 - 16:59
    +54

    Bookcase that opens to a hidden room.

    • rgr on 03/04/2021 - 17:09
      -1

      LOL

    • Cheaplikethebird on 03/04/2021 - 17:10
      +6

      These festoon lights are pretty cool too. I put them up in my backyard and I've since had two neighbours come and grab the details off me and put them up themselves. They create a nice soft warm light which is much nicer than the spotlights they replaced. I ran a track with black nylon rope from Bunnings that criss-crosses my backyard which I've then cable tied the festoon lights to, this keeps tension off the power cable.

      • dallos on 03/04/2021 - 17:40
        +1

        Great suggestion, thank you :)

        • Cheaplikethebird on 03/04/2021 - 17:55
          +8

          You're welcome. I've got mine rigged up to a TP-Link smart plug and the Kasa app which allows me to automate them so they turn on at Melbourne sunset and turn off at midnight.

        • Cheaplikethebird on 03/04/2021 - 17:57
          +8

          Also with the bookcase, it seems counterintuitive but you actually want one with a decent bit of weight so that it rolls nicely on the castors.

      • mikstylo on 07/04/2021 - 21:30

        @cheaplikethebird, can you share a picture by any chance? Would love to see it.

    • gromit on 04/04/2021 - 10:52
      +2

      I actually have that on my list of wants for a new house build we are looking at for next year. Hidden storage for valuables and place to install safe, place for patch panels, routers, switches etc and a panic room in a pinch as an added bonus.

    • Kuro on 05/04/2021 - 21:21
      +1

      I have this! We cut the the plaster infront of the stair case which is hollow. Similar to Harry Potter's bedroom and the door is covered by a bookcase on wheels.

  • holdenmg on 03/04/2021 - 16:59
    +5

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/614920 at Club Price while on sale until Midnight.

    Join: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/588646

    • dallos on 03/04/2021 - 17:39
      +1

      Thanks so much. Have seen that before and the reviews look excellent! Thank you :)

  • Kail on 03/04/2021 - 17:03
    +24

    Robot vacuum

    • dallos on 03/04/2021 - 17:50

      Thank you. I hear very good things about iRobot Braava Jet m6

      • Nyclix on 05/04/2021 - 07:25
        +4

        Roborock S5 max is amazing ( if you can use the mopping feature, otherwise go an s4). I'm also about to move into my first home ( so excited !) And I'm looking forward to not having to vacuum or mop !

        • Smol Cat on 06/04/2021 - 10:44

          This actually sounds really great. Did you get yours from here? https://roborock.com.au/products/roborock-s5-max

          I see that it's $800. Does this sound right?

          • Nyclix on 06/04/2021 - 11:26
            +1

            @Smol Cat: My S5 max was like $770 or something
            Retail is $999 but often on special for $799, couple of times it went to like $600.

            If the mopping feature is big for you wait for s7, it has a vibrating mop feature that's meant to be great. It also detects carpet and automatically raises up and vacuums, whereas the S5 max you set no go zones or it'll mop your carpet. It's fine when it's setup correctly
            The S5 Max's mopping is good for a general run around but not for a super deep mop clean. Amazing vacuum though.

            • Smol Cat on 06/04/2021 - 13:31

              @Nyclix: Oh fark me. I just dropped $1K on the Ecovacs Deebot OZMO T8. Did I just get done?!

              I really need to stop browsing this damn site. Instead of saving me money, its just giving me ideas of where to drop money instead!

              • Nyclix on 06/04/2021 - 22:56
                +1

                @Smol Cat: I've heard that's a pretty good one but I can only vouch for the one I have. I know in the category of simply mopping / vacuuming the S5 max was top or the range ( last checked around 5 months or so ).

                If your ozmo t8 self empties that's handy but you need the added bin. I don't personally see the need for a self emptying system but if you're really busy I can understand.

                I personally think unless you're desperate for it now pick from these options.

                1. I want an amazing mop and vacuum robot that does it all great but no self emptying - s7 by all reviews so far.

                2. I want an amazing vacuum ( legit rivals my Dyson V6 animal in terms of what it picks up, nuts!!) with decent mopping ability that I don't mind setting off the no mop zones - S5 max on special ( you can always get these for $799 on special, rarely they come on for like 600-700 range but it isn't often ). Thing is an absolute unit!

                3. I don't need mopping. I just want a good vacuum ! Get an s4 :)

                Let me know how you go! Feel free to PM me.

                Edit: upon review of this video T8 is one of the best robot vacuums you can get. I can't vouch for it, but this guy got me onto the S5 max which I love !

                https://youtu.be/bYjlDwY9wPo

                • Smol Cat on 07/04/2021 - 02:56

                  @Nyclix: Yeah I ordered the T8, I’m thinking about getting the ultrasonic mop adapter as well for it. I will check out and video and I’ll report back after I’ve tried it out on Thursday night!

                  We have 2 dogs and seeing how much hair was on our floors on the weekend has absolutely driven me into a frenzy about finding a solution to this issue. I don’t want to be vacuuming every 3-4 days.

                • Smol Cat on 07/04/2021 - 23:22

                  @Nyclix: Holy moly am I blown away. The pathing and accuracy of movement of this thing is phenomenal. It can fit through the tightest gaps as the sensors seem to be super accurate and has extremely good tolerances. It also seems very well built and it rolls over ledges and cables with ease. Very impressed.

    • vash5 on 04/04/2021 - 00:16
      +6

      Had the microwave repaired a few months back.
      Asked the guy about any brands or products to avoid in future due to high fail rate.. first thing he said was don't buy a robo vac.

      Each to their own but I figured if anyone would know it's the guys who repair them.

      • cheeksahoy on 04/04/2021 - 10:51
        +7

        I work with a guy who previously fixed robo vacs for a job. He said the main cause of failure was people not taking care of their units (e.g. emptying out the dust collector, untangling things that get caught in the main brush).

      • [Deactivated] on 05/04/2021 - 17:28
        +2

        I loved my robo vac when it was new. Now the constant maintenance every couple of days is annoying me. The brushes bend, it keeps getting stuck, hair tangles, battery getting weaker by the day thus less cleaning time, emptying the robovac, cleaning the filters every now and then…..its still a good to have one as it does clean up small debris from the floor but its not proper clean. I really need one with lesser maintenance. (/First world problem)

        • richadam on 06/04/2021 - 10:15

          Sounds like a lot of those problems can be solved if you replaced the worn out parts. My Deebot gave me new brushes when I first got them and a new filter. So I assume there's a lot of parts out there.

          • [Deactivated] on 06/04/2021 - 10:18

            @richadam: I have all the parts but still keeps happening.

  • randomusername2017 on 03/04/2021 - 17:25
    +47

    Insurance

    • netjock on 06/04/2021 - 12:55
      +2

      Save us all the trouble

    • MrKnowItAll on 07/04/2021 - 11:28

      Dammit, I was looking forward to the "house burnt down, no insurance, what do?" post!

  • deme on 03/04/2021 - 17:59
    +2

    Food

  • oscargamer on 03/04/2021 - 18:04
    +12

    Budget?

    Not wanting to sound like an old fart, but my list was something like

    bed
    sofa
    tv
    fridge

    and all in a quite limited budget

    You're talking about trinkets…..

    • dallos on 03/04/2021 - 22:36
      -1

      That stuff, which we have, goes without saying

      • oscargamer on 04/04/2021 - 09:27
        +25

        It doesn't go without saying, hence I said it.

        I've never been to your place, so I don't know what else goes without saying, like that tattoo doesn't suit you. You know the one, the one that looks like a dead chicken, but is meant to be a soaring eagle

        • Hirolol on 04/04/2021 - 15:30
          +17

          Come on mate, how does a bed and fridge not go without saying?
          I’ve never been to a house without those 2 items.

          • Assburg on 05/04/2021 - 00:16

            @Hirolol: I got my first wooden bed and fridge (actually living in a furnished apartment) and I'm an above median income earner…

            Strongly recommend just buying things as they come up as good deals on gumtree.

            Just keep searching for cheap things narrowed down to really nice suburbs, you'll find what you want eventually

    • Thom81 on 05/04/2021 - 15:35

      It's pretty clear in the OP what they're after. Smart things etcetera.

  • upended on 03/04/2021 - 18:04
    +14

    Spare set of keys.
    Congratulations on your new home! Good luck!

    • orangetrain on 04/04/2021 - 00:56
      +18

      Change locks.

    • Loopholio on 04/04/2021 - 11:02
      +1

      Do you have a pool and open WiFi? If so, I'll take the second set.. just in case you get locked out.

  • iforgotmysocks on 03/04/2021 - 18:29
    +17

    Swing set, whips, ropes

    • Mechz on 03/04/2021 - 19:14
      +20

      Probably best to put this in the room hidden behind the bookcase.

    • lgacb08 on 03/04/2021 - 20:40
      +1

      And an ice pick too.

    • 88mph on 04/04/2021 - 05:27

      If going down this road, I'd throw in a Batman & Wonder woman costume, tweezers, feather dusters, and latex gloves (same brand Customs use)

  • pharkurnell on 03/04/2021 - 19:01
    +1

    Shit tickets.

  • Mechz on 03/04/2021 - 19:16
    +10

    I'd say probably put all the spare money you can into an offset because it will be more beneficial down the track.

    • duchy on 04/04/2021 - 14:40

      With interest rates 1.75%? Not really, no.

      • Mechz on 04/04/2021 - 15:39

        1.75% on half a million compounded, you do the maths.

        • toristo on 05/04/2021 - 18:36
          +4

          Or at 6-8%+ in an Index fund….

          Fully agree keep money in an offset for emergencies but with lates this low investing elsewhere could be beneficial too and is worth considering depending on an individuals circumstances.

          • ImpulseMan on 07/04/2021 - 09:12
            +1

            @toristo: Even with rates so low it’s better in the offset if it’s an owner occupier property. The guaranteed tax free benefits outweigh the tax implications on a gain of 6-8% IMO.

            Investment property scenario I would then consider shares. And I would be looking for 8+% return by buying dips. My speculation is that there will be another dip or two with corona mutations etc. This will be drummed up by the media as the world has thrown everything, including entire government coffers and the kitchen sink at it.

            • BuDWiZe on 07/04/2021 - 09:38

              @ImpulseMan: Yep its what i do with my place plus you also get ahead in your repayments this way to

        • sareth on 07/04/2021 - 13:07
          +1

          Alright, 1.75% on half a million = $8750; 8% on half a million invested in the stock market = $40,000 in the first year alone. Do you really want me to do the compounded maths?

          • Mr Haj on 07/04/2021 - 15:23

            @sareth: who would put half a million dollars in an offset account in this economy!?

  • Ryanek on 03/04/2021 - 19:31
    +19

    Ryzen 5600x and an RTX 3070

    • ItsMeAgro on 06/04/2021 - 10:21
      +1

      Hey now, just because OP bought a house in Australia in April of 2021, doesn't mean he's some kind of big-spending money-waster

  • ChatPGT on 03/04/2021 - 19:44
    +33

    Not all smart things, but I'd suggest:
    1. Remote garage opener
    2. Smart wi-fi camera in garage if wired can't be added.
    3. Smart blinds for the west side windows.
    4. Motion sensor smart lights in front and back yards.
    5. Garage floor protection before it gets dirty.
    6. 40 amps outlet in garage for future electric car
    7. Identify projector location so you don't paint or set room in wrong way.
    8. Smart drip / lawn watering. Btw I've installed manual ones in the front as I am worried someone will steal if I add a decent one there.
    9. Smart door bell / ptz camera at front
    10. Not sure TVs come with Bluetooth low latency, if not a transmitter/ headphones for late night movies
    11. Smart hub E.g Samsung smartthings and sensors for doors , motion, leaks etc
    12. Smart plugs, especially handy for iron box. No more worrying if you left it on.
    13. A decent drone to inspect your roof and solar panels (in my to do).

    • brendanm on 03/04/2021 - 20:04
      +62

      A decent drone to inspect your roof and solar panels (in my to do).

      Back in my day they called that a ladder, sonny.

      • Cheaplikethebird on 04/04/2021 - 09:23
        +6

        Ladder falls are a big issue for over 50s. I feel like every couple of years I'm reading about an old Aussie celeb who's done themselves in falling off one. Ladder falls in the workplace only make up 20% so it's the desk jockeys doing weekend DIY that it's not a bad idea for, drones are cheap compared to a hospital stay.

        • Bren20 on 04/04/2021 - 11:03
          +5

          How often are people inspecting their roof/panels? Buying a drone to inspect a roof seems ludicrous. If you're concerned about ladders, pay a professional and you'll save a bundle. But if you want an excuse to buy a drone go for it.

        • Warehouse on 04/04/2021 - 20:55
          +1

          Best thing I did was using my drone for this… I have a 2 storey house and the back is on a downward slope (so ground isnt always level for a ladder).. So, naturally, I do not go up to my roof if I dont have to…

          For me now I can survey my roof in minutes vs a few hours carefully going up and down and repositioning my ladder on an inclined slope. Massive gamechanger for me…

        • BuDWiZe on 07/04/2021 - 09:45

          not to mention like me if its a 2 story place. thats a long way up

    • dallos on 03/04/2021 - 22:43
      +1

      Excellent suggestions all-round, thank you :)

    • Bren20 on 04/04/2021 - 11:00

      Why smart blinds only on West?

      • 00broke00 on 04/04/2021 - 16:45
        +4

        Cos the sun sets in the west so it's the hottest part of the house. You can set the blinds to automatically close after midday to keep the heat out.

        • Stopback on 05/04/2021 - 22:10

          Why not east as well

          • Bren20 on 06/04/2021 - 22:06

            @Stopback: Yeah, I still don't get it, the sun is on the east for as long as it's in the west.
            Perhaps the logic is that you want your house warmed in the morning but not in the afternoon?

            • Menzoberranzan on 09/04/2021 - 01:30

              @Bren20: Sun rises in the east after a cold night so things take time to warm up. By the time it's noon, the whole house should have been warmed up. From noon till sunset the west side will cop the direct sun and continue heating up. Gets toasty.

    • John Kimble on 04/04/2021 - 12:55
      +4

      I used my DJI Mavic mini to check my roof recently…have no idea what I was looking for though, everything seemed in place 🤷🏻‍♂️

      • Warehouse on 04/04/2021 - 20:52
        +2

        Get close and check your gutters… mine had a mini lawn growing in it after a few years…

        if you cant make it out on the phone screen; get close, record and view it on pc/tv to be sure its clear.

    • Nyclix on 05/04/2021 - 07:29

      What sort of garage floor protection are you referring to ? About to move into a brand new house :)

      • garciaicrag on 05/04/2021 - 11:02
        +6

        They are probably referring to an epoxy coating that makes any leaks/spills easy to clean and doesn't allow fluids to soak into the concrete

        • theguyrules on 06/04/2021 - 08:55

          Interesting, maybe that is why the previous owners of my house painted the garage floor a glossy white.
          I hadn't thought about that.

          • Dr No on 06/04/2021 - 12:11
            +1

            @theguyrules: I would say it is probably not paint but proper epoxy garage floor coating. Paint isn't tough enough and peels off with hot car tires etc.

        • Menzoberranzan on 09/04/2021 - 01:31

          Ahh so that is why I have seen all those videos of garages being covered in epoxy. Is this basic Garage care 101 and should ideally be done for all homes?

  • hasselbladsnapper on 03/04/2021 - 20:48
    +15

    A good set of tools, power and hand, things often need fixing!.

  • bazingaa on 03/04/2021 - 21:20
    +2

    good mattress

  • iNeed2Pee on 03/04/2021 - 21:36
    +5

    When I finally buy my first home, I won't be able to afford anything because of the bullshit For Sale prices.

  • SF3 on 03/04/2021 - 23:45
    +2

    Gardening tools - mower, etc…

  • jjjaar on 03/04/2021 - 23:46
    +23

    To be honest, nothing beyond the fridge, tv, washer, couch and bed.

    Live in it for a few weeks, months until realise what you want rather than buy everything and not use some of it ever.

    • Hamlet on 06/04/2021 - 09:51

      Minimalist. I like it. You don't even need a couch tbh, just do it the Japanese way and sit on the floor.

  • hailingstars on 04/04/2021 - 01:51
    +1

    security cameras

  • Euphemistic on 04/04/2021 - 06:49
    -2

    Don’t need all that fancy stuff. You’d be better putting the extra funds into repaying the mortgage early.

    1. I don’t want google listening to everything I do.
    2. It’s not that hard to use a light switch or a key.
    3. Installing all that extra wifi stuff increases chance of hacking. They don’t build a tricky lightbulb with state of the art security.
    • lunchbox99 on 04/04/2021 - 09:36
      +5

      Shhhh…. I was going to watch OP get on the job with his missus via their insecure camera, lightbulb, bedroom door lock, or robot vac.

    • Hirolol on 04/04/2021 - 15:34
      +5

      Make sure you line your walls with foil so the 5g doesn’t get you

    • MrKnowItAll on 07/04/2021 - 11:42
      1. What sort of secret agent life do you live where google listening in is a valid concern?
      2. You're correct on this one, but it's still an annoyance when you sit down to watch a movie and realise the light is still on. Aside from that, we use them for security purposes, having the lights in the front room turn on / off when we're away for a period of time.
      3. All my wifi contains is my phone, TV, computer (has firewall and virus protection) and smart light bulbs. If a hacker wants to change my lights for me, then that'll save me the effort of telling google or pulling up the app haha
      • sareth on 07/04/2021 - 12:15
        +2

        What sort of secret agent life do you live where google listening in is a valid concern?

        This is an absurd question.

        • MrKnowItAll on 07/04/2021 - 12:44

          Maybe so, but in reality the most interesting thing most people are going to say (other than those secret agents) is that they need milk, or that they intend on purchasing something in the near future - neither of which I personally care about google hearing, nor do I think they will care either.

          People need to understand that there are millions of these units out there and there isn't someone sitting at Google HQ 24/7 listening in to what you're saying - they're designed to pick up key words and target advertisement to you around that you'll notice that your phone does the same thing (ever talked about something and then seen an ad for it a few days later?) and most people have one or more of them.

          • sareth on 07/04/2021 - 13:09
            +1

            @MrKnowItAll:

            Maybe so, but in reality the most interesting thing most people are going to say (other than those secret agents) is that they need milk, or that they intend on purchasing something in the near future - neither of which I personally care about google hearing, nor do I think they will care either.

            Again, this is absurd. Nobody needs a reason to value their privacy. It's a fundamental right that doesn't require justification. "If you have nothing to hide you have nothing to fear" is a brainless sentiment.

            People need to understand that there are millions of these units out there and there isn't someone sitting at Google HQ 24/7 listening in to what you're saying

            Nobody thinks this.

            they're designed to pick up key words and target advertisement to you around that you'll notice that your phone does the same thing (ever talked about something and then seen an ad for it a few days later?) and most people have one or more of them.

            Oh, is that all?

            • MrKnowItAll on 07/04/2021 - 14:20

              @sareth: I agree that people are entitled to their privacy and shouldn't need to justify it. But the reality is that if you have just about any tech whatsoever in life, be it a computer for work, a smart phone, a smart tv, smart speaker of just about anything that goes online - most of them come with T's&C's which, by agreeing to, gives up that right entirely. The onus is of course on the user whether they choose to allow these devices into their lives or not.
              The point I'm trying to make is unless you have super secret conversations, then 'google is listening' shouldn't be front and centre when weighing up whether to accept tech in life. Unfortuantely it's the way life is.. just about everything is gathering data on us in some way.

              You'd be amazed how many people think their conversations are being listened to 24/7, I've spoken to a number of people in my line of work who are absolutely 100% convinced of this, especially when getting hit with targeted advertisement. Their rationale is "I only spoke of this item once and now I'm seeing it everywhere I go online.. therefore it must be listening to my every word".

              In terms of what it does with this information as far as I can gather it's used for advertisement - it's a tough topic to research online because the results are flooded with paranoia and 'clickbaity' type articles with no evidence backing their claims.

          • Euphemistic on 11/04/2021 - 13:18
            -1

            @MrKnowItAll:

            they're designed to pick up key words and target advertisement to you

            That’s precisely why I don’t want them listening. Couldn’t care less if the govt listen in, don’t want corporations listening grabbing everything they can to make too much money. By all means go ahead and give your information to them, but i choose not to.

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