First-Time Homeowner in Mississippi? Here's What Needs Fixing First

Congratulations on the house. Now the real work starts. If you just closed on a home in Mississippi — especially an older one — there's a specific order you should tackle maintenance and inspections. Getting this wrong costs real money. Getting it right saves you thousands over the first few years.

1. Get a termite inspection immediately

This is not optional in Mississippi. The state ranks third in the US for termite activity, and subterranean termites are present in every single county. Even if your home inspection included a termite check at closing, get a dedicated termite inspection from a licensed pest control company. A home inspector looks for visible signs. A termite professional knows where to dig deeper.

Cost: $75-$150 for the inspection. If they find activity, treatment runs $500-$2,500. Catching it early versus finding it in two years is the difference between a $1,000 treatment and a $6,000 structural repair. Read more in our termite damage guide.

2. Service the HVAC

Your HVAC system is the most expensive mechanical component in a Mississippi home, and the climate here runs it harder than almost anywhere else. Have a licensed HVAC tech do a full inspection and tune-up. They'll check refrigerant levels, clean coils, test electrical connections, and flush the drain line. Ask them to be honest about the system's remaining life — if it's 12+ years old, start budgeting for a replacement.

Cost: $75-$150 for a tune-up. A new system runs $4,500-$8,500. Our HVAC maintenance guide covers what to expect.

3. Check the roof age

An asphalt shingle roof in Mississippi lasts 15-22 years depending on quality and storm exposure. If you don't know the roof age, have a roofer inspect it. They can estimate remaining life from shingle condition, granule loss, and flashing integrity. A roof that needs replacement in 2 years is something you want to know about now, not when it starts leaking during a spring thunderstorm.

Cost: Most roofers will do a free inspection if they know a job might follow. A full reroof runs $6,000-$14,000 for a typical Mississippi home.

4. Test plumbing

Check the water heater age (labeled on the unit). If it's over 10 years old, it's on borrowed time. Look at visible pipes — galvanized steel pipes in pre-1970 homes corrode from the inside and restrict water flow. Polybutylene pipes (gray plastic, common in 1980s Mississippi construction) are prone to failure and most plumbers recommend replacing them proactively.

Cost: Water heater replacement runs $1,200-$2,500 installed. A full repipe is $4,000-$8,000 but prevents catastrophic water damage.

5. Upgrade electrical if pre-1980

Homes built before 1980 in Mississippi may have outdated electrical panels (Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels are common and known fire hazards), aluminum wiring, or insufficient amperage for modern loads. A panel upgrade to 200 amps costs $1,500-$3,000 and is one of the most important safety upgrades you can make.

6. Insulation check

Pop your head into the attic with a flashlight and a tape measure. If you can see the tops of the ceiling joists, you don't have enough insulation. Mississippi energy code calls for R-38 to R-60 in the attic. Adding blown-in insulation costs $1,500-$3,500 and directly reduces your monthly energy bills. Check our energy efficiency guide for more details.

Get connected with pros on FTW

You don't have to figure all of this out alone. Post any of these projects on FairTradeWorker and get bids from verified, licensed professionals in your area. The FairPrice Estimator shows you what each project should cost so you go in informed.