First 30 days
New homeowner maintenance checklist
The first month is not about remodeling. It is about learning how the house works, stopping small problems early, and knowing who to call before a repair becomes urgent.
The short version
Find the shutoffs, test safety devices, check for water, replace the HVAC filter, clear drainage paths, document system ages, and get quote baselines for anything the inspection report flagged.
Do this in the first week
Locate the main water shutoff, gas shutoff if present, electrical panel, furnace switch, HVAC disconnect, and sprinkler shutoff. Label anything that is not obvious.
Rekey exterior doors, reset garage-door opener codes, change smart-lock codes, and remove old keypad access.
Test smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, GFCI outlets near water, exterior lights, and stair/entry lighting.
Save inspection report, seller disclosures, warranties, appliance model numbers, permit records, service receipts, and contractor contacts in one folder.
Do this in the first 30 days
Check under sinks, around toilets, behind the washer, below the water heater, around the sump pump, and below visible supply lines. Small leaks become floor, drywall, and mold repairs.
Replace the filter, note the system age, schedule service if maintenance history is unknown, and check that every room gets airflow.
Walk the property after rain. Look for overflowing gutters, splashback near the foundation, soft spots, stains, roof debris, and downspouts dumping next to the house.
Label unknown breakers, check for warm outlets or flickering lights, and make a list of overloaded power-strip areas that need a real outlet or circuit.
Look for gaps at garage doors, utility penetrations, crawlspace vents, attic edges, soffits, pipe chases, and door sweeps.
Clean dryer lint path, inspect washer hoses, clean dishwasher filter, vacuum refrigerator coils, and check water-line connections for slow drips.
Before the first season changes
- Get two quote baselines: For old systems or inspection flags, get pricing before there is an emergency. HVAC, roofing, plumbing, electrical, garage doors, and water heaters are easier to price calmly.
- Plan the annual work: Put HVAC tune-ups, gutter cleaning, pest prevention, roof checks, dryer vent cleaning, and sump-pump testing on the calendar.
- Budget for the next five years: List the age and condition of roof, HVAC, water heater, windows, major appliances, panel, sewer line, and garage door. Mark what is likely to need repair or replacement first.
- Fix water direction: Extend downspouts, adjust grading, clear drains, and correct gutter overflow before water reaches the foundation, basement, crawlspace, or siding.
Call a pro now if you see
- Active leak, ceiling stain spreading, sewage backup, or wet electrical area
- Burning smell, buzzing panel, warm outlet, or breaker that keeps tripping
- Garage door stuck open, hanging crooked, or supported by a broken spring/cable
- No heat in freezing weather or no cooling during dangerous heat
- Roof leak during a storm or visible missing flashing/shingles with indoor staining
- Mold on drywall, insulation, carpet pad, or trim after a known leak
What to save in your home file
Keep a simple folder with the inspection report, repair receipts, paint colors, appliance manuals, warranty registration, model/serial numbers, permit records, and photos of major systems. When something breaks, this saves hours and helps a contractor quote the right work faster.
Quote planning for new homeowners
If the inspection report mentioned roof age, HVAC age, old electrical, slow drains, water stains, foundation cracks, pest entry points, or a noisy garage door, do not wait for the emergency version of the problem. Use the HomeAnswer cost index to understand the likely range, then use the quote checklist before approving work.