New homeowner maintenance checklist
The first month in a new home is when small checks pay off most. You do not know the house yet, the previous owner's habits are unknown, and an emergency is much easier to handle if you already know where the shut-offs are.
First week: find and label
- Main water shut-off valve. Find it, label it, and check that it turns. Show everyone in the home where it is.
- Electrical panel. Check that breakers are labeled. If labels are missing, mapping them is a good weekend job.
- Gas meter and shut-off (if you have gas). Know where it is, but leave turning gas back on to the utility or a licensed pro.
- Water heater, furnace, and AC model numbers. Take a photo of each label. You will need these for filters, parts, and service calls.
First 30 days: test and replace
- Test every smoke and carbon monoxide alarm. Check the manufacture date on the back. Smoke alarms are generally replaced every 10 years.
- Replace the furnace or HVAC filter. You do not know when it was last changed, so start fresh and write down the date.
- Check under every sink and around toilets for leaks. Look for water stains, soft spots, or a musty smell.
- Clean the dryer vent path. Lint left by the previous owner is a fire risk you cannot see.
- Change or rekey exterior locks. You cannot know who still has a key.
First year: set the routine
- Monthly: test alarms, check the filter, look under sinks.
- Each season: gutters in spring and fall, cooling service before summer, heating service before winter, outdoor faucets before the first freeze.
- Once a year: walk the outside of the house, look at the roof from the ground, check caulk and weatherstripping.
The full month-by-month version is on the printable checklist. If you moved in during the fall, start with the November checklist.
Keep a simple home file
One folder (paper or a phone album) with: your inspection report, appliance model photos, warranty documents, receipts for repairs, and the date of each filter change and service visit. It makes service calls faster and helps when you sell.
Common questions
What should a new homeowner do first?
Find the main water shut-off and test the smoke and CO alarms. Those two protect you from the most damaging surprises.
Should I fix everything on my inspection report right away?
No. Sort the report into safety items, water items, and everything else. Handle safety and water first, then plan the rest over the year.
Get these reminders on your phone
The free home maintenance schedule generator turns this list into calendar reminders (.ics) for iPhone, Google Calendar, or Outlook. Pick your climate and equipment, and tasks you do not need are left out. No sign-up.
Sources and safety
- U.S. Fire Administration (FEMA) for smoke alarm testing and home fire safety.
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for carbon monoxide alarms and dryer fire safety.
- U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Saver for heating and cooling upkeep.
- EPA WaterSense for finding household leaks.
- Chimney Safety Institute of America for chimney inspections.
Gas, electrical, roof, and chimney repairs should be done by a licensed professional. If you smell gas, leave the home and call your gas utility or 911 from outside.