Free checklist

New Homeowner Checklist

Nobody hands you a manual at closing. This checklist covers the first 30 days, the monthly routine, and the seasonal jobs of your first year as an owner.

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First 30 days: know your house

Before anything breaks, learn where the safety stuff and shutoffs are. All four checks are free.

Test smoke and CO alarms

Why it mattersAlarms only help when they actually work. A quick monthly test takes under a minute.

WhenOnce a month.

Time needed5 minutes

Typical cost$0-$15

Press the test button on each alarm
Replace any alarm that doesn't beep
Check the battery date if it uses a removable battery

If you skip itYou may not know an alarm is dead until it matters.

Call a pro whenIf an alarm beeps constantly or you need hardwired help.

Follow the manufacturer's test and replacement instructions. Details vary by home, system, and manufacturer — check your manual first.

Test main plumbing shutoffs

Why it mattersIf a pipe bursts, you need to know exactly how to stop the water.

WhenOnce or twice a year.

Time needed15 minutes

Typical cost$0

Find the main water shutoff
Locate shutoffs for sinks and toilets
Turn each valve gently to make sure it moves
If safe, test with a small bucket

If you skip itYou may not be able to stop water quickly during an emergency.

Call a pro whenIf a valve won't turn or leaks.

Shutoff locations vary by home. Details vary by home, system, and manufacturer — check your manual first.

Look for leaks under sinks

Why it mattersSmall leaks are cheap to fix now and expensive to fix later. Checking monthly helps you catch them early.

WhenOnce a month.

Time needed10 minutes

Typical cost$0

Look under every sink with a flashlight
Feel pipes, valves, and joints for dampness
Check cabinets for stains, warping, or smell
If you see a drip, note where it's coming from

If you skip itWater damage, mold, higher water bills, and cabinet repair.

Call a pro whenIf you see water, hear running water, or can't find the shutoff valve.

Leak locations vary by plumbing layout. Details vary by home, system, and manufacturer — check your manual first.

Check or replace your HVAC filter

Why it mattersThe filter is like a mask for your heating and cooling system. When it's clogged, air doesn't move well, so the system works harder and costs more.

WhenOnce a month. If you're not sure, check the manufacturer label.

Time needed5-10 minutes

Typical cost$5-$30

Turn off the system
Find the filter slot
Hold the filter up to light
If you can't see through it, replace it
Write the date on the new filter

If you skip itHigher energy bills, weaker airflow, and earlier system breakdowns.

Call a pro whenIf you can't find the filter or aren't sure how to turn off the system safely.

Filter size and change interval vary by system. Check the label or manual. Details vary by home, system, and manufacturer — check your manual first.

Your monthly routine

Once the first month is done, settle into the short monthly loop that catches problems early. You already met these in your first 30 days — now they repeat every month.

The monthly loop is: HVAC filter, smoke and CO alarm test, and an under-sink leak check. Together they take about 20 minutes. The full step-by-step instructions are in the first-30-days section above and in the monthly checklist.

Check or replace your HVAC filter — The filter is like a mask for your heating and cooling system. When it's clogged, air doesn't move well, so the system works harder and costs more.
Test smoke and CO alarms — Alarms only help when they actually work. A quick monthly test takes under a minute.
Look for leaks under sinks — Small leaks are cheap to fix now and expensive to fix later. Checking monthly helps you catch them early.

Your first year, season by season

Each season adds a few bigger jobs. Here is the short version — the full seasonal checklist has the step-by-step detail.

Clear gutters and downspouts — Blocked gutters send water where it shouldn't go, which can damage the roof, siding, and foundation.
Clean around your AC unit — Outdoor units need air to work. Leaves, grass, and dirt block airflow and make the system work harder.
Check the dryer vent — A blocked dryer vent is a fire risk and makes drying take longer.
Prepare your heating system — You don't want to discover a heating problem on the coldest night.
Protect outdoor faucets for winter — Water left in outdoor pipes can freeze, expand, and cause leaks.
Check exposed pipes for drafts — Cold air can freeze water in exposed pipes. That's a small fix until the pipe bursts.

If your home is over 25 years old

Older homes deserve two extra habits from day one.

Check the water heater for warning signs

Why it mattersOlder water heaters are more likely to leak. A quick check can catch a problem before it floods a room.

WhenMonthly for homes with older water heaters.

Time needed10 minutes

Typical cost$0

Look around the tank for water
Check the temperature and pressure valve area
Listen for unusual sounds
Note the age of the unit

If you skip itFlooding, rust, and a bigger replacement bill.

Call a pro whenIf you see water, rust, or hear popping and banging.

Water heater lifespan varies. Check the label for the install year. Details vary by home, system, and manufacturer — check your manual first.

Look for drafts around windows and doors

Why it mattersOld homes leak air. Sealing drafts saves money and makes rooms more comfortable.

WhenOnce per season.

Time needed30-60 minutes

Typical cost$5-$60

Hold your hand near window and door edges
Look for gaps in weatherstripping
Add caulk or weatherstripping where needed
Check door sweeps

If you skip itDrafty rooms, higher utility bills, and more wear on HVAC.

Call a pro whenIf you need to remove trim or suspect structural issues.

Draft locations vary by home and window type. Details vary by home, system, and manufacturer — check your manual first.

Frequently asked questions

Short answers to the questions homeowners ask most.

What should a new homeowner do first?

In your first 30 days: test every smoke and CO alarm, find your main water shutoff, check under every sink, and locate your HVAC filter. These four things cost nothing and prevent the most common emergencies.

How much should I budget for home maintenance as a new owner?

A common rule of thumb is 1–2% of your home's value per year. The every-month basics in this checklist cost almost nothing — the budget is mostly for the bigger seasonal jobs and surprises.

What maintenance can I skip in an apartment or condo?

Roof, gutters, siding, and exterior structure are usually the building's responsibility. Keep the indoor basics: alarms, under-sink checks, and your own HVAC filter if your unit has a separate system.

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