Your First Month as a Homeowner: What to Do First
The first thirty days set up the next ten years. Here is the order that makes sense.
You have the keys and a long list. Most of it can wait. This is the part that should not.
Week one: safety and control
- Rekey or replace every exterior lock, including the garage entry door
- Change all garage door opener codes and delete stored remotes
- Locate and test the main water shutoff, main electrical panel, and gas shutoff
- Test every smoke and carbon monoxide alarm; replace any unit over ten years old
- Replace all HVAC filters and write the size inside a cabinet door
- Find and photograph the model and serial numbers of the furnace, AC, and water heater
- Confirm the electrical panel is labeled; correct it if it is not
Week two: understand the house
- Re-read the inspection report and turn it into a repair timeline
- Walk the perimeter and note grading, downspout discharge, and any standing water
- Locate the sewer cleanout and the water meter
- Test the sump pump if there is one
- Check the attic and crawl space with a flashlight so you know their baseline condition
- Locate shutoffs for every toilet and sink
Week three: money and coverage
- Confirm your first mortgage payment date and set up autopay
- Review your homeowners policy: dwelling limit, deductible, and whether it pays replacement cost
- Check whether you need separate flood coverage
- Confirm the property tax situation and how escrow will handle it
- Open a dedicated savings account for maintenance and fund it monthly
- Register appliance warranties
Week four: build the routine
- Put filter changes on a recurring calendar reminder
- Schedule the next seasonal maintenance items
- Book any professional service the inspection recommended
- Meet the neighbors — they know more about the house and the block than any report
- Video-document every room for insurance purposes
How much to budget
A common planning figure is 1 to 2 percent of the home's value each year for maintenance and repairs, higher for older homes. Some years you spend almost nothing; the year the water heater and the roof both go, you will be glad the account exists.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do first after closing on a house?
Rekey the locks and locate your shutoffs. Both are quick, and both matter most in the situations you cannot predict.
How much should I save for home maintenance?
One to two percent of the home's value annually is a widely used planning figure. Older homes and homes with aging systems justify the higher end.
