New Homeowner? Your First-Year Maintenance Checklist#

Congratulations on your new home. Now the real work begins. Most major home systems need attention within the first year, and catching small problems early saves thousands down the road. This month-by-month checklist tells you exactly what to do, why it matters, and what it should cost.

Before You Start: Build Your Home Binder#

Before diving into maintenance, create a home binder (physical or digital) with:

• Warranty documents for appliances, roof, and HVAC
• Contact info for your home inspector, real estate agent, and any contractors
• Copies of your closing documents and home insurance policy
• Manuals for every appliance in the house

This takes an afternoon and pays for itself the first time something breaks.

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Month 1: The Essentials#

Change HVAC Filters#

What to do: Locate your HVAC return vents and replace the filters. Check the existing filter size printed on the frame.

Why it matters: Clogged filters force your system to work harder, raising energy bills by 5-15% and shortening the unit's lifespan.

Cost: $5-15 per filter (DIY) | Not worth hiring out

Frequency going forward: Every 1-3 months depending on filter type and whether you have pets.

Test All Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors#

What to do: Press the test button on every detector. Replace batteries if the chirp is weak. Check manufacture dates --- detectors older than 10 years should be replaced entirely.

Why it matters: Detectors save lives, and previous owners may have removed batteries or let units expire.

Cost: $0 for testing | $25-40 per replacement detector

Set Water Heater Temperature#

What to do: Find the temperature dial on your water heater (usually near the bottom). Set it to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Why it matters: Many units ship set to 140 degrees F, which wastes energy and creates a scalding risk. Dropping to 120 degrees F saves $30-60 per year on energy.

Cost: $0 (DIY)

Locate Your Main Water Shutoff#

What to do: Find and test the main water shutoff valve. It is typically in the basement, crawl space, or near the water meter. Turn it off and on to make sure it works.

Why it matters: When a pipe bursts, every second counts. Knowing where this valve is can prevent thousands in water damage.

Cost: $0

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Month 2: Sealing and Leaks#

Inspect Caulking Around Windows and Doors#

What to do: Walk the exterior and interior of every window and door. Look for cracked, peeling, or missing caulk. Re-caulk any gaps.

Why it matters: Failed caulk lets in moisture, drafts, and insects. It is the number one cause of preventable energy loss in homes.

Cost: $5-15 per tube of caulk (DIY) | $150-300 to hire a handyman for the whole house

Check for Leaks Under Every Sink#

What to do: Open every cabinet under a sink. Look for water stains, warped wood, drips, or musty smells. Run the water and watch the connections.

Why it matters: Slow leaks cause mold and rot. A leak that goes unnoticed for six months can cause $2,000-5,000 in damage.

Cost: $0 to inspect | $100-250 for a plumber if repairs are needed

Test All GFCI Outlets#

What to do: Press the "test" button on GFCI outlets in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor areas. The power should cut immediately. Press "reset" to restore.

Why it matters: GFCI outlets prevent electrocution in wet areas. Non-functional ones are a serious safety hazard.

Cost: $0 to test | $10-20 per outlet to replace (DIY) | $100-150 per outlet (electrician)

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Month 3: Gutters, HVAC, and Dryer#

Clean Gutters#

What to do: Remove leaves, debris, and sediment from all gutters and downspouts. Flush with a hose to check for proper drainage. Make sure downspouts direct water at least 4 feet from the foundation.

Why it matters: Clogged gutters cause water to pool near your foundation, leading to basement leaks, erosion, and even foundation cracks.

Cost: $0 (DIY with a ladder) | $100-250 (professional cleaning)

Schedule Professional HVAC Service#

What to do: Hire an HVAC technician to inspect and tune your system. They will check refrigerant levels, clean coils, inspect ductwork, and test electrical connections.

Why it matters: A well-maintained HVAC system lasts 15-20 years. A neglected one fails in 8-10. Annual service also keeps most warranties valid.

Cost: $80-150 per visit | Many companies offer annual maintenance plans for $150-200 covering two visits

Find HVAC professionals near you

Clean the Dryer Vent#

What to do: Disconnect the dryer from the wall vent. Use a dryer vent brush or vacuum to clean the entire duct run to the exterior. Check that the exterior flap opens freely.

Why it matters: Lint buildup in dryer vents is a leading cause of house fires --- roughly 2,900 per year in the US.

Cost: $0 (DIY with a $20 brush kit) | $100-170 (professional cleaning)

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Month 4: Foundation and Exterior#

Test the Sump Pump#

What to do: Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit. The pump should activate, remove the water, and shut off automatically.

Why it matters: A failed sump pump during heavy rain can flood your basement in hours, causing $10,000 or more in damage.

Cost: $0 to test | $300-600 for a replacement pump (installed)

Inspect the Foundation#

What to do: Walk the exterior perimeter. Look for cracks wider than 1/4 inch, bulging walls, or water stains. Inside, check basement walls for horizontal cracks or moisture.

Why it matters: Small foundation cracks are normal settling. Large or growing cracks signal structural issues that get exponentially more expensive to fix over time.

Cost: $0 to inspect | $500-1,000 for a structural engineer evaluation if concerned | Repairs range from $2,000-15,000+

Check Exterior Paint and Siding#

What to do: Look for peeling paint, cracked siding, gaps around trim, and any areas where wood is exposed to the elements.

Why it matters: Paint and siding are your home's first defense against moisture. Exposed wood rots quickly.

Cost: Touch-up paint $20-50 (DIY) | Full exterior paint job $3,000-8,000

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Month 6: Water Heater and Pests#

Flush the Water Heater#

What to do: Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank. Turn off the heater, open the valve, and let water flow until it runs clear. This removes sediment buildup.

Why it matters: Sediment reduces heating efficiency and accelerates tank corrosion. Flushing adds years to the unit's life.

Cost: $0 (DIY, takes 30 minutes) | $80-150 if you hire a plumber

Schedule a Pest Inspection#

What to do: Hire a licensed pest inspector to check for termites, carpenter ants, rodents, and other pests. They will inspect the foundation, attic, crawl spaces, and wood structures.

Why it matters: Termite damage costs US homeowners $5 billion per year. Early detection is the difference between a $200 treatment and a $10,000 repair.

Cost: $75-150 for inspection | Treatment varies: $200-500 for localized, $1,500-3,000 for whole-house

Find pest control services near you

Check the Roof from Ground Level#

What to do: Use binoculars to scan the roof from the ground. Look for missing or curling shingles, damaged flashing around vents and chimneys, and sagging areas.

Why it matters: Catching a few missing shingles early costs $150-400. Ignoring them leads to leaks and a full replacement at $8,000-15,000.

Cost: $0 (DIY ground inspection) | $200-400 for a professional roof inspection

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Month 9: Winterization#

Winterize Outdoor Faucets#

What to do: Disconnect all garden hoses. Shut off the interior valve for each outdoor faucet (if your home has them). Open the outdoor faucet to drain remaining water. Install insulated faucet covers.

Why it matters: Frozen outdoor pipes can burst inside your walls, causing extensive hidden water damage.

Cost: $3-8 per faucet cover (DIY) | $150-250 for a plumber to winterize the whole system

Check Attic Insulation#

What to do: Access the attic and measure insulation depth. In most climates, you want R-38 to R-60 (roughly 10-14 inches of fiberglass or 8-10 inches of cellulose).

Why it matters: Inadequate insulation drives up heating costs by 20-30% and creates ice dams on the roof.

Cost: $0 to check | $1,500-3,000 to add blown-in insulation for an average attic

Reverse Ceiling Fan Direction#

What to do: Flip the direction switch on each ceiling fan to clockwise (when looking up). This pushes warm air that collects at the ceiling back down into the room.

Why it matters: This simple trick can reduce heating costs by up to 10% with zero investment.

Cost: $0

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Month 12: Annual Tune-Up#

Full HVAC Tune-Up#

What to do: Schedule a comprehensive HVAC service. This should include inspection of heat exchangers, burners, electrical connections, thermostat calibration, and ductwork integrity.

Why it matters: Your HVAC system is the single most expensive mechanical system in your home ($5,000-15,000 to replace). Annual service is the best investment in its longevity.

Cost: $150-300 for a full tune-up

Annual Termite Inspection#

What to do: Have a licensed pest professional do a thorough termite inspection, especially if your home has a crawl space or is in a high-risk region (Southeast, Gulf Coast, Pacific Coast).

Why it matters: Termites cause damage silently for years before signs appear. An annual check catches colonies early.

Cost: $75-150 | Many pest companies offer annual plans that include this

Replace Smoke Detector Batteries#

What to do: Replace batteries in every smoke and carbon monoxide detector, even if they have not chirped. Test each unit after replacing.

Why it matters: Battery-powered detectors should get fresh batteries every 12 months without exception.

Cost: $1-3 per battery

Review Your Home Insurance#

What to do: Call your insurance agent and review your policy. Make sure your coverage reflects any improvements you have made and that your deductible still makes sense.

Why it matters: Many homeowners are underinsured because they never updated their policy after purchase.

Cost: $0 for the review | Potential savings of $200-500 per year by shopping rates

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Annual Cost Summary#

| Category | DIY Cost | Professional Cost | |----------|----------|-------------------| | HVAC filters (12 months) | $30-90 | N/A | | HVAC service (2 visits) | N/A | $160-300 | | Gutter cleaning | $0 | $100-250 | | Pest inspection | N/A | $75-150 | | Water heater flush | $0 | $80-150 | | Smoke detector batteries | $10-20 | N/A | | Miscellaneous supplies | $50-100 | N/A | | Total | $90-210 | $415-850 |

Most first-year homeowners spend $500-1,000 on maintenance. That sounds like a lot until you compare it to a $15,000 HVAC replacement or a $10,000 foundation repair.

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Find Trusted Local Professionals#

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