Essential New Home Maintenance Checklist for Homeowners
Written by: Sean Struckmeyer | Tech Inspect Home Services LLC
Congratulations on your new home! Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, moving into a new property is an exciting milestone. However, like anything valuable, homes require regular maintenance to protect your investment and ensure a safe, comfortable living environment.
Tech Inspect Home Services has compiled this new homeowner maintenance checklist to help you get started on the right foot. While some of these tasks are simple DIY projects, others may require professional service. We recommend completing as many items as possible during the time between closing and moving in, when your home is still empty and easier to work in.
Start With Your Home Inspection Report
Before diving into maintenance tasks, take time to thoroughly review your home inspection report. This document provides valuable insights into your property’s condition and potential issues that need attention. Create a prioritized repair and maintenance plan based on the inspector’s findings. Tech Inspect Home Services offers free planning templates and additional resources at techinspecthome.com/tech-inspect-resources to help you organize your maintenance strategy effectively.
From here, you’ll want to establish a rotating 1-3 year home maintenance plan. Having many of these items completed at time of move-in, gives you a definite time when they are were completed last, and establish a starting point for many of the recurring maintenance items. Some of the items in this list will need to be completed frequently while others less so, but knowing when they were last done is as equally important as knowing when they need to be done. Our Lead inspector uses tasks on his personal google calendar to schedule recurring maintenance items such as changing the HVAC filter, these reminders on the calendar help prevent him from forgetting the task when life gets busy.
HVAC & Air Quality Systems
Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system is one of the most important components of your home. Proper HVAC maintenance improves indoor air quality, reduces energy costs, and extends the lifespan of your equipment.
Change HVAC Filters: Replace your air filter immediately and establish a monthly replacement schedule. Clean filters improve system efficiency and air quality while preventing dust and allergen buildup.
Schedule Professional HVAC Service: Book a comprehensive tune-up with a licensed HVAC technician. Regular professional maintenance prevents costly breakdowns and keeps your system running efficiently year-round.
Professional Duct Cleaning: Consider having your HVAC ducts professionally cleaned to remove accumulated dust, debris, and allergens. This is especially important if the previous owners had pets or if the home has been vacant for an extended period.
Dryer Vent Maintenance: Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper, and the space underneath your dryer. Lint buildup is a serious fire hazard, making this one of the most critical safety tasks on your list.
Plumbing Systems
Water-related systems require regular attention to prevent leaks, maintain water quality, and avoid expensive emergency repairs.
Water Heater Inspection: Test the Temperature and Pressure Relief (TPR) valve on your water heater to ensure it’s functioning properly. A faulty TPR valve can be dangerous and should be replaced immediately by a professional plumber.
Water Filtration: Replace all water filters throughout your home and create a recurring maintenance schedule. Check your filter manufacturer’s recommendations for replacement frequency, typically every three to six months.
Water Softener Maintenance: If your home has a water softener, check the salt level and refill as needed. Consider scheduling professional service to ensure the system is calibrated correctly and functioning efficiently.
Overflow Gasket Replacement: Replace the overflow gaskets on all tubs, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures. These small rubber seals prevent water damage and are inexpensive to replace. A handyman or plumber can complete this task if you’re uncomfortable doing it yourself.
Electrical Systems
Electrical safety should be a top priority in your new home. These simple maintenance tasks help ensure your electrical system operates safely and reliably.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Replace all batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors immediately. Set up recurring reminders to change batteries every six months, such as when daylight saving time changes. Even if the previous owners claim the batteries are new, replace them anyway for peace of mind.
Exercise Panel Breakers: Go to your electrical panel and exercise each circuit breaker by flipping it off and then back on. This simple maintenance task helps prevent breakers from seizing up and ensures they’ll function properly when needed.
Appliances & Interior Cleaning
A thorough deep clean of your new home eliminates traces of previous occupants and gives you a fresh start.
Behind Appliances: Pull out the range or stove and refrigerator to clean behind and underneath them. Years of grease, dust, and food particles often accumulate in these hidden areas.
Kitchen Exhaust System: Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air filter thoroughly. If the filter is excessively greasy or damaged, replace it entirely. A clean exhaust system improves ventilation and reduces fire risk.
Comprehensive Deep Clean: Steam clean all carpets and perform a thorough cleaning of the entire home, including wiping down baseboards, cleaning inside cabinets, and sanitizing bathrooms. Many homeowners find it worthwhile to hire professional cleaners for this initial deep clean.
Exterior Maintenance
Don’t forget about the outside of your home, which protects everything inside from the elements.
Gutter Cleaning: Remove all debris from gutters and downspouts to ensure proper water drainage. Clogged gutters can cause water damage to your roof, siding, and foundation.
Garage Door Service: Lubricate the garage door chain or belt and test the safety features. Consider scheduling professional garage door service to check spring tension, alignment, and automatic opener functions.
Chimney Inspection: If your home has a fireplace or wood-burning stove, hire a certified chimney sweep to inspect and clean the chimney. Creosote buildup poses a serious fire hazard and should be removed by a professional.
Why Home Maintenance Matters
Regular maintenance prevents small issues from becoming expensive emergencies. It extends the lifespan of appliances and systems, maintains your home’s value, and creates a healthier living environment for your family. By establishing good maintenance habits from day one, you’ll save money and stress in the long run.
Remember, this checklist provides a general starting point. Your particular home may have unique requirements based on its age, location, and specific features. When in doubt, consult with qualified professionals who can assess your individual needs.
Need a comprehensive home inspection or maintenance consultation? Contact Tech Inspect Home Services for professional property evaluations and expert guidance.