Your First Year as a Homeowner

Your first year sets the pattern for how well the home ages. Use this rhythm to catch small problems before they become expensive.

First 30 days

• Locate and label your main water, gas, and electric shut-offs.
• Test every smoke and carbon monoxide detector; note battery-replace dates.
• Change the HVAC filter if the previous owner left no record.
• Set the water heater to 120°F (safe and efficient).
• Photograph the home's condition as an insurance baseline.

Every season

• Spring: inspect roof and gutters, service AC before it gets hot, check for winter water damage.
• Summer: mow and edge regularly, check grading around the foundation, service the garage door.
• Fall: clean gutters, winterize hose bibbs, schedule furnace service, reverse ceiling fans.
• Winter: watch for ice dams, keep vents clear, check the attic for moisture.

Build a maintenance binder

Keep a simple record (HomeVault does this for you) of:

• Appliance manuals, model and serial numbers
• Service receipts and warranty dates
• Paint colors and material specs
• Contractor contacts

The 1% rule

Budget roughly 1% of the home's value per year for maintenance. A $300,000 home needs about $3,000 a year set aside — some years less, some far more.