New Homeowner Maintenance Checklist

First week

Locate the main water shutoff, electrical service panel, and any fuel shutoff without operating unfamiliar controls. Verify that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are present and follow their instructions for testing. Record emergency, utility, association, and service contacts.

First month

Collect manuals, model numbers, warranties, inspection documents, and known service records. Walk through the home looking for active moisture, damaged cords, blocked vents, loose railings, or other visible changes. Arrange qualified evaluation when records or condition justify it.

First season

Create a plan for only the systems you own. Anchor weather tasks to local conditions such as “before cooling season” or “before first freeze,” not an arbitrary national date.

Checklist

• Learn how water can be shut off in an emergency
• Test alarms by manufacturer instructions
• Collect manuals and service history
• Identify heating, cooling, water-heating, and drainage equipment
• Add the next seasonal tasks to Home Hero