First-year homeowner priorities
What to locate, test, document and schedule in the first twelve months, in the order that reduces the most risk.
Last reviewed 2026-07-15 · About 8 min read
The first year is when a home is least familiar and most likely to surprise you. Almost all of the value in this period comes from orientation and documentation rather than projects.
Week one: find the shutoffs
Locate and label the main water shutoff, the water heater shutoff, the gas meter valve, the electrical panel and its main breaker, and any individual fixture stops.
Operate the main water valve once so you know it turns. A seized valve discovered during a burst pipe is a much worse discovery.
Month one: safety and baseline
Test every smoke and CO alarm and replace anything past its service life. Test GFCIs. Change locks. Photograph every mechanical system's data plate.
Record model and serial numbers for the furnace, air conditioner, water heater and major appliances. That single hour saves hours later on every service call.
Months two to six: learn the rhythm
Set a filter interval, schedule an HVAC service, clean the gutters once so you know how they behave, and watch how water moves around the foundation in a heavy rain.
Track your utility usage from the first bill so you have a baseline before you change anything.
Months six to twelve: plan, do not react
By now you know the house well enough to distinguish urgent from cosmetic. Build a maintenance budget, prioritise anything water-related, and keep every receipt and warranty in one place.
When to call a professional
- An inspection report flagged structural, roofing, electrical or sewer items you have not yet resolved
- You cannot locate or operate the main water or gas shutoff
- There is any sign of active water intrusion
Source notes
- Inspection follow-up