5 Things Every New Homeowner Should Do | Houzable

What to do

• Rekey exterior doors and reset garage, alarm, and smart-home access codes.

• Locate the main water shutoff, electrical panel, HVAC filter, and any gas shutoff that applies to the home.

• Test smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms and check their manufacture dates.

• Replace or inspect HVAC filters and note the correct size for future replacements.

• Create a home binder for the survey, title policy, inspection report, warranties, receipts, and appliance information.

When to call a professional

If your inspection report identified safety or urgent repair items that were not repaired prior to closing, prioritize those before cosmetic projects.

As a general rule, professional help is appropriate when there is structural movement, active water intrusion, electrical or gas risk, roof access, specialized diagnostics, a permit issue, a major insurance or tax question, or a repair expensive enough that getting it wrong would materially hurt the property.

Ask Houzable

Ask Houzable: Have a new-home question? Send it to Houzable. We are here after closing, too.

You do not need to be ready to buy or sell. Sometimes you just need a real-estate perspective before spending money on the house.

Frequently asked questions

• Can I handle this myself?

Some homeowner checks are simple, but the right answer depends on the system, access, safety risk, and your experience. Do not DIY work that creates electrical, gas, structural, roofing, or major water-damage risk.

• How often should I check this?

Use manufacturer guidance and the actual condition of your home rather than relying on one universal schedule. A quick annual review is a good starting point for many items.

• Should I keep records?

Yes. Photos, dates, invoices, warranties, permits, and service notes can be useful for maintenance, insurance, and future resale.

Bottom line

The purpose of 5 things every new homeowner should do is not to turn you into a contractor, appraiser, lender, or insurance expert. It is to help you become a better-informed homeowner. Small checks, good documentation, and better questions can protect both the home and the equity you are building in it.