Buying your first home is an exciting and rewarding milestone—one that comes with a mix of joy, pride, and responsibility. After navigating the process of finding the right property, securing financing, and finally getting the keys, it's tempting to focus on decorating and making your space feel like home. But before diving into interior design decisions, it’s important to take care of critical maintenance tasks that will help protect your investment, ensure safety, and keep everything running smoothly.
The moment you move in, your first order of business should be changing all the locks on exterior doors. Even if the previous owners handed over all their keys, there's no way to know who else might have copies—contractors, pet sitters, cleaners, or even old roommates. Replacing or rekeying locks gives you peace of mind, knowing that you have full control over who has access to your home. You can choose standard locks or modern smart locks with remote access features. Expect to spend anywhere from $50 to $200 depending on the number and type of locks.
Even if the home appears clean, a comprehensive deep cleaning is essential to ensure it's truly hygienic. Focus on often-overlooked spots like behind appliances, inside kitchen cabinets, under sinks, ceiling fans, baseboards, and bathroom grout. Consider steam cleaning carpets and polishing wood floors. Hiring a professional cleaning crew can cost between $200 and $400, but it’s a worthy investment for a fresh, sanitary start in your new space.
Pests aren’t always visible, and the last thing you want is an infestation shortly after moving in. Hire a pest control specialist to perform a preventative treatment and inspection for pests like ants, roaches, spiders, and termites. Depending on your home’s square footage and geographic location, initial treatment may range from $75 to $300, with ongoing services averaging $30–$100 per month.
Your inspection report is more than a closing requirement—it’s a comprehensive guide to your home’s current condition. Revisit it post-move to tackle essential repairs or improvements. Start with structural, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. For example, if the inspector noted an aging water heater, replacing it now could prevent future leaks or failures. Use the report as a priority checklist and tackle items in phases.
If your new home came with a home warranty—either from the seller or purchased separately—take time to read the fine print. Learn what systems and appliances are covered, how to file claims, and what limitations exist. A warranty can save you thousands on unexpected repairs, but only if you're aware of its terms and take action when needed.
Check every smoke and carbon monoxide detector in your home. Replace the batteries, test functionality, and consider upgrading to newer models, especially if the current ones are more than 7–10 years old. For added protection, install interconnected detectors that sound throughout the house in case of danger. This simple step could be life-saving in an emergency.
Improve air quality by replacing HVAC filters immediately after moving in. Dirty or clogged filters strain your system and reduce indoor air quality. Also, if your refrigerator has a water or ice dispenser, change the water filter to ensure clean drinking water. Going forward, set reminders to change filters every 1–3 months, depending on usage and the type of filter.
Every homeowner should know how to quickly turn off the water, gas, or electricity in case of an emergency. Locate your home’s main water shut-off valve, gas shutoff (if applicable), and circuit breaker panel. Label circuit breakers clearly for easy identification, and show everyone in the household how to use them. This knowledge can prevent disasters during plumbing or electrical malfunctions.
Clean, functional gutters are crucial for directing water away from your home’s foundation and preventing leaks or erosion. Especially if the home has mature trees nearby, gutters and downspouts can become clogged with leaves and debris. Plan to inspect and clean them twice a year—once in the fall and again in the spring—to avoid costly water damage.
Moisture issues can lead to mold growth and long-term structural damage if ignored. Inspect areas with high humidity or poor ventilation, such as attics, crawl spaces, basements, and behind bathroom fixtures. Look for water stains, musty odors, or visible mold. If you find anything suspicious, call in a professional for mold remediation to ensure your home is safe and healthy.
Do a full walkaround of your home’s exterior to identify maintenance needs. Check for signs of foundation cracks, roof damage, siding wear, or gaps in caulking around windows and doors. Ensure that the landscaping slopes away from the house to prevent water pooling around the foundation. Addressing these issues early helps avoid major repairs down the line.
Set yourself up for success by creating a home maintenance calendar. Include regular tasks like checking smoke detectors, flushing the water heater, changing filters, cleaning dryer vents, inspecting roofs and gutters, and sealing cracks. Staying on top of these recurring chores will help you avoid expensive repairs and extend the life of your home’s systems.
Your peace of mind is priceless. If the home doesn’t already have a security system, now is a great time to install one. Consider systems that include motion sensors, door/window alarms, cameras, and smart integrations for remote access. Even basic DIY security setups can serve as strong deterrents against break-ins.
Review manuals for all appliances, even if you're familiar with similar models. Many issues arise simply from misuse or lack of maintenance. Knowing how to run cleaning cycles on dishwashers, change filters on HVAC units, or clean dryer lint traps can go a long way in preserving your home’s efficiency and preventing breakdowns.
No matter how new or updated your home is, components like roofs, HVAC units, and water heaters have limited lifespans. Begin tracking the age and condition of these systems and create a savings plan for future replacements. Being financially prepared will make inevitable repairs far less stressful when the time comes.
Owning a home comes with its share of responsibilities, but with the right maintenance habits, you’ll avoid costly repairs and enjoy a safe, efficient, and comfortable living environment. These proactive steps are especially important for first-time homeowners as you learn the ins and outs of caring for your new space. With a bit of planning and routine upkeep, your house will become more than just a structure—it will be a home you can take pride in for years to come.
We’re Ridge Real Estate agents, serving the Martinez and Pleasant Hill, California areas. Our goal is to make your experience successful and fulfilling. It is our mission to deliver outstanding service to home buyers and sellers everywhere. Your dreams are our priority, and we’re dedicated to making them come true. Reach out to us today to experience our exceptional service and knowledge. Whether you’re selling your home or looking for a new one, we’ve got you covered.
Steve Ridge
Jessica Evans
CA DRE# 01998765