The first weeks in a home set the pattern for the years after it. This checklist covers what to do in the first week and the first month, and why each item matters.
Most of this takes an afternoon, and it's the information you'll want in an emergency.
Find the main water shutoff and make sure it turns.
In a burst pipe or a failed water heater, closing it quickly limits the damage. Valves that haven't been used in years can seize, so it's better to find out now.
Find the electrical panel and check the breakers are labeled.
When a circuit trips or needs to be turned off for a repair, a labeled panel saves guesswork. Fix any labels that are missing or wrong.
Find the gas shutoff, if the home has gas.
Know where it is and what it looks like. If you ever smell gas, leave the house first and call the gas company from outside.
Test every smoke and carbon monoxide alarm.
Press the test button on each one. Smoke alarms are meant to be replaced 10 years after the date printed on the back, and carbon monoxide alarms often sooner.
Change or rekey the exterior locks.
You don't know how many keys previous owners and contractors still have.
Replace the HVAC air filter and write down its size.
A clogged filter makes the system work harder and wears it out sooner. The size is printed on the filter's edge.
Record the make, model and age of the major equipment.
Note the water heater, furnace, air conditioner and main appliances. The label on each shows its model and serial number, and the age tells you what to start budgeting for.
Reread your inspection report and list the repairs.
Reports are easy to forget after closing. Pull out the safety items and needed repairs and decide when each will be handled.
Check the water heater's temperature setting.
About 120°F is the common recommendation. It lowers the risk of scalding and saves energy compared with a higher setting.
Clean the dryer vent all the way to the outside.
Lint buildup in the duct is a leading cause of dryer fires, and a clear vent also helps clothes dry faster.
Walk the outside of the house after a rain.
Water should drain away from the foundation. Look for overflowing gutters, disconnected downspouts and soil sloping toward the house.
After the first month, Prominent keeps the yearly schedule for the equipment in your home: it adds the maintenance each piece needs, reminds you before each job by email and calendar, and keeps the record. This list is general guidance; follow your equipment's own instructions and call a professional for gas, electrical or anything you're unsure about.