First Year Checklist
Your first year as a homeowner is a crash course in home maintenance. These seasonal and annual tasks will become routine after your first cycle. Complete them all, and you'll enter year two as a confident homeowner.
Spring Tasks
March - May: Recover from winter, prep for summer
Schedule Spring HVAC Service
Before you need air conditioning, have the system inspected and serviced. Spring appointments are easier to get than mid-summer emergencies.
- Schedule AC inspection and tune-up
- Replace HVAC filters (you should be doing this monthly)
- Clean around outdoor unit - remove debris and vegetation
- Check refrigerant levels and coils
- Test thermostat and cooling function
Complete Spring Exterior Inspection
Winter can damage your home. Do a thorough walk-around inspection in spring.
- Check roof for missing or damaged shingles (use binoculars)
- Inspect siding for cracks, gaps, or damage
- Look for foundation cracks (compare to your move-in photos)
- Check window and door caulking
- Inspect deck/patio for loose boards or railings
- Look for signs of water intrusion in basement/crawlspace
Spring Yard Cleanup and Prep
Your yard needs attention after winter. Set yourself up for a good growing season.
- Clean up dead leaves and debris
- Dethatch and aerate lawn if needed
- Apply first round of fertilizer (if you fertilize)
- Mulch garden beds
- Prune shrubs before they leaf out
- Service lawn mower (oil change, blade sharpening)
Clean Gutters (First of Two)
After spring blooms drop and before heavy rains, clean your gutters. This is one of the most important maintenance tasks.
- Remove all debris from gutters
- Flush downspouts with hose to check flow
- Check for sagging or loose sections
- Ensure downspouts direct water away from foundation
- Mark calendar for fall cleaning too
Install/Inspect Window Screens
Before you want to open windows, make sure screens are in good shape.
- Inspect all screens for tears or holes
- Clean screens with soapy water
- Repair small holes with screen patch kit ($5)
- Replace screens that are beyond repair
- Clean window tracks before installing
Summer Tasks
June - August: Maintain and protect
Flush Water Heater
Sediment builds up in water heaters, reducing efficiency and lifespan. Annual flushing keeps it running well.
- Turn off power (electric) or gas (gas heater)
- Connect garden hose to drain valve
- Open drain and let water flow until clear
- Takes 20-30 minutes
- Check anode rod (if it's time - every 3-5 years)
Seal or Stain Deck
If you have a wood deck, it needs protection. Summer is ideal for deck sealing.
- Clean deck thoroughly (power wash if needed)
- Let dry completely (2-3 days)
- Sand any rough spots
- Apply stain or sealant per product directions
- Best done when temps are 50-90°F with no rain forecast
Clean Dryer Vent (Entire Line)
Lint buildup in dryer vents causes house fires. Clean the entire line, not just the trap.
- Pull dryer out and disconnect vent
- Clean vent from dryer to exterior outlet
- Use dryer vent brush kit ($10-25)
- Check exterior flap opens and closes freely
- Ensure vent is not kinked or crushed
Assess Trees Near House
Summer is when you can best see your trees. Look for problems before they become emergencies.
- Look for dead or dying branches
- Check for branches over roof or power lines
- Look for signs of disease or pest damage
- Consider trimming branches within 10 feet of house
- Get arborist evaluation for any concerns
Fall Tasks
September - November: Prep for winter
Schedule Fall Heating Service
Before you need heat, make sure your system works. October is ideal for this service.
- Schedule furnace inspection and tune-up
- Replace HVAC filter
- Test heating function before you need it
- Check carbon monoxide detectors (extra important)
- If you have a fireplace, schedule chimney inspection
Winterize Exterior Faucets
Frozen pipes burst. Protect your exterior faucets before first freeze.
- Disconnect and drain garden hoses
- Close interior shut-off valves to outdoor faucets
- Open outdoor faucets to drain remaining water
- Install insulated faucet covers ($3-5 each)
- Know where your main water shutoff is
Clean Gutters (Second of Two)
After leaves fall, clean gutters again. Clogged gutters in winter cause ice dams and water damage.
- Wait until most leaves have fallen
- Remove all debris from gutters and downspouts
- This is more important than spring cleaning
- Consider gutter guards if you're tired of this task
- Check for damage and make repairs before winter
Check Caulk and Weatherstripping
Before winter, seal air leaks. This saves energy and prevents drafts.
- Check caulk around windows and doors (exterior)
- Replace worn weatherstripping on doors
- Seal gaps around pipes and wires entering house
- Check attic hatch seal
- Apply foam gaskets behind outlet covers on exterior walls
Fall Lawn Care
Fall is actually the most important time for lawn care. What you do now affects next spring.
- Keep mowing until grass stops growing
- Apply fall fertilizer (more important than spring)
- Overseed thin areas
- Rake or mulch leaves (don't let them smother grass)
- Final mowing at slightly lower height
Prepare for Winter Emergencies
Power outages and winter storms happen. Be prepared before you need to be.
- Stock up on ice melt/sand for walkways
- Check snow removal equipment (shovel, snowblower)
- Have flashlights and batteries ready
- Know how to safely use alternative heating
- Have 3 days of water and food stored
Winter Tasks
December - February: Protect and monitor
Prevent Frozen Pipes
When temps drop below freezing, take action to prevent frozen pipes.
- Know which pipes are vulnerable (exterior walls, crawlspace)
- Keep cabinet doors open under sinks on exterior walls
- Let faucets drip during extreme cold
- Keep home at least 55°F, even when away
- Know how to shut off water if a pipe bursts
Watch for Ice Dams
Ice dams form when heat escapes through the roof. They cause water damage. Know the signs.
- Large icicles on gutters are a warning sign
- Ice forming at roof edge indicates problem
- Proper attic insulation and ventilation prevent them
- If you see one forming, call a professional
- Never try to remove with hammer or pick
Test Smoke and CO Detectors
With heating season in full swing and windows closed, carbon monoxide risk is highest. Test detectors now.
- Test every smoke detector
- Test every CO detector
- Replace any 9-volt batteries
- Make sure you have CO detector near sleeping areas
- Make sure one on each floor
Annual Tasks
Do these once each year, anytime that works for you
Annual Roof Inspection
Your roof is your home's first defense. Catch problems early to avoid expensive repairs.
- Inspect from ground with binoculars
- Look for missing, cracked, or curling shingles
- Check flashing around chimney, vents, skylights
- Look for moss or algae growth
- Consider professional inspection every 2-3 years
Review Insurance Coverage
Home values change. Make sure your coverage keeps up with your home's value.
- Review current policy limits
- Update for any improvements or renovations
- Compare quotes from other insurers
- Review deductible - is it still appropriate?
- Check for bundling discounts
Annual Deep Clean
Beyond regular cleaning, your home needs a thorough deep clean once a year.
- Clean inside all kitchen cabinets
- Clean behind and under appliances
- Wash all windows (inside and out)
- Clean light fixtures and ceiling fans
- Shampoo carpets or refinish hardwood
- Clean HVAC vents and returns
Annual Pest Inspection
Even without visible pests, an annual inspection catches problems early. Termites are especially sneaky.
- Schedule professional pest inspection
- Ask specifically about termites and carpenter ants
- Check for signs yourself: droppings, damage, nests
- Address any moisture issues (pests love moisture)
- Consider preventive treatment plan
Annual Safety Review
Once a year, review all safety equipment and procedures. Don't skip this.
- Replace smoke detector batteries (even if working)
- Check fire extinguisher pressure gauge
- Review fire escape plan with family
- Test garage door auto-reverse
- Check that house numbers are visible from street
- Update emergency contact list
Review and Fund Maintenance Budget
Rule of thumb: budget 1-2% of home value annually for maintenance and repairs. Are you on track?
- Review what you spent this year on maintenance
- Add funds to maintenance reserve if needed
- Plan for known upcoming expenses (roof age, HVAC age, etc.)
- Don't dip into maintenance fund for upgrades
- This prevents financial stress when big repairs hit
Congratulations on Your First Year!
If you've completed these tasks, you've learned more about homeownership than most people learn in years. You're officially not a "new" homeowner anymore.