Essential Tasks to Complete Within Your First Year as a Homeowner

Once you’ve closed on your new home, the work continues! There are surely a few projects you’re itching to accomplish, like a fresh coat of paint and some landscaping upgrades. But there are also a number of vital tasks you’re probably not thinking about, which need to be done in the first year after buying a home.

“The first year in your new home sets the foundation for everything that comes after, but most people focus on decorating instead of critical maintenance issues,” says realtor and property investor Eli Pasternak. “I’ve worked with clients who discover expensive problems during their second year because they ignored warning signs during year one.”

There are also standard maintenance tasks that you need to get used to tackling, too. “Start with the fundamentals,” says realtor Alexei Morgado. “Step one is to keep your HVAC system serviced, along with the gutters, inspect the roof and seal windows and doors to minimize leaks and energy loss. After that, check all of your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, look for leaks, clean the dryer vent and make sure there are no pests.”

Sounds like a lot of work, but it’s actually rewarding to get into the DIY spirit. You’ll also enjoy getting to know your new home from the inside out. Here are some things you should do in the first year after buying your home.

Change the Locks

Changing the door locks is a week-one task, so you have the safety of controlling who can enter your home. Also, don’t forget to re-key keypads and reprogram garage doors.

“Even if the previous owners appear kind and trustworthy, you never really know who else holds a copy of your keys,” says realtor Jonathan Ayala. “Spare keys can float around, from real estate agents to cleaners.”

COST: Expect this task to cost between $100 and $300, depending on the number of locks and whether you DIY it using a rekeying kit or call a locksmith.

Upgrade Lighting and Fixtures

Replace incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED lights to help decrease your electric bill and up your resale value. Also consider updating and upgrading shower heads and faucets to save water and add comfort.

“Homes that are older tend to have fans, faucets, lights and other fixtures that are outdated and use a considerable amount of water and or power,” says real estate investor Andrew Reichek. “The kitchen, bathrooms and entryway have the most lighting impact, and so should be focused on first.”

COST: Expect to spend between $20 and $500, depending on the complexity, style and number of upgrades.

Inspect Systems

Pasternak recommends getting a whole house inspection within 90 days of moving in to help catch problems the original inspector might have missed. Also, during this time you might have come to notice issues on your own as well.

“Your first year is the time to figure out what’s working and what’s not,” says real estate expert Jon Wade. “Small upgrades like checking the HVAC, inspecting plumbing or fixing old wiring are all smart early moves. These things usually don’t cost a lot up front, but ignoring them can lead to expensive surprises later.”

COST: A basic HVAC service costs about $100 to $300, while plumbing or electrical checks are usually under $200. Fix the urgent stuff first, then spread out the rest as your schedule and budget allow.

Upgrade Systems

As your budget allows, start upgrading other systems that will help make your home more efficient and safe. This could include everything from swapping out old appliances to installing doorbell cameras and leak sensors.

“Old HVAC systems and water heaters can be energy hogs,” says Ayala. “Replacing them makes for a more comfortable, high-value solution, especially if you are going to be staying for the long haul.”

COST: Smart thermostats are also a real game changer, says Reichek, lowering your energy use by 15% as their algorithms learn your routines. You can pick one up for around $100 to $200.

Inspect the Roof and Clean the Gutters

“Everything in your house is protected by the roof, so make sure it’s in good condition,” says Reichek. Otherwise, you risk leaks, plus mold growth and standing water around your property’s foundation.

Twice a year, check for signs like sagging, missing shingles and damage from storms, plus clean your gutters so rainwater exits away from your house.

COST: Professional roof inspections typically cost around $200, and gutter cleanings can be upward of $200, depending on the size of your home (but gutter cleaning is also a fine DIY task).

Paint and Personalize the Interior

One of the most common home renovation projects within the first year of moving into a new space is interior painting. “We tend to think of painting as a cosmetic improvement, but it’s also functional,” says Ayala. “New paint seals the surfaces, eliminates unwanted smells and lets you create a space that’s all yours.” New paint is even more crucial if the previous owners smoked or had pets.

Also, don’t neglect exterior paint. “Fresh paint protects walls and siding from moisture, sun damage and wear,” says Wade. “Skip it, and you’ll likely end up with peeling, rot or even mold, especially in high-moisture areas.

COST: As a DIY task, expect to spend about $100 per room for paint, and be sure to use paints with low VOC to preserve your air quality.

Insulation

Many houses don’t have adequate insulation, especially in areas including the attic, basement and outer walls, and that can create a shock once you get your energy bill.

“Drafts by windows, doors and attics can add up to hundreds of dollars a year in heating and cooling costs, plus create an uncomfortable home,” says Ayala. “You may also inadvertently invite moisture or pests into those cracks.”

COST: A professional energy audit usually runs between $200 to $600, while do-it-yourself kits and weatherproofing items, like a caulking gun and weatherstripping, are more budget-conscious. First, check your doors and windows for leaks with a candle or incense stick, says Ayala. “If the smoke starts to quiver, you have yourself a draft,” he says.

Test and Update Safety Equipment

Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms and fire extinguishers should be replaced every seven to 10 years, depending on manufacturer recommendations — and this is a task most people neglect.

“You guessed it, testing and upgrading these is a life-saving task, and one you should have done in your first month,” says Ayala. “If they haven’t been swapped out, you could be running the risk that you won’t receive an emergency alert when you need it, such as when there is a fire or a gas leak.”

COST: Plan on spending $50 to $150 to refresh old detectors, and consider investing in a smart model that can keep you informed when you are away.

Inspect and Seal the Driveway

Sealing a paved driveway is essential to protecting the surface from weather damage and maintaining its overall appearance.

“Without sealing, your driveway becomes vulnerable to cracking, potholes and fading,” says driveway contractor Daniel Wickham. “Over time, this neglect can lead to significant structural damage, resulting in costly repairs or even the need for a full replacement.”

COST: If you DIY the task, expect to spend $200 or more, depending on the length and condition of your driveway.

Landscaping

Landscaping is about aesthetics, but good landscaping also includes proper grading to keep water away from your house and foundation. After rainstorms, walk around your yard to see where water is pooling. The soil should slope away from your house, and the gutter downspouts should extend at least five feet.

“A lot of people put off landscaping, but getting a head start your first year gives plants time to take root and makes your yard look lived in,” says Wade. “Letting it go can lead to weeds, erosion and a space you never really use.”

Start with the basics: clear out debris and weeds, test the soil and lay mulch. Choose native plants, as they require less watering and maintenance, plus help pollinators, birds and other wildlife. If you’re DIY’ing the task, start small, one section at a time, to keep the task from becoming overwhelming.

Maintenance

Create a home maintenance checklist, for yearly, seasonal and monthly tasks. “A well-cared-for home operates more smoothly, requires fewer costly repairs and ages more gracefully,” says Ayala.

Some yearly tasks include: system checkups (including HVAC and sump pumps), cleaning up landscaping, touching up paint damage, changing alarm batteries and inspecting the roof.

Some seasonal tasks include: cleaning the gutters, trimming plants, caulking holes, aerating soil, cleaning the chimney, checking the sprinkler system and prepping for next season’s weather.

Some monthly tasks include changing HVAC filters and looking for signs of pests.

You can download free apps and calendar tools to help keep you on track with maintenance. Or, you can opt for automation and reminders with services like HomeZada or Centriq, says Ayala. Those cost between $50 and $100 a year.

FAQ

Does where I live impact what to do in my first year?

Yes. Your region’s climate and natural disaster risks, such as wildfires, floods and hurricanes, will all dictate your priorities.

“If you live somewhere with snow, insulation and heating will be at the top of your list,” says Wade.” In a warm, humid area, you’ll want to stay ahead of moisture and mold. Even the kind of plants that work in your yard depends on local soil and rainfall.

About the Experts

• Jon Wade is a real estate expert, resort market professional and the Broker Owner at The Steamboat Group, a family-owned real estate firm in Colorado. He has been working in the industry since 2005.
• Jonathan Ayala is a real estate agent and founder of Hudson Condo, where he helps first-time homebuyers urban homeowners navigate the market and maintain their investments.
• Alexei Morgado is a real estate agent in Florida, and CEO and Founder of Lexawise Real Estate Exam Preparation.
• Andrew Reichek is CEO and founder of Bode Builders, and has more than 15 years of experience as a real estate broker and investor in Texas
• Eli Pasternak is a Florida-based real estate agent and founder of Liberty House Buying Group, which helps homeowners navigate foreclosure, probate and distressed property sales.
• Daniel Wickham is owner of First Impressions Driveways.