Critical
When a pipe bursts, every minute counts. Know where the valve is before you need it.
- How often
- Every 2 yr
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Free
- Time
- 15 min
Thousands in water damage while you search for the shutoff during a flood.
How & when to do itFirst-time homeowner maintenance checklist
Nobody hands you a manual when you get the keys. If you do nothing else, do these ten things first. They're the highest-leverage tasks for a brand-new homeowner — the ones that prevent fires, floods, and the expensive surprises that blindside first-timers.
Your first week
Test smoke & CO alarms
Smoke & CO alarms
Working alarms are the single biggest factor in surviving a house fire.
- How often
- Every 6 mo
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Up to $30
- Time
- 15 min
A dead alarm offers zero warning when it matters most.
How & when to do itClean the dryer vent duct
Dryer vent
Lint is highly flammable and builds up where you can't see it.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- DIY or pro
- Cost
- Up to $150
- Time
- 45 min
Clogged dryer vents cause thousands of house fires every year.
How & when to do itTest the sump pump
Sump pump
Pour a bucket of water in the pit and confirm it kicks on. Simple and vital.
- How often
- Every 6 mo
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Free
- Time
- 15 min
A dead pump during a storm means a flooded basement overnight.
How & when to do itThe full checklist
Critical
When a pipe bursts, every minute counts. Know where the valve is before you need it.
- How often
- Every 2 yr
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Free
- Time
- 15 min
Thousands in water damage while you search for the shutoff during a flood.
How & when to do itTest smoke & CO alarms
Smoke & CO alarms
Working alarms are the single biggest factor in surviving a house fire.
- How often
- Every 6 mo
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Up to $30
- Time
- 15 min
A dead alarm offers zero warning when it matters most.
How & when to do itTest GFCI outlets
Electrical
GFCI outlets near water protect you from shock — but they wear out silently.
- How often
- Every 6 mo
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Up to $25
- Time
- 15 min
A failed GFCI removes shock protection in kitchens and bathrooms.
How & when to do itClean the dryer vent duct
Dryer vent
Lint is highly flammable and builds up where you can't see it.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- DIY or pro
- Cost
- Up to $150
- Time
- 45 min
Clogged dryer vents cause thousands of house fires every year.
How & when to do itReplace HVAC air filter
Heating & cooling (HVAC)
A clogged filter makes your system work harder, raising bills and shortening its life.
- How often
- Every 3 mo
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- $10–$30
- Time
- 10 min
Frozen coils or a burned-out blower motor — a $1,500+ repair.
How & when to do itTest the sump pump
Sump pump
Pour a bucket of water in the pit and confirm it kicks on. Simple and vital.
- How often
- Every 6 mo
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Free
- Time
- 15 min
A dead pump during a storm means a flooded basement overnight.
How & when to do itFlush sediment from water heater
Water heater
Sediment buildup wastes energy and corrodes the tank from the inside.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- DIY or pro
- Cost
- Up to $150
- Time
- 45 min
A ruptured tank that floods the floor — and a surprise $1,200 replacement.
How & when to do itClean gutters & downspouts
Roof & gutters
Clogged gutters send water into your foundation, fascia, and basement.
- How often
- Every 6 mo
- Who
- DIY or pro
- Cost
- Up to $200
- Time
- 1.5 hr
Foundation cracks and basement flooding — repairs run into the thousands.
How & when to do itPhoto-document your belongings for insurance
Home inventory
A simple photo walkthrough makes insurance claims far easier after a loss.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Free
- Time
- 1 hr
Without proof, claims get denied or shortchanged.
How & when to do itTest garage door auto-reverse & sensors
Garage door
The auto-reverse safety feature protects kids and pets.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Free
- Time
- 10 min
A failed sensor turns a heavy door into a hazard.
How & when to do itFrequently asked questions
What should a first-time homeowner do first?+
Find and test your main water shutoff, test every smoke and CO alarm, and clean your dryer vent. Those three protect you from the most common catastrophic — and entirely preventable — home disasters.
How do I keep track of home maintenance?+
The simplest way is a personalized, scheduled plan instead of a generic list. Build your free Owner Tools and it will tell you what's due each month for your specific home — no spreadsheet required.
Is home maintenance really that important?+
Yes — and it's mostly cheap. The recurring theme of homeownership is that small, inexpensive tasks prevent large, expensive repairs. A $15 task skipped becomes a $1,500 bill.