Your first year as a homeowner is the perfect time to establish a maintenance routine that protects your investment and helps prevent costly repairs. Start by reviewing your home inspection, locating key systems, checking safety devices and giving your appliances and mechanical systems a thorough once-over.
Seasonal exterior maintenance—such as clearing eavestroughs, checking drainage and inspecting the foundation—can help prevent bigger issues down the road. It’s also important to understand the specific maintenance needs of your type of home and keep a home journal with warranties, manuals, inspection records and service dates for future reference.
Here is a quick list of some home essentials for your first year!
- Basic tool kit — hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, tape measure and adjustable wrench
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Fire extinguisher
- First-aid kit
- Spare light bulbs and batteries
- Sturdy step ladder
- Work gloves
- Plunger and basic drain-cleaning supplies
- Basic cleaning supplies
- Thermometer or humidity monitor
- Duct tape, utility knife and assorted screws/nails
- Lawn Mower
- Folder or digital file for warranties, manuals, receipts and maintenance records
