Once the home buying process is behind you and the keys are finally in your hand, there are a few important things you’ll want to take care of as a new homeowner. Some are simply good housekeeping, while others can directly affect your safety and security. Don’t assume the previous owner had everything set up exactly as you would. Start with these 12 important items to help get your new home off to a safe and well-organized start.
1. CHANGE THE LOCKS
At closing, you’ll receive a house key—but there’s really no way to know how many other copies may still be floating around. Family members, friends, neighbors, contractors, pet sitters, and others may have received keys from the previous owner over the years. Depending on your preference and budget, either replace the locks completely or have the existing locks re-keyed. If you’d like updated door handles or a different style, a new set will come with new keys and often includes a deadbolt. Here are some options for new entry door lock sets. There are plenty of styles and finishes available, and installing a new front door handle isn’t particularly difficult. If you’d rather keep your current hardware, a locksmith can re-key the locks and make as many duplicate keys as you need.
Of course, sooner or later someone manages to lock themselves out. If you keep a spare key outside the home, avoid the obvious hiding places:
- Under the doormat
- Above the door
- Under a rock
- In the mailbox or planter
Instead, consider a more secure solution such as a professionally installed lockbox or another controlled-access option. An electronic lockset with features such as a numerical keypad, biometric access, smart-home integration, or a live camera view can also help reduce the chances of being locked out.
2. TEST & INSPECT SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS
Make sure every smoke and carbon monoxide detector in the home is in good working order, whether it’s directly wired or battery-operated. Test each unit and check its age and manufacturer’s replacement recommendations. For optimal protection, read about recommended smoke and carbon monoxide detector placement here.
If you need to buy new smoke detectors or a carbon monoxide detector, look for appropriate safety features and self-testing options. For more information about what to purchase and how to install it, Forbes published this Smoke Detector Guide.
3. FIND THE GAS AND WATER SHUTOFF VALVES
A burst pipe or the smell of gas is not the time to start figuring out where your shutoff valves are located. Find them now and make sure they’re accessible. If a particular valve requires a tool, keep the proper wrench somewhere easy to find nearby. Once you’ve located the water and gas lines, consider marking them with tags. Use a permanent marker to identify which pipes are gas or water and add any helpful instructions.
4. REVIEW THE CIRCUIT BREAKER PANEL
Locate your circuit breaker panel and take a few minutes to understand how it’s organized. Resetting a tripped breaker is much easier when there are descriptive labels identifying what each switch controls. If the panel isn’t labeled—or the labels no longer make sense—now is a good time to have that corrected. You’ll appreciate it the first time a breaker trips.
5. RE-CODE THE GARAGE DOOR OPENER & KEYPAD
Just as you don’t know who may have copies of the old house keys, you don’t know who may still have access to the garage. Reset the garage door opener remote by locating the owner’s manual and following the manufacturer’s instructions. If there’s an exterior keypad, reset that code as well. If you don’t have a separate keypad and would like one, one can be purchased here.
6. CHECK THE TEMPERATURE SETTING OF THE WATER HEATER
Take some time to learn how your hot water heater operates and how to set the water temperature safely. Check the current setting and adjust it as necessary according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and the needs of your household.
Also look for records showing when regular maintenance was last performed. If you’re unsure or maintenance is overdue, schedule a visit with a qualified service professional familiar with your specific brand and model.
7. COMPILE A HOME INVENTORY LIST
No one expects to experience a fire, hurricane, tornado, or other disaster, but creating a home inventory now can make an enormous difference if one ever occurs. Documenting what you own can help when filing an insurance claim and may also help you determine whether you have enough personal property coverage. An inventory list with photos works well, or you can create a narrated video or use a home inventory app from your insurance company or another online source. You may also want to start a Homeowner Journal to keep track of warranties, improvements, and service appointments.
8. READ THE HOME INSPECTION REPORT
Now that you’re living in the home, pull out that inspection report again. It can serve as a useful roadmap for future maintenance and repairs. Review any issues the inspector identified that haven’t already been addressed, decide which ones deserve priority, and create a plan for handling them over time.
9. SCHEDULE A SERVICE CALL FOR THE HVAC SYSTEM
A properly operating heating and cooling system makes a big difference in both comfort and efficiency. Start by setting the thermostat to your preferences and changing the filters. Then consider having the HVAC system inspected and serviced by a contractor qualified to work on your particular brand and model. Some companies offer maintenance plans that include twice-yearly checkups and reduced service fees. Check for any warranty requirements before choosing a contractor, and remember that most systems have both indoor and outdoor components, so make sure both are inspected.
10. FILE ALL CLOSING DOCUMENTS
Keep your closing documents together in a secure, easy-to-identify location. These may include the property deed, deed of trust for the mortgage, promissory note, closing disclosure, purchase contract, seller disclosure, home warranty, inspection report, and receipts for appliances or renovations. You might choose a safe deposit box or a highly rated fireproof and waterproof box. If you’d rather store documents electronically, there are also plenty of digital storage options.
11. COMPILE A LIST OF TRUSTED CONTRACTORS
The best time to find a plumber is before water is pouring across the floor. Start building a list of trusted plumbers, electricians, HVAC contractors, and other maintenance professionals now so you won’t have to scramble when something goes wrong. Ask neighbors for recommendations, use reputable online resources, read “How to Choose the Best Contractor“, or ask me for recommendations for reliable service providers and contractors.
12. GET A HOME WARRANTY
Major home systems and appliances can be expensive to repair or replace. A home warranty is a service contract that may cover the repair or replacement of certain working components of a property, including various home systems and appliances. Coverage, exclusions, service fees, and contract terms vary, so review the details carefully before choosing a plan. Home warranties can generally be purchased around the time of closing and may offer renewal options. You can read more about home warranties in this article, and I can help you explore home warranty companies and options for your new home.