If you just bought a new home, the purchase price and closing costs are just the start. There are lots of things to buy for a house that you may not realize. These aren't just nice-to-haves. The right first purchases can prevent major headaches down the road.
Start With Security: Rekey Locks
Your beautiful new home might have more keys floating around than you think.
"There is a possibility that there are numerous contractors and subcontractors who might have worked on the house during the construction process," said Oliver Morrisey from Empower Wills & Estate Lawyers. "You do not know whether you are the only one with keys to the house."
Cost: Rekeying locks costs $100 to $300 but delivers instant peace of mind.
Clear the Air
Being the first to live in a home with fresh paint and new materials is one of the best parts about buying a new construction home, but it's important to make sure the air you're breathing is safe and clean.
"New homes can sometimes come with a new home smell, but that's not always a good thing," said Eric Goranson, home improvement expert and host of "Around the House Show." "That scent can be caused by off-gassing from paints, sealants, carpets, cabinetry, and other building materials."
Start with air quality testing to establish a clean baseline for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), radon, carbon monoxide, and other potential pollutants before you move in.
Cost: Air quality testing costs range, but you can expect it to cost around $400, depending on the size of your home.
Test Your Water
Know your home's water quality right from the start. Even when your plumbing is brand new, regional water sources and local mineral content can affect fixtures and appliances.
"Hard water can damage fixtures, appliances, and plumbing over time," Goranson said. "A test kit can reveal if you need a softener or filtration system, allowing you to address it before problems arise."
Simple water test kits reveal whether you need softening or filtration systems before damage occurs.
Cost: You can expect to pay $25-$400, depending on the type and number of tests you request.
Cover Those Windows
Nothing makes a new house feel more exposed than bare windows. And trying to sleep without any window coverings gets old quickly.
"I also advise new homeowners to get ahead when ordering curtains and blinds," said Joyce Huston, lead interior designer and co-founder at Decorilla. "Window treatments don't just make a home feel more complete, but they also give some much-needed privacy, especially at night."
Order window treatments before moving day if possible. Whether simple curtains or automated shades, having privacy and light control from day one makes a huge difference.
Cost: Varies widely based on size and number of windows, and type of treatments.
Add Comfort Quickly
Small touches transform a sterile new build into a welcoming home faster than major furniture purchases.
"Adding little details to soften the edges in a new build makes a world of a difference for settling in," Huston said. "Things like bathmats in the bathrooms, runners in halls, holders for toothbrushes and soap, and more can make a new house feel that little bit more like a home."
Prioritizing everyday comforts from day one helps you relax and enjoy your new space immediately.
Detailed Documentation
Most homeowners completely forget this crucial step, but disasters happen when you least expect them.
"Over 50% of households don't have any sort of documentation of their home's build or a list of their belongings," said Oona Linna, CEO and founder of ReEmber. "This means that in a case of a disaster, like a flood, fire, or hurricane, they would be in a devastating situation, where they would have to remember all their home's contents from their memory, which is nearly impossible."
Creating a home inventory protects your investment.
The good news: While you should immediately obtain documentation, you don’t actually have to purchase this item. A simple video walkthrough works well. Record each room thoroughly, including cabinets, drawers, and closets, to create clear visual evidence of your belongings.
Cost: Free.
Essential Day-One Kit
Moving day chaos makes necessities hard to find when you need them most.
"Grab a large storage tote and put all those day one essentials in this box," Goranson said. "Things like phone chargers, power strips, toiletries, paper towels, some cups, and beverages so you have something to start with before the moving boxes begin to open."
Make sure this survival kit fits in your vehicle before movers arrive. Don't forget a step ladder for immediate hanging and reaching needs.
Get on the Grid
Smart technology comes standard in most new builds, but many homeowners never maximize these features.
"If your new home includes smart technology such as lighting, thermostats, door locks, or home security, make sure your internet is up and running early," Goranson said. "Ask your builder or the system integrator for a walkthrough."
Understanding these systems from day one helps you take full advantage of your connected home features and avoid frustration later.
The bottom line: Smart first purchases protect your investment and boost comfort immediately. Focus on security, air quality, basic comfort items and documentation. Your future self will thank you.
Michael Letendre
Michael Letendre is a writer for NewHomeSource and Builder Magazine.