New home, new habits.
Congratulations on your new home! You can enjoy more free time and less DIY projects as renovations and repairs are not in the forefront. Smart, routine maintenance protects your investment and keeps everything running as it should.
Common new home concerns
Buying a newly built home means fewer surprises, but not zero concerns or upkeep.
Foundation: Settling and improper grading
HVAC issues from improper installation
Not cooling or heating, high energy bills, poor air quality
Improper balancing - home not cooling or heating evenly
Poor or incomplete construction
Missing insulation, improper caulking
Nail pops, drywall cracks, gaps in flooring
Landscaping and drainage
Water pooling around foundation
Gutters and downspouts not directing water away from home
Get organized early
Your builder may give you a packet of manuals and warranties during your final walkthrough. Keep it all in one place for easy reference.
Track appliance lifespans and warranty coverage.
Learn how everything in your home works.
Use a home maintenance app or calendar to stay on top of tasks (use our checklist below).
Exterior upkeep
Your home won’t tell you something’s wrong, there’s no “check-engine light,” so do an annual tour to inspect your home's exterior.
Clean gutters and downspouts: Clogs can cause ice dams and water damage.
Check drainage: Make sure downspouts and lawn slope move water away from your foundation.
Check landscaping: Watch for soil settling that shifts water toward your house.
Clean the dryer vent: Do this yearly to reduce fire risk.
Interior care
Most indoor tasks are about keeping air clean, water flowing, and systems safe. Replace air filters once you move in.
HVAC filters: Check and replace monthly, especially if nearby construction is ongoing.
Water heater: Drain a gallon annually to flush out sediment.
Refrigerator coils: Vacuum them to keep things cool and efficient.
Laundry hoses: Check for leaks.
Sump pump: Test it once a year.
Fireplace: Have the chimney inspected every few years if you use it regularly.
GFCI outlets: Test monthly.
Detectors: Change batteries in smoke, CO, and radon detectors every spring and fall.
Essential Home Maintenance Checklist for New Homes
This list will allow you to mark your calendar for routine maintenance.
| Monthly | Seasonally (Spring & Fall) | Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Check HVAC filters | Test smoke, CO, and radon detectors | Clean gutters and dryer vent |
| Inspect GFCI outlets | Check downspouts and drainage | Vacuum refrigerator coils |
| Walk your property for signs of water pooling or settling | Flush one gallon from water heater | |
| Inspect exterior paint, caulking, and seals | Inspect and tighten door and window hardware | |
| Check fireplace/chimney if used | ||
| Check roof (or hire a pro to inspect) | ||
| Test sump pump |
One last scheduling tip
Before your 1-year builder warranty ends: Consider hiring a home inspector. You might find issues your builder still has to fix for free.
Why it matters: Your new home is a significant investment. Creating good maintenance habits early helps prevent costly repairs later. Your new home deserves it and so does your wallet.
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Julie Gordey
A lifelong educator, Julie Gordey, is a retired school administrator. After years of focusing on education, this University of Texas graduate now travels and enjoys freelance writing for BDX and NewHomeSource.com.