New Homeowner Maintenance Checklist

Get Oriented

Before anything else, learn where the critical shut-offs are and make the home yours. These are the things you'll be glad you handled early.

• Find the main water shut-off valve. If a pipe bursts, every second counts.
• Locate the electrical panel and label the breakers so you're not guessing in the dark.
• Find the gas shut-off valve (if you have gas) and know how to turn it off.
• Change the exterior locks. You don't know who still has a key.
• Test every smoke and CO detector, replace batteries, and flag any older than 10 years.
• Note your furnace filter size and buy a few spares.
• Locate the sump pump (most SE Michigan basements have one) and confirm it runs.

Small Habits, Big Savings

A few minutes each month prevents the expensive surprises that catch most homeowners off guard.

• Check the furnace/AC filter and replace it when dirty. A clogged filter strains the system and raises your bill.
• Test smoke and CO detectors. One push of the button, ten seconds.
• Look under sinks for leaks before a slow drip becomes a cabinet full of mold.
• Run water in unused drains to reseal them and keep sewer gas out.
• Check the water softener salt (Michigan's water is hard) and refill as needed.

Stay Ahead of Michigan Weather

Michigan's climate is hard on a house. Each season brings its own short list.

Protect the Big Stuff

The larger annual jobs that protect your home's value and head off the costliest repairs.

• Service the HVAC system — furnace and AC both. A serviced system lasts years longer.
• Flush the water heater to clear sediment, especially with hard water.
• Inspect the roof from the ground or have it looked at. Catch small issues before they leak.
• Clean the dryer vent to the exterior. Lint buildup is a leading cause of house fires.
• Check attic insulation and ventilation, your best defense against ice dams.
• Re-caulk tubs, showers, and sinks where the seal has cracked.
• Test the sump pump and its backup before the spring thaw.