Homeownership is a significant milestone for many, especially those who’ve just completed the new home construction process. After you officially move in and decorate the walls, keeping your investment safe, functional, and well-maintained should be at the top of your mind. As a general guideline, homeowners should budget 1% to 4% of the home’s purchase price annually for maintenance, repairs, and unexpected expenses that can arise over time.
If you’re a new homeowner looking to navigate the realm of maintenance, we’ll walk you through essential maintenance tips and routines needed to keep your home running smoothly year-round.
Essential Seasonal Home Maintenance for New Homeowners
We’ve handpicked the most important home maintenance tips for new homeowners each season, so you’ll stay ahead of the game, no matter the season.
Winter Home Maintenance Tips
Cold weather can be harsh on a home, so proactive maintenance is key.
- Before temperatures freeze, prevent ice dams by clearing your roof and gutters after snowstorms to avoid water damage and ice buildup.
- Maintaining warmth and air quality inside your home becomes essential. Be sure your heating vents are clear of dust and obstructions so your system can work efficiently.
- Another trick inside your home is to reverse the ceiling fans to rotate clockwise at a low speed, which helps to push warm air downward and keeps your rooms at an even temperature.
- Winter is also a good time to flush your water heater to remove sediment buildup and keep the system running smoothly.
Spring Home Maintenance Tips
As your home transitions out of the colder months, spring is the perfect time to reset and address any damage that winter may have left behind.
- One of the most important home maintenance tips for new homeowners in spring is to start outdoors. Clear away any lingering debris from your lawn and apply fertilizer to encourage healthy growth. If you want to take it a step further, consider core aeration to improve soil health and promote stronger roots.
- Next, inspect your roof for signs of wear or damage from snow and ice. Spring rains can worsen minor issues, so catching problems like missing shingles or leaks early can save money.
- Inside the home, replacing or cleaning your air filters helps improve air quality and keeps your HVAC system running efficiently, especially when pollen is present.
- Spring is also a good time to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. A single chirp typically means it’s time for new batteries.
- Lastly, don’t forget about your appliances. For example, if your washing machine has a self-clean cycle, run it to flush out built-up residue and keep it performing at its best.
Summer Home Maintenance Tips
Summer brings warmer weather and new home maintenance challenges that every homeowner should be ready for.
- One of the most crucial home maintenance tips for new homeowners during this season is to watch for increased insect activity. Regularly inspect your home’s exterior for signs of pests that become more active as temperatures rise.
- Cleaning your windows is another important task. Summer’s warmth helps pollen and dust residue dry quickly after washing, making it the perfect time to clean your windows and enjoy clearer views.
- Treat your garbage disposal in the kitchen with baking soda and warm water to eliminate odors and buildup.
- Summer is grilling season, and proper grill maintenance is essential. Preheat before scrubbing with a grill brush to remove residue for gas grills, while soap and water work best for charcoal grills.
Fall Home Maintenance Tips
As the air turns crisp and the leaves start to fall, it’s the perfect time to prepare for the colder months again.
- Among the most important home maintenance tips for new homeowners this season is checking the fire extinguishers. Make sure they’re charged, up to date, and easily accessible in case of emergency.
- Indoors, walk through your kitchen and bathrooms to inspect caulking around sinks, tubs, and backsplashes. Replacing worn or cracked caulk helps prevent moisture damage and keeps things sealed tightly before winter.
- Outside, start preparing your yard for the change in seasons. Rake leaves, aerate your lawn, and apply fertilizer to help it stay healthy during its winter dormancy. If you have a sprinkler system, now’s the time to shut off the water supply and drain any remaining water to avoid freezing and costly repairs later on.
- Finally, stock up on cold-weather essentials like firewood, sidewalk salt, and windshield wiper fluid. A little prep now goes a long way once the first frost hits.
General Builder Suggestions
Regarding home maintenance tips for new homeowners, your builder is one of the best resources, especially during your first year in a new construction home. As seasoned experts, most builders will provide a detailed walkthrough during the closing process, explaining essential care, warranty coverage, and appliance upkeep — you can use these materials as a reference point throughout your first year and beyond.
- Stick to a maintenance routine: Regularly inspect your home’s systems, finishes, and exterior to catch issues early and keep things running smoothly.
- Know your warranties: Understand what’s covered, for how long, and what actions might void coverage.
- Document everything: Record any issues, updates, and service appointments for easy reference during warranty claims.
- Address small problems early. If left unattended, caulking, drainage, or system noises can become larger (and more expensive).
- Use the resources provided: Whether it’s a homeowner manual, recommended service contacts, or scheduled warranty check-ins, follow your builder’s guidance to stay on track.
Caring for Your Home with Confidence
Following smart home maintenance tips for new homeowners is essential to protecting your investment and ensuring your home stays safe, comfortable, and efficient for years to come. You can avoid costly repairs and enjoy peace of mind by staying proactive with regular upkeep and using resources like your builder’s recommendations.
For expert advice and reliable maintenance guidance, Brock Built is your trusted partner every step of the way. From the foundation of building your dream home to the excitement of move-in day and beyond, we’re dedicated to supporting you throughout your entire homeownership journey. Connect with us today to get started.
FAQs
What regular maintenance should be done on a house?
Regular home maintenance includes inspecting and servicing key systems like HVAC filters, plumbing, and electrical components. It’s essential to check your roof and gutters for debris, test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, maintain appliances, and keep your lawn and exterior in good condition. These tasks help prevent minor issues from becoming costly repairs and keep your home safe and efficient.
What is the rule of thumb for property maintenance?
A common rule of thumb for property maintenance is to budget about 1% to 4% of your home’s purchase price annually for maintenance, repairs, and unexpected expenses. This range helps cover everything from seasonal upkeep to larger repairs over time, ensuring your property remains in good condition and retains its value.
How often should I perform home maintenance tasks?
Maintenance frequency varies by task, but many essential jobs, such as HVAC servicing, gutter cleaning, and roof inspections, should be done seasonally. Checking smoke detectors or replacing furnace filters might be quarterly or monthly. Establishing a routine schedule tailored to your home’s needs is one of the best home maintenance tips for new homeowners to keep your property running smoothly year-round.