New Homeowner Checklist

If you have made the jump to homeownership from renting, you may find yourself in a brand new world! To get yourself prepared to be an amazing homeowner, here are some items that might be helpful for you as you move in into your new home.

Pro Tip: Make sure you get utilities set up and turned on for your move in date! (Check your NWMLS form 22K to find out your utility companies at your new home.)

New Homeowner Checklist:

1. Change locks. Spares could be floating around anywhere.

2. Hide an extra key in a lockbox. Thieves look under flowerpots.

3. Reset the key codes for garage doors, gates, etc.

4. Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Who knows when the last time it was done. Definitely install them if there are none.

5. Check the temperature on your water heater, especially if you have young ones, so it won't accidentally scald. Manufacturers tend to set them high, but generally 120 is the max recommended.

6. Make sure motion lights and other security lights have working bulbs.

7. Put a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and each additional floor.

Maintenance Planning

Start your master maintenance plan (and good home-keeping habits) by setting reminders in your calendar to do these basic maintenance tasks:

1. Clean out the dryer hose and vent yearly. Clogged ones burn down houses. And you don't know the last time the previous homeowner did it. (This is in addition to changing the lint trap each use, and keeping your washing machine door open to prevent anything growing!)

2. Change your HVAC filters at least once a season, or as recommended by the manufacturer. You'll save on heating and cooling — and your unit will last longer.

3. Schedule annual HVAC maintenance (there will be less competition for service in Spring and Fall).

4. Clean your fridge coils at least once a year. It'll run better and last longer. (Don't see any coils? Lucky you! Newer fridges often have coils insulated, so there's no need for annual cleaning.)

5. Drain your water heater once a year.

6. Clean your gutters at least twice a year, and potentially your roof as well if you’re under big trees that drop needles or wet leaves.

Emergency Preparedness

You really don't want to be figuring any of this out in a real emergency. Do it now. You'll sleep better and be less likely to ruin your home.

1. Locate the main water shut-off valve. Busted pipes happen to almost every homeowner at least once, and water damage can be value-busting and pricey to fix.

2. Find the circuit box and label all circuit breakers.

3. Find the gas shut-off valve, too, if you have gas.

4. Test the sump pump if you have one. Especially before the rainy season starts.

5. List emergency contacts. You already know 911. These are the other numbers you often need in an emergency. You should have them posted where they're easy to see:

   1. Your utility companies

   2. Your insurance agent

   3. Plumber

   4. Electrician

Home & Mortgage Documents

(These are in case there's a dispute with your mortgage lender or if you're a bit forgetful about due dates. I actually discovered my mortgage lender had been overcharging us on a rental property and got thousands of dollars back!)

1. Store copies (the originals should be in a fireproof safe or safety deposit box) of important home documents so they're readily available. Go paper, cloud, or better yet, both.

   1. Lender contact information

   2. Inspection report

   3. Final closing documents

   4. Insurance documents

2. Set mortgage and other bills to auto-pay so you're never late.

8 Gadgets to Consider:

1. Wet-Dry Vacuum

   You're gonna be spilling stuff. Look for a wet-dry vacuum that can handle everything from paint to nails and small stones.

2. (The Right) Fire Extinguisher or Fire Blanket

   You never know when a fire might happen, might as well be ready for it.

   But before going out and buying the first extinguisher you see, check out the U.S. Fire Administration's guide. There are five different types of fire extinguishers with different uses, from extinguishing cooking oils to wood and paper. Choose the best type or types for your home.

3. Extension Cord Organizer

   Home ownership seems to breed extension cords that grow into a tangled nest. Save yourself time and hassle, and splurge on one of several cord management devices. Or make your own with a pegboard, hooks, and velcro straps to keep each cord loop secure. Either way, your cords will be knot-free and easy to find. And be sure to include a heavy-duty extension cord in your organizer that's outdoor-worthy. You don't want to really have to use that fire extinguisher.

4. Big-Kid Tools

   Odds are you already own a bunch of the basics: drill, screwdriver, hammer, level, tape measure, wrench, pliers, staple gun, utility knife, etc. But home ownership may require a few new ones you might not have needed before, including a:

   1. Stud finder. You can make as many holes in the walls as you want now. Use the stud finder to figure out where to hang those heavy shelves so they're safely anchored.

   2. Handsaw. Much easier (and cheaper!) than a power saw, you can get a good cross-cut saw for smooth edges on small DIY projects.

   3. Ratchet set. Every bolt in your new house belongs to you, so you'd better be able to loosen and tighten them when needed. Crank that ratchet to get to spots where you can't turn a wrench all the way around. Great for when you're stuck in a corner.

   4. Pry bar. Get one with a clawed end to pull nails and a flat end to separate drywall, remove trim or molding, and separate tile.

   5. Assemble an emergency supply kit. Some key items are:

      -Flashlights and batteries

      -Non-perishable food and water

      -Blankets and warm clothing

      -A radio, TV, or cell phone with backup batteries

5. Tool Kit

   You'll need something to carry all those tools around from project to project. Create a tool carrier using a tool bucket liner and an old 5-gallon bucket. Or invest in a handyman belt filled with the basics to keep on hand in the kitchen.

6. Headlamp

   Take that flashlight out of your mouth and work hands-free. From switching out a faucet to figuring out what's making that clicking noise behind the washer, there are plenty of homeowner tasks that require both hands and a little artificial light.

7. Emergency Preparedness Kit

   Additional supplies you should have in your kit, including cash, food, water, infant formula and diapers, medications, a flashlight, batteries, first aid kit, matches, sleeping bags, and a change of clothing. The agency recommends you stock enough for every member of your household, including pets, for at least 72 hours.

8. Ladder(s!) - But not just any old ladder. Consider:

   1. How high you need to go. If you use an extension ladder for a sky-high job, school yourself on safety tips such as not standing above the support point.

   2. How heavy-duty it is. Check the ladder's duty rating so you know how much weight (you, your tools, paint cans, etc.) it'll support.

Hopefully this gets you off to a good start in your journey of being a Homeowner!