CHANGE OR REKEY LOCKS

Start fresh by knowing who holds the key to your home. It is likely that the Realtor, builders, maintenance people, and neighbors might all have keys. Improve the safety of your family by changing the locks and deadbolts on your entry doors.

Changing all the locks and deadbolts can be expensive, so some homeowners choose to have newer existing locks re-keyed. Remove the locks and deadbolts from each exterior door and take them to your local hardware store to have the locks re-keyed and new keys issued.

CHANGE SECURITY AND ACCESS CODES

If the garage is attached to the house, be sure to change the keypad code soon after you move in. Determine if your garage door has a code that allows it and the openers to be reset. Not only with choosing new numbers help you remember the code, it will also keep unwanted visitors out. Also, be sure to change access codes to your home security system and any gates with keyless entry.

REPLACE FILTERS

Is your home too cold or too hot? It might be time for a new furnace or air conditioner filter. Dirty filters keep the furnace and air conditioner from running properly. They can also decrease your home's air quality, which is especially bad if anyone in your family suffers from asthma or allergies. Filters should be changed every three months.

BRING IN A HEATING AND COOLING PROFESSIONAL

Arrange a service call for your furnace and air conditioner in the first few weeks in your new home. Professionals have the tools and experience to safely take apart a furnace and air conditioner, clean out dust and debris, and check it for deterioration and broken parts. They also can spot bigger problems, such as defective furnace vents or escaped coolant.

LABEL BREAKERS

The last thing you want to do when you have wet hair dripping down your back is figure out which breaker controls the bathroom outlets. Take the time to label your breakers soon after you move in. This will also alert you to any electrical work you will need to hire out.

REPLACE BATTERIES IN DETECTORS

Chances are the previous homeowners did not tell you when they last changed the batteries in the smoke or carbon dioxide detectors. Save yourself the guesswork and change the batteries in the detectors around your home. This is also a good opportunity to check that they are all working properly and located in the correct spots. Detectors should be located on each level of the home near any sleeping areas.

FIND YOUR WATER VALVES

Before you start any plumbing project, you should know where your home’s water shut-off valve is located. In cold climates, the home water shut-off valve is usually located in a basement or crawl space. In warmer climates, it could be located on an outside wall or in an underground box with a lid. Once you have located the main water shut-off valve, take a tour of your home and find the individual valves for all faucets and toilets.

INSPECT THE FIREPLACE AND CHIMNEY

If one of the selling points of your new home was the ability to enjoy a crackling fire during the fall and winter months, be sure to have your chimney inspected before the weather turns cooler. 

Hire a professional to check for cracks in masonry, loose bricks, or burnout holes in a metal firebox. Also, check that the damper works properly and, if necessary, have the chimney swept.

ASSEMBLE A BASIC TOOL KIT

Until now, it is likely your tool kit consisted of a hammer and a random assortment of nails. But now is the time to assemble a basic tool kit that will get you through any home maintenance endeavor. 

In addition to the hammer and nails, you will need screwdrivers, pliers, a wrench, a tape measure, a level, paint brushes, and more.

MAKE A PROJECT PLAN

You have probably been making a mental list of home projects since your first walk-through of your home, but now it is time to get serious. Make a list of projects you would like to complete, take a look at your budget, and prioritize your list.