Stay ahead of costly repairs with this new homeowner’s guide, your first 12 months of home maintenance made stress-free and straightforward.
Becoming a homeowner is a milestone worth celebrating, but it also comes with a steep learning curve. This New Homeowner’s Guide is designed to help you navigate the first 12 months of home maintenance, prevent costly repairs, and build long-term confidence in managing your home.
From replacing furnace filters to checking for moss on your Seattle roof to preparing your pipes for an Austin freeze, we’ll walk you through what to do and when so your home stays safe, efficient, and well-maintained. Whether you live in Seattle, WA, Austin, TX, or Los Angeles, CA, this guide provides practical, region-specific tips to help you anticipate and address potential issues.
Why Home Maintenance Matters (Especially in the First Year)
Neglecting routine maintenance can lead to significant headaches, mold damage, fire hazards, energy inefficiency, or even foundation problems. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, the cost of preventative maintenance is typically 1%–4% of a home’s value annually, while major deferred repairs can skyrocket to 10x that cost.
With so much to remember, many new homeowners feel overwhelmed. That’s why having a clear month-by-month home maintenance calendar makes all the difference.
Year One at a Glance: Monthly Home Maintenance Checklist
Here’s an example of some of the top tasks you should tackle each month as a new homeowner. This New Homeowner’s Guide aims to keep it simple and doable, whether you plan to DIY or hire help.
| Month | Key Home Maintenance Tasks |
| 1 | Change HVAC filters, test smoke/CO alarms, check water heater for leaks |
| 2 | Clean dryer vent, inspect roof/gutters (especially after storms) |
| 3 | Service the HVAC system, inspect the crawlspace or basement for moisture or pest issues |
| 4 | Clean windows/screens, test sprinklers or irrigation |
| 5 | Pressure wash siding/walkways, seal the deck or fence |
| 6 | Check attic insulation, clean exhaust fans (bathroom/kitchen) |
| 7 | Trim trees/shrubs from the house, check for pest activity |
| 8 | Flush water heater, inspect caulking around windows/doors |
| 9 | Prepare for seasonal weather (freeze/wildfire/flood prep), check sump pump (if applicable) |
| 10 | Inspect foundation and grading, clear leaves/debris from gutters |
| 11 | Test holiday lights/safety switches, inspect fireplace or chimney (if applicable) |
| 12 | Annual HVAC maintenance, review past repairs, create next year’s plan |
Seasonal Tasks: What You Need to Know
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Seattle, WA: Watch for moss buildup on your roof; moisture creates the perfect conditions for growth. Use zinc or copper strips to prevent regrowth.
Austin, TX: Insulate exposed pipes and outdoor spigots to prevent burst pipes during flash freezes.
Los Angeles, CA: Check roof drainage and slope. LA can get hit with winter rains, and poor drainage poses a risk to the foundation.
Must-Do Tasks
Inspect weatherstripping
Run ceiling fans clockwise to circulate warm air
Check carbon monoxide detectors
Spring (Mar–May)
Seattle: Gutter cleaning is essential after the rainy season.
Austin: Inspect for hail damage after spring storms.
Los Angeles: Trim back vegetation to prep for dry wildfire season ahead.
Must-Do Tasks
Schedule an HVAC inspection before summer
Power wash siding and decks
Clean window tracks and sills
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Seattle: Inspect your irrigation system to avoid overwatering.
Austin: Check your attic ventilation; improper airflow leads to heat buildup.
Los Angeles: Maintain a defensible fire space around your property (CA requires 100 feet in many zones).
Must-Do Tasks
Deep-clean kitchen exhaust fans
Test sprinkler and drip systems
Reseal the concrete or driveway if needed
Fall (Sep–Nov)
Seattle: Look for early signs of moss or mildew, fall moisture, and leaf debris, which encourage growth.
Austin: Time to prep your home for potential freezes (wrap pipes, reverse ceiling fans).
Los Angeles: Clean roof and gutters before winter rains hit.
Must-Do Tasks
Flush water heater (sediment buildup lowers efficiency)
Inspect the insulation in the attic and crawl spaces.
Reseal windows and doors
Home Systems That Need Regular Maintenance
A big part of homeownership is learning what’s “under the hood.” This section of the New Homeowner’s Guide helps you keep an eye on key systems.
HVAC
Change filters every 1–3 months
Get biannual professional tune-ups
Watch for unusual sounds or poor airflow
Plumbing
Check under sinks monthly for signs of leaks
Drain a gallon from your water heater every 3–4 months to remove sediment
Know the location of your main water shutoff valve.
Electrical
Label your breaker panel if it’s not already
Don’t overload circuits, especially in older homes
Install whole-house surge protectors if in storm-prone areas
Appliances
Clean your dishwasher filter monthly
Pull out the fridge twice a year to vacuum coils
Test your oven temperature calibration annually
Proactive Safety Measures for Peace of Mind
Preventative safety tasks often get overlooked, but they’re essential.
Test smoke/CO detectors every month
Replace batteries twice a year (depending on your unit)
Install anti-tip brackets on ovens and furniture (especially with kids or grandkids)
Secure railings and handrails
Install grab bars and non-slip strips in tubs/showers (especially for aging in place)
If you're over 55 or planning for retirement, it's also worth evaluating:
Wider doorways
Lever-style door handles
Easy-access showers (no tub ledges)
These adjustments can help you stay in your home longer, safely.
Automate and Delegate: Tools That Make Home Maintenance Easier
Feeling overwhelmed by everything? You’re not alone. Consider these digital and human tools:
Smart Home Automation
Smart leak detectors (under sinks and near water heater)
Smart thermostats (like Nest or Ecobee)
Scheduled lighting or power strips for safety and efficiency
Home Maintenance Concierge Services
Suppose you'd rather hand it off to someone else. In that case, companies like Melody Lane Home Pros offer trusted handyman services, full home maintenance management, and safety upgrades for new homeowners, retirees and busy families in Seattle, Austin, and Los Angeles.
Regional Tips: What Homeowners in Your Area Should Know
Seattle, WA
Key Risk: Moss and mold buildup due to high rainfall
Tip: Add zinc strips to roofs and install ventilation fans in bathrooms
Austin, TX
Key Risk: Sudden freezes damaging pipes
Tip: Use pipe insulation kits, and know how to drain outside spigots
Los Angeles, CA
Key Risk: Wildfire exposure
Tip: Keep 100 feet of defensible space, clean gutters, and use fire-retardant plants near the home
Keep It Simple, Keep It Scheduled
Home maintenance doesn’t need to be overwhelming. This New Homeowner’s Guide gives you a roadmap to protect your investment, keep your family safe, and build confidence in your new role as a homeowner.
Whether you prefer DIY checklists, concierge support or a combination or the two, what matters most is that these tasks get done. Proactive care today prevents expensive repairs tomorrow.
Need an Extra Set of Hands? We’re Here to Help
AtMelody Lane Home Pros, we specialize in helping new homeowners, busy professionals, and retirees maintain their homes year-round. From seasonal tasks to full-service home maintenance concierge packages in Seattle, Austin, and Los Angeles, we’re ready when you are.
Let us help you check things off your to-do list, safely, smartly, and on schedule.
