Just Bought a Home? Here Are Ten Tips for Staying on Top of Maintenance

1

Outline a Clear Schedule

In the beginning, the best method to get organized is to outline a basic but clear schedule for the most common household tasks. A great way to start is by using the stock calendar on your phone: mark the three tasks you know you’ll need to tend to on a weekly basis, set them to recur, and make sure you have notifications turned on. This will ensure you never forget anything.

You can also use this method to break larger tasks into smaller ones, splitting something laborious over the week so that it’s not as difficult to complete. Some people also like to keep a physical calendar on their kitchen wall or on the fridge, so that’s an option if you’d prefer it.

2

Look After Your Appliances

Modern appliances mostly run themselves after the pressing of a few buttons, but it’s still important to care for them properly. While it might be boring, be sure to read the manual for each appliance carefully to make certain you’re doing what you can to prevent excessive wear on the components, and with equipment like washing machines and dryers, never exceed the stated capacity.

Beyond the manual, a few habits go a long way: clean your dryer lint trap after every load, descale your washing machine monthly, and check refrigerator door seals annually. Appliances that are well maintained last significantly longer and use less energy, which adds up considerably over the years of homeownership ahead of you.

3

Get Plumbing Problems Fixed Early

It’s likely that at some point during your time in the home, you’ll experience a plumbing problem. Usually, it’ll just be something small, like a leaky fixture, but even these minor issues should be fixed as soon as possible. It’s very easy for a problem like this to turn into a disaster later on down the line, and you don’t want to ever be in the position where you have to spend hundreds on something that could’ve been fixed cheaply.

Water damage is one of the most expensive repairs a homeowner can face. A slow drip under a sink can quietly cause mold, rot, and structural damage over months before it becomes visible. Make it a habit to check under sinks and around toilets every month, and never ignore a water stain on a ceiling or wall.

“A small drip costs almost nothing to fix. Left alone for six months, the same problem can cost thousands. Plumbing is always cheaper to address early.”

4

Don’t Forget About Regular Servicing

Some items in your home, such as your boiler and HVAC systems, will need to be serviced regularly. A boiler check-up from a qualified professional can catch wear and tear early and save you significantly in the long run. Speak with your plumber and HVAC engineer to work out a schedule that suits you best.

One of the most commonly overlooked parts of HVAC maintenance is the filter. Most manufacturers recommend replacing it every one to three months depending on usage and whether you have pets. A clogged filter forces your system to work harder, drives up energy bills, and shortens the lifespan of the unit significantly.

5

Pay Attention to Your Gutters

Your gutters perform the important role of filtering rainwater off your roof and into the drain, but they can easily get blocked by leaves and other outdoor debris. When this happens, water can pool in one area and cause damage to the roof or foundations of your property. This can be easily avoided simply by having your gutters inspected and cleaned twice per year, once in late spring and once in late autumn after the leaves have fallen.

While you’re up there, take a look at the roof too. Missing or cracked shingles, damaged flashing around chimneys and vents, and any sagging sections are worth flagging to a professional before they become a larger problem. Most roof issues are inexpensive to fix early and very costly to ignore.

6

Regularly Inspect the Exterior of the Property

It’s not just the gutters that need looking at on the outside. It’s also key to periodically inspect the brickwork for any signs of degradation. Minor issues can be patched up with DIY methods. At the same time, you should take a look at your fencing for signs of rot. Wooden planks should be patched up as soon as possible with new boards.

Walk the full perimeter of your property at least twice a year and look for cracks in the foundation, gaps around window and door frames, and areas where water might be pooling against the house. Weatherstripping around exterior doors is easy to replace and makes a real difference to drafts and energy bills. This Old House has a thorough guide to annual home inspection that’s worth working through once a year. Our own post on spotting problems in your house early is a useful companion to it.

7

Have a Pest Control Contact Handy

Unfortunately, household pests are quite common. From tiny insects like ants to larger animals such as mice and rats, undesirable wildlife can wreak havoc in your home. Always sweeping up food from the floor and sealing gaps and cracks is essential, but be sure to also have a reliable contact for pest control handy in case of an emergency.

Prevention matters too. Check for gaps around utility entry points, keep firewood stored away from the house, and make sure your bins seal properly. If you spot signs of activity such as droppings, gnaw marks, or unexplained damage, don’t wait. Pest problems compound quickly and are far easier to resolve when caught early.

8

Test Your Detectors Regularly

Everyone knows the importance of having modern smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed, but it’s also vital to remember to test them regularly. If you’ve lost the instruction manual that came with your device, you should be able to find the recommended testing schedule on the back of the unit. Usually, it’s once per week.

Replace batteries at least once a year regardless of whether the low-battery warning has triggered. A good habit is to swap them out every time the clocks change. Most detectors also have a lifespan of around ten years, so check the manufacture date on the back and replace any that are approaching that age.

“Change your clocks, change your batteries. It’s one of the simplest home safety habits there is and one of the most commonly skipped.”

9

Maintain a Repair Budget

If you can, it’s always a good idea to keep back a small amount of money that you don’t touch for repairs. Even if you do everything perfectly, you never know when you’re going to need to pay for a tradesperson to come out and fix something. Planning ahead with a dedicated repair fund prevents you from ever being caught out by costly surprises.

A commonly cited rule of thumb is to set aside one percent of your home’s purchase price per year for maintenance and repairs. On a $300,000 home that’s $3,000 annually, or $250 a month. It sounds like a lot until the furnace goes out in January. Keeping this fund separate from your regular savings makes it easier to protect and less tempting to dip into for non-home expenses. For more on building smart financial habits around homeownership, our home financial planning guide is a useful starting point.

10

Make Sure Everything Has a Place

The best way to make certain things don’t get messy is to ensure everything has a dedicated home in the first place. Look to any drawers or cupboards you have and give each one a specific purpose. For larger items, consider the corners in each room of the house and whether you could fashion some shelves or storage structures there to keep the place tidy.

Organization also applies to your maintenance supplies and tools. Keep a dedicated spot for spare batteries, light bulbs, basic tools, and cleaning products so you always know where to find them when something needs attention. By making sure each belonging has a place to live, even if things get chaotic, you’ll be able to tidy up quickly and efficiently. For more ideas on this, see our guide to creating a comfortable and organized living space.