What should I do first as a new homeowner?

In your first week, locate the main water shut-off valve, the gas shut-off, and the electrical panel and label the breakers. Change the exterior locks, test every smoke and carbon monoxide detector, note your furnace filter size, and confirm the sump pump runs.

How often should I change my furnace filter?

Check the filter monthly and replace it whenever it looks dirty, typically every one to three months. A clogged filter strains the system and raises your energy bills.

What home maintenance matters most for a Southeast Michigan home?

The climate-driven tasks matter most: service the furnace before winter and the AC before summer, keep gutters clear, maintain attic insulation to prevent ice dams, watch for frozen pipes, and test the sump pump before spring thaws.

Do I need a home inspection if I already bought the house?

Yes, a maintenance inspection is different from a pre-purchase inspection. It gives an existing homeowner a current snapshot of the home's condition and a prioritized list of what to address, with no sale involved.

New Homeowner Maintenance Checklist | Total House Inspection

WK 1

Your First Week

Get Oriented

Before anything else, learn where the critical shut-offs are and make the home yours. These are the things you'll be glad you handled early.

Find the main water shut-off valve. If a pipe bursts, every second counts.
Locate the electrical panel and label the breakers so you're not guessing in the dark.
Find the gas shut-off valve (if you have gas) and know how to turn it off.
Change the exterior locks. You don't know who still has a key.
Test every smoke and CO detector, replace batteries, and flag any older than 10 years.
Note your furnace filter size and buy a few spares.
Locate the sump pump (most SE Michigan basements have one) and confirm it runs.

Every Month

Small Habits, Big Savings

A few minutes each month prevents the expensive surprises that catch most homeowners off guard.

Check the furnace/AC filter and replace it when dirty. A clogged filter strains the system and raises your bill.
Test smoke and CO detectors. One push of the button, ten seconds.
Look under sinks for leaks before a slow drip becomes a cabinet full of mold.
Run water in unused drains to reseal them and keep sewer gas out.
Check the water softener salt (Michigan's water is hard) and refill as needed.

SEA

Season by Season

Stay Ahead of Michigan Weather

Michigan's climate is hard on a house. Each season brings its own short list.

Spring

Clean gutters after the thaw
Service the AC before the first hot week
Walk the foundation for frost-heave cracks
Check the roof for winter damage

Summer

Inspect and seal the deck if needed
Check caulk around windows and doors
Test the sump pump before storms
Trim trees and shrubs off the house

Fall

Service the furnace before you need it
Clean gutters again after leaf drop
Shut off and drain outdoor faucets
Check door and window weather stripping

Winter

Watch roof edges for ice dams
Keep heat steady so pipes don't freeze
Know where to shut water off fast
Test the sump pump during thaws

Michigan note: Ice dams and frozen pipes cause the most expensive winter damage here. Good attic insulation and steady indoor heat prevent both. If you see thick ice building along your roof edge, address it early.

Once a Year

Protect the Big Stuff

The larger annual jobs that protect your home's value and head off the costliest repairs.

Service the HVAC system — furnace and AC both. A serviced system lasts years longer.
Flush the water heater to clear sediment, especially with hard water.
Inspect the roof from the ground or have it looked at. Catch small issues before they leak.
Clean the dryer vent to the exterior. Lint buildup is a leading cause of house fires.
Check attic insulation and ventilation, your best defense against ice dams.
Re-caulk tubs, showers, and sinks where the seal has cracked.
Test the sump pump and its backup before the spring thaw.

Not sure where something stands?

A maintenance inspection gives you a clear picture of your home's condition and what to plan for — no sale required.

Schedule a Maintenance Inspection →

Or call us: (248) 550-9492