5 Things Every First-Time Homeowner Should Know Before Moving In

1. Hook-Ups and Shut-Offs:

Be ready when the time comes for you, or someone you trust, to access a shutoff valve for your new home.  Understand all systems that use water, propane or natural gas and where the main shutoff valves are located.

Water heaters may build up sediment over time, reducing efficiency and giving your tap water a funny taste. Consider draining your hot water heater now and every year as part of your scheduled maintenance.

Depending on your home’s water sources and local iron content, ask about any additional filtration systems in use, including inside your refrigerator. Avoid unwanted surprises when running a garbage disposal, dishwasher or washing machine for the first time. Equipment attached to water systems should be tested for proper drainage, especially if recently installed or moved during an inspection.

TIP: Confirm your local garbage, recycling, and composting options in advance. Have a clear understanding of what can (and cannot) be sent through your plumbing systems.

2. Get to Know Your Circuit Breaker Box:

Don’t wait for a dark and stressful situation to explore where your breaker box is located. The big gray and black box filled with heavy-duty switches may be in your utility room, basement, or garage. Clearly labeled switches in your panel help you quickly identify which one corresponds to the specific room, space, or appliance experiencing an outage.  

3. Owner’s Manuals, Receipts, and Warranties:

Secure details from the previous owner relating to appliances, HVAC, roofing, windows, electrical, septic, plumbing, gutters, or sprinkler systems. This information is important when you or your trusted service provider need to repair, replace, remodel, or research warranties and replacement parts.

No printed owner’s manuals? Try downloading this information directly from the manufacturer’s website by searching for your equipment’s specific make and model numbers. Ask your real estate agent to research service providers or contractors the previous owners may have used.

4. Safety & Security:

Review the different locks in use for your front, back, side, doors and any detached structures and rekey or replace them immediately. Confirm that you have all the garage remotes in use from the previous owner. Reset codes on doors and locks with keypads, including the garage door opener PIN.

Immediately replace the batteries or purchase new smoke and carbon monoxide detectors along with fire extinguishers for your home. Test them every six months using Abodio’s reminders or synchronize six-month testing with the spring and fall time changes.

5. Interior and Exterior Paint Colors:

Instead of relying on rusted paint cans left behind in a shed or garage, confirm the exact stains or paint colors, brands, and sheens (satin, matte, etc.) used by the previous owner or homebuilder.

If your home is part of a Homeowners Association, carefully review a copy of all requirements for approved exterior colors or materials.  HOAs often have many other restrictions, so review these documents carefully to avoid any fines or violations.

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