New Homeowner Guide: First 30 Days

Homeowner Summary

The first 30 days in a new home set the foundation for years of safe, efficient homeownership. Amid the excitement of moving in, unpacking, and making the space your own, there are critical tasks that protect your family's safety, secure your investment, and prevent expensive problems from developing undetected.

This is not a renovation checklist or a decorating guide. This is the essential infrastructure knowledge that every homeowner needs but most never receive. Your home inspector spent 2-3 hours evaluating the property, but the inspection report is a snapshot — it does not teach you how to operate and maintain the house. This guide fills that gap.

The items below are prioritized by urgency. Day 1 tasks address immediate safety and security. Week 1 tasks establish your understanding of the home's systems. Week 2-4 tasks set up the ongoing maintenance habits that protect your investment for the long term. Completing this checklist puts you ahead of 90% of homeowners and dramatically reduces your risk of expensive surprises.

First 30 Days Checklist

Day 1: Immediate Safety and Security

These tasks should be completed on moving day or the day you receive the keys. They address the most basic safety and security needs.

Change or Rekey All Exterior Locks

• [ ] Rekey all exterior door locks — rekeying is faster and cheaper ($15-$25 per lock by a locksmith) than replacing locks; it renders all previous keys non-functional while keeping the existing hardware
• [ ] Alternatively, replace all locks ($30-$100 per lock) if the existing hardware is worn, outdated, or you want to upgrade to smart locks
• [ ] Change the garage door opener code — consult the opener manual; most units allow code changes via a button sequence on the motor unit
• [ ] Verify all exterior doors have deadbolts — interior-only locks (knob locks) are not secure; add deadbolts where missing
• [ ] Check all sliding doors for security — ensure the latch engages and consider adding a security bar in the track
• [ ] If the home has a security system: contact the monitoring company to transfer the account to your name, change all codes, and test the system

Why Day 1: You do not know how many copies of the keys exist or who has them. Previous owners, their family, contractors, dog walkers, housekeepers, real estate agents, and neighbors may all have copies.

Locate All Shutoffs

Finding these during an emergency is too late. Find them now, while you are calm and the house is accessible.

• [ ] Main water shutoff valve: typically in the basement or crawlspace where the water line enters the house, or at the water meter near the street. Turn it off and on to verify it works. Tag it with a bright label.
• [ ] Main gas shutoff valve: at the gas meter (exterior of the house). Requires a wrench to operate. Strap a wrench to the meter pipe for emergency access. Note: once you shut off gas, only the gas company should restore it.
• [ ] Electrical panel (breaker box): usually in the garage, basement, utility room, or exterior wall. Open the panel and map each circuit breaker to the room or outlet it controls. Label every breaker clearly. Identify the main breaker.
• [ ] Water heater: locate the unit and identify its fuel type (gas or electric). Find its temperature dial and shutoff valve.
• [ ] HVAC system: locate the furnace/air handler and outdoor AC unit. Find the power switch or disconnect for each. Locate the air filter.
• [ ] Sump pump (if present): locate the unit in the basement; identify the discharge pipe and power source.
• [ ] Outdoor faucet shutoff valves: locate the interior shutoff valve for each outdoor hose bib (usually in the basement near the exterior wall).

Create a map: sketch the home's floor plan and mark the location of every shutoff. Post it inside the utility closet or breaker box. Share it with all family members.

Test Safety Devices

• [ ] Test every smoke detector — press the test button; replace batteries or the entire unit if it does not alarm
• [ ] Test every carbon monoxide detector — verify they are present on every level and near sleeping areas; add detectors where missing ($20-$40 each)
• [ ] Test all GFCI outlets — press the test button (should click and cut power), then press reset; GFCIs are required in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, basements, and exterior locations
• [ ] Locate fire extinguishers — verify they are charged (check the pressure gauge); if none exist, purchase ABC-rated extinguishers ($20-$60 each) for the kitchen, garage, and each floor
• [ ] Identify the fire escape plan — two exits from every room, a family meeting point outside

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Week 1: Learn Your Home's Systems

HVAC Filter and System Check

• [ ] Locate the air filter — it is in the furnace/air handler, typically accessible from a slot on the side or bottom of the unit; less commonly in a return air vent in the wall or ceiling
• [ ] Check the filter size — read the dimensions printed on the filter frame (e.g., 16x20x1, 20x25x4). Write this down and buy 3-6 replacement filters immediately.
• [ ] Replace the filter now regardless of when it was last changed — start fresh with a known-clean filter
• [ ] Note the HVAC equipment make, model, and serial number — from the data plate on the furnace and outdoor unit. You need these for warranty verification, filter orders, and service calls.
• [ ] Check the last service date — ask the previous owner or check for a service sticker on the unit. If the last professional tune-up was more than 12 months ago, schedule one.
• [ ] Test both heating and cooling (if seasonally appropriate) — run each mode for at least 15 minutes and verify air comes from all vents.
• [ ] Walk the house and locate all supply and return vents — make sure none are blocked by furniture or closed off.

Water Heater Settings

• [ ] Check the water heater temperature — the standard recommendation is 120 degrees F (49 degrees C), which prevents scalding and reduces energy costs while still killing most bacteria
• [ ] If the temperature is set above 140 degrees F (60 degrees C), lower it to 120 degrees F — higher settings waste energy, accelerate tank corrosion, and create scalding risk, especially with children in the home
• [ ] Note the water heater age — read the serial number on the data plate and decode the manufacture date (typically the first four digits represent month and year; manufacturer websites provide decoding guides); water heaters last 8-12 years (tank) or 15-20 years (tankless)
• [ ] Inspect the area around the water heater for signs of leaks — rust stains, puddles, or mineral deposits on the floor indicate current or past leaking
• [ ] Locate the temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve — it is on the side or top of the tank with a discharge pipe running down to within 6 inches of the floor or to a drain; test it by lifting the lever briefly (water should flow, then stop when released); if it drips continuously after testing, it needs replacement ($20-$30 part, $150-$250 installed)
• [ ] Check for a drip pan under the water heater — if the water heater is on a finished floor (not in a basement or garage), a drip pan with a drain line is essential to prevent water damage from minor leaks

Plumbing Familiarization

• [ ] Run every faucet (hot and cold) and flush every toilet — verify function, check for leaks under sinks, and note any slow drains
• [ ] Check water pressure — unscrew a hose bib or use a pressure gauge ($10-$15) at an outdoor faucet; normal residential pressure is 40-80 PSI; over 80 PSI requires a pressure-reducing valve to protect fixtures and appliances
• [ ] Identify the water heater fuel source — gas (look for a gas line and pilot light or electronic ignition) or electric (look for thick wiring and no gas line)
• [ ] If you have a septic system: locate the tank and drain field; obtain the last pumping record from the previous owner; schedule pumping if it has been more than 3 years
• [ ] If you have a well: test the water quality (bacteria, nitrates, pH, hardness) within the first month ($30-$100 for a basic test kit, $100-$300 for a professional lab test)

Electrical Familiarization

• [ ] Complete the breaker panel map if not done on Day 1 — have one person at the panel and another walking the house with a phone charger or lamp to test each circuit
• [ ] Label every breaker with permanent marker or adhesive labels — "Kitchen outlets," "Master bedroom," "Garage," etc.
• [ ] Identify the amperage of your electrical service — typically 100, 150, or 200 amps; this determines how many heavy appliances you can run simultaneously and whether upgrades are needed for future additions (EV charger, heat pump, etc.)
• [ ] Test all exterior outlets and verify GFCI protection
• [ ] Note any ungrounded outlets (two-prong instead of three-prong) — these indicate older wiring that may need updating for safety and insurance compliance

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Week 2: Documentation and Inventory

Create a Home Inventory

• [ ] Photograph or video every room — open cabinets, closets, and drawers to capture contents; include the garage, attic, and basement
• [ ] Document major appliances — record make, model, serial number, and approximate age for: refrigerator, dishwasher, washer, dryer, oven/range, microwave, water heater, HVAC system, water softener, garage door opener
• [ ] Estimate replacement values for high-value items — furniture, electronics, jewelry, art, musical instruments, tools
• [ ] Store the inventory in the cloud — email it to yourself, upload to Google Drive, or use a home inventory app; paper records in the home will be destroyed in the same event that creates the insurance claim
• [ ] Review your homeowners insurance — compare your inventory values to your policy limits; adjust coverage if your belongings exceed the policy's personal property limit (typically 50-70% of the dwelling coverage)

Register Warranties

• [ ] Gather all appliance manuals from the previous owner — if not available, download PDF versions from the manufacturer's website using the model number
• [ ] Register each major appliance with the manufacturer — this activates warranties, enables recall notifications, and provides proof of ownership for warranty claims
• [ ] Check for transferable warranties — some builder warranties, roof warranties, and appliance extended warranties transfer to new owners, but often require notification within 30-60 days of the sale
• [ ] Register the HVAC system — many manufacturers extend the warranty from 5 years to 10 years with product registration (free, but must be done within 60-90 days of installation; for a used home, check if the original registration was completed)
• [ ] File all warranties and manuals in one location — physical folder or digital folder; include receipts for all home improvements and appliance purchases going forward

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Week 3-4: Establish Maintenance Habits

Create a Maintenance Schedule

• [ ] Review the Annual Maintenance Calendar (see related article) and note which tasks apply to your home and region
• [ ] Set calendar reminders for recurring tasks:
  • Monthly: check/replace HVAC filter
  • Quarterly: test smoke/CO detectors, flush condensate drain, inspect under sinks for leaks
  • Semi-annually: clean gutters (spring and fall)
  • Annually: HVAC tune-up (spring for AC, fall for furnace), chimney inspection (if applicable), water heater flush, pest inspection
• [ ] Identify your seasonal maintenance windows: spring (March-April), summer (June-July), fall (September-October), winter (December-January)
• [ ] Budget for annual maintenance: plan for $2,000-$4,000 per year in routine maintenance for a typical single-family home; this includes professional services, filters, supplies, and minor repairs

Establish Service Relationships

• [ ] Find a trusted HVAC technician — ask neighbors for recommendations or check online reviews; schedule your first tune-up
• [ ] Find a trusted plumber — having a plumber you trust before an emergency saves time and money when one occurs
• [ ] Find a trusted electrician — especially important if the home has older wiring or you plan any renovations
• [ ] If applicable: find a chimney sweep, pest control service, lawn care provider, and arborist
• [ ] For each service provider: save their contact information in your phone and in a binder or file accessible to other household members

Landscaping and Exterior Assessment

• [ ] Walk the entire perimeter of the home and note the condition of siding, foundation, grading, gutters, and landscaping
• [ ] Identify drainage patterns — where does rainwater go? Away from the foundation (good) or toward it (problem)?
• [ ] Note tree proximity — any trees with branches overhanging the roof or within 10 feet of the house need monitoring and possible trimming
• [ ] Check the fence and gate condition if present
• [ ] Identify the property lines — review the survey (should have been provided at closing); know where your property ends, especially for fence and tree disputes with neighbors

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Warning Signs for New Homeowners

These issues, if discovered during your first 30 days, may indicate problems that the home inspection missed or that developed since the inspection:

• Water stains on ceilings or walls (active or historical roof/plumbing leak — investigate source)
• Musty or moldy smell in the basement, crawlspace, or any room (moisture intrusion — find the source before it causes health issues)
• Circuit breakers that trip repeatedly (overloaded circuits or faulty wiring — consult an electrician)
• Running toilet or dripping faucet (wasting water and money; usually a simple repair but should be addressed promptly)
• Doors or windows that stick or will not close properly (possible foundation settlement — monitor; if progressive, consult a structural engineer)
• HVAC system that runs constantly without reaching the set temperature (system may be undersized, low on refrigerant, or have duct leaks)
• Pest evidence: droppings, gnaw marks, mud tubes, wing piles (address immediately before infestation worsens)
• Hot spots on walls or ceilings (potential electrical issue — have an electrician inspect immediately)

Pro Detail

Dealer Upsell Opportunities: New Homeowners

New homeowners are the highest-value customer acquisition opportunity. They are actively setting up their home, forming service relationships, and making purchasing decisions about home systems and monitoring.

| Service | Typical Price | Closing Rate | Notes | |---------|--------------|-------------|-------| | Whole-home inspection + report | $200-$400 | High | Positions dealer as the home expert | | HVAC tune-up + assessment | $80-$150 | Very high | First touch; identifies system condition and age | | Smart thermostat installation | $150-$400 | High | New homeowners are upgrading everything | | Water leak sensor package | $100-$400 | Medium-high | Peace of mind for new investment | | Whole-home maintenance plan | $300-$600/year | Medium | Recurring revenue; loyalty driver | | Air quality assessment | $100-$200 | Medium | Appeals to health-conscious buyers | | Insulation assessment | $100-$200 | Medium | Often reveals savings opportunities | | Water heater flush + inspection | $100-$200 | Medium | Reveals age and condition; upgrade lead |

New Homeowner Strategy: The first 90 days after a home purchase is the highest-conversion window. New homeowners are: (1) motivated to protect their investment, (2) unfamiliar with the home's systems and eager for expert guidance, (3) making decisions about service providers that often persist for years, and (4) willing to spend on upgrades and monitoring. Offer a "New Home Health Assessment" (free or at cost) that audits all major systems and produces a prioritized maintenance and upgrade plan. This single visit generates an average of $500-$2,000 in immediate work and establishes the dealer as the homeowner's ongoing service partner.

Code & Compliance

• Smoke detector requirements vary by state: many states require hardwired, interconnected detectors with 10-year sealed batteries in all bedrooms, outside sleeping areas, and on every level upon home sale. Verify compliance with your state's requirements.
• Carbon monoxide detectors are required in 37 states; requirements vary by room and proximity to fuel-burning appliances
• GFCI protection is required in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, basements, crawlspaces, laundry rooms, and exterior outlets per current NEC; older homes may not meet current code (grandfathered) but upgrading is strongly recommended for safety
• Lock changes are not legally required but are universally recommended by locksmiths, real estate agents, police departments, and insurance companies
• Pool safety: if the home has a pool, verify compliance with local pool barrier requirements immediately — liability exposure is significant

Cost Guide

| Task | Cost | Notes | |------|------|-------| | Rekey locks (3-4 locks) | $60-$100 | Locksmith visit; same-day service | | Replace locks (3-4 locks) | $100-$400 | Depends on lock grade and smart features | | HVAC filters (6-month supply) | $20-$100 | Buy in bulk; stock the correct size | | Smoke detectors (if replacing) | $20-$50 each | 10-year sealed lithium recommended | | CO detectors (if adding) | $20-$40 each | Combination smoke/CO units available ($30-$60) | | Fire extinguishers (2-3) | $40-$180 | ABC-rated; one per floor minimum | | HVAC tune-up | $80-$150 | Schedule within 30 days of move-in | | Water quality test (well homes) | $30-$300 | Basic DIY or comprehensive lab test | | Home inventory app | Free-$50/year | Digital backup essential |

Total first-30-days cost: $200-$600 for essential safety and familiarization tasks.

Energy Impact

The first 30 days establish energy consumption patterns that persist until actively changed:

• Setting the water heater to 120 degrees F (from a common default of 140 degrees F) saves 6-10% on water heating costs ($30-$60 per year)
• Installing a programmable or smart thermostat within the first month establishes setback patterns that save 10-15% on heating and cooling ($150-$250 per year)
• Identifying and sealing obvious air leaks (the candle test on a breezy day) during the first month can save 5-15% on heating and cooling
• Replacing an old furnace filter that may have been in place during the vacant-home showing period improves airflow and efficiency immediately
• Understanding your electrical panel helps you identify high-consumption circuits and make informed decisions about energy-efficient upgrades

Shipshape Integration

SAM is designed to be the new homeowner's guide through the critical first 30 days and beyond:

• New home onboarding: When a Shipshape dealer registers a new customer, SAM initiates a structured 30-day onboarding sequence. Day 1 tasks are presented immediately. Subsequent tasks are delivered on a schedule that matches the timeline in this checklist, preventing overwhelm while ensuring nothing is missed.
• Equipment registration: SAM prompts the homeowner to photograph the data plates on each major appliance. SAM reads the information (make, model, serial number, age) and automatically populates the home profile with equipment details, expected lifespans, and maintenance schedules.
• Shutoff mapping: During the initial home setup, SAM guides the homeowner through locating and photographing each shutoff (water, gas, electrical). These are stored in the home profile and instantly accessible in an emergency — even offline.
• Maintenance schedule automation: Based on the home's equipment, age, location, and climate zone, SAM generates a personalized maintenance calendar with automated reminders. The homeowner does not need to research intervals or remember dates.
• Home Health Score baseline: SAM establishes a baseline Home Health Score during the first 30 days based on the home's age, equipment condition, completed inspection items, and maintenance history. This score becomes the benchmark for tracking improvement and identifying risk.
• Dealer relationship initiation: SAM introduces the new homeowner to their assigned Shipshape dealer with a personalized welcome that includes the dealer's contact information, a description of services, and a prompt to schedule the first maintenance visit. The dealer receives the home's profile with equipment details and any concerns identified during onboarding.
• Ongoing guidance: After the initial 30 days, SAM transitions to seasonal maintenance mode, delivering the spring, summer, fall, and winter checklists on the appropriate schedule, personalized to the home's specific systems and the homeowner's completed history.