The homeowner checklist that catches what a walkthrough misses.
Whether you just moved in or have owned your home for years, these are the checks worth doing before a small issue (a leak, a pest, a worn part) turns into a major repair.
Move-in essentials
Change all exterior locks
You have no way of knowing how many copies of the old keys exist. This is the single most-skipped security step for new owners.
Locate the main water shutoff valve
You want to know where this is before a pipe bursts at 2am, not while it's happening.
Update your address with USPS and set up utilities
Basic, but easy to lose track of during a move. Mail forwarding lapses are more common than people expect.
Safety
Test every smoke & CO detector
Don't assume the previous owner maintained these. Test each one and check its manufacture date (most expire after 10 years).
Check fire extinguisher expiration
Extinguishers lose pressure over time. An expired one can fail exactly when you need it.
Walk the electrical panel and label breakers
You want to know which breaker controls what before you're standing in the dark trying to figure it out.
Water heater & plumbing
Inspect the water heater's age and condition
Most water heaters last 8–12 years. If you don't know its age, check the manufacture date on the label. A unit near end-of-life is worth budgeting for now, not after it fails.
Check for mold or moisture under sinks and around windows
Mold often starts in places you don't look: under cabinets, behind appliances, around window seals. Early signs (a musty smell, discoloration) are far cheaper to address than remediation.
Test water pressure and check for slow drains
Unusually low pressure or a slow drain can be an early signal of a pipe issue worth having a plumber look at before it's an emergency.
Inspection & structural
Schedule a general home inspection if you haven't had one recently
Even without a sale in progress, a periodic inspection catches roof, foundation, and structural issues while they're still minor.
Check the attic for proper insulation and ventilation
Poor attic conditions quietly drive up energy bills and accelerate roof wear. Most homeowners never look up here.
Look for signs of pest activity
Termites and other pests cause damage long before it's visibly obvious. A yearly pest inspection is inexpensive compared to structural repair.
Track your own checklist, for your specific home.
Create a free homeowner account to check items off, get reminded when something's overdue, and message a verified pro the moment you need one.