You've closed, you have the keys, and you have a list: the inspection report, the things you noticed at the walkthrough, and the projects you've been dreaming about. Here's the order we recommend to new DMV homeowners, so the important things get done first and the expensive surprises get caught early.
DAY ONE: SAFETY AND SECURITY
- Change or rekey the locks. You don't know how many keys are out there.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, replace batteries, and replace any detector older than 10 years.
- Find the main water shut-off and the electrical panel, and label the breakers if they aren't.
- Check the dryer vent for lint buildup. It's a leading cause of house fires.
BEFORE YOU MOVE IN: THE EASY-NOW PROJECTS
Some projects are dramatically easier in an empty house:
| Project | Why Now |
|---|---|
| Interior painting | No furniture to move; often 20–30% faster |
| Floor refinishing or replacement | Impossible to do well around furniture |
| Popcorn ceiling removal or ceiling repairs | Messy; requires covering everything |
| Light fixtures and ceiling fans | Quick, and you'll live with them every day |
| TV mounting and wall wiring | Plan placement before the furniture arrives |
FIRST MONTH: THE INSPECTION REPORT
Sort the inspector's notes into three groups:
- Water and safety: roof leaks, plumbing drips, grading that sends water toward the foundation, electrical defects. Do these first. Water damage is the problem that grows fastest.
- Systems near end of life: a water heater over 10 years, an aging HVAC system, an old roof. Get quotes now and budget, even if they still work.
- Cosmetic: everything else can wait.
FIRST SEASON: LEARN THE HOUSE
- Watch where water goes during the first big rainstorm: gutters, downspouts, the basement.
- Service the HVAC system before your first summer or winter.
- Re-caulk tubs, showers and exterior trim where it's cracked.
Live in the house for a few months before starting a major remodel. How you actually use the kitchen and which rooms get morning light will change what you want to build.
Seasonal checklists help after that first year: see our fall and summer maintenance guides.
RELATED READING
HOW TO INCREASE YOUR HOME VALUE BEFORE SELLING IN THE DMV
What actually moves sale price in this market — paint, floors, targeted kitchen and bath updates, and curb appeal that photographs well.
SUMMER HOME MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST FOR DMV HOMEOWNERS
What to inspect, clean, and repair before the DMV summer hits — the checklist that prevents expensive reactive repairs in late summer and fall.
FALL HOME MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST FOR THE DMV
Gutters, faucets, decks, concrete, paint and HVAC — what to finish before the first freeze.
Planning a project? See our Property Maintenance service page for scope, process and recent work.
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