15 Essential Home Checks Every New Homeowner Should Do in Their First Month
Moving into your new home is an exciting milestone, but once the boxes are unpacked and the furniture is in place, it’s time to get to know your property properly.
Whether you’ve bought a modern apartment or a Victorian terrace, carrying out a few simple checks during your first month can help you avoid expensive surprises, improve safety and make your new house feel like home.
Here are 15 essential home checks every new homeowner should complete within the first month.
1. Locate the Stopcock
If a pipe bursts, you’ll need to turn off the water supply quickly.
Find your property’s internal stopcock and make sure everyone in the household knows where it is.
It’s also worth checking that it turns freely—you don’t want to discover it’s seized when you need it most.
2. Find the Consumer Unit
Your consumer unit (often called the fuse box) controls the electricity throughout your home.
Take a few minutes to:
- Identify each circuit.
- Label any switches that aren’t clearly marked.
- Learn how to reset a tripped breaker safely.
Knowing where it is can save valuable time during an electrical fault.
3. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Safety should always come first.
Press the test button on every smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector to make sure they’re working correctly.
Replace batteries where necessary and note the installation dates if they’re recorded.
4. Check Every Window and Door
Open and close every window and external door.
Look for:
- Faulty locks
- Broken handles
- Stiff hinges
- Damaged seals
- Draughts
Small repairs are usually much cheaper if dealt with early.
5. Locate All Utility Meters
Find your:
- Gas meter
- Electricity meter
- Water meter (if fitted)
Take photographs of the readings on the day you move in and submit them to your utility providers to avoid paying for the previous owner’s usage.
6. Test Every Tap and Toilet
Run every tap and flush every toilet.
Check for:
- Slow drainage
- Dripping taps
- Low water pressure
- Leaks beneath sinks
Minor plumbing issues are much easier to fix before they become major problems.
7. Inspect the Boiler
Find out:
- How old it is.
- When it was last serviced.
- Where the pressure gauge is.
- How to adjust the thermostat.
If you haven’t been given a recent service record, arrange a boiler service as soon as possible.
8. Check the Loft
Many homeowners don’t look in the loft until months after moving in.
Take a torch and check for:
- Signs of leaks
- Damp insulation
- Pest activity
- Adequate insulation
- Daylight coming through the roof
Early detection can prevent costly repairs.
9. Walk Around the Outside of Your Home
Inspect:
- Gutters
- Downpipes
- Roof tiles
- Brickwork
- Fencing
- Paths
- Driveways
Look for anything that appears damaged or in need of maintenance.
10. Change the Locks
Unless you’re certain you’re the only person with a key, replacing external door locks is a sensible investment.
Previous owners, tenants or tradespeople may still have copies.
Changing the locks provides peace of mind from day one.
11. Deep Clean Hidden Areas
Before your furniture is fully in place, it’s the perfect time to clean areas that are usually difficult to access.
Don’t forget:
- Behind appliances
- Inside kitchen cupboards
- Skirting boards
- Window frames
- Extractor fans
Starting with a clean slate makes ongoing maintenance much easier.
12. Check Your Home Insurance – see our blog Understanding Home insurance
Make sure your buildings and contents insurance is active from the day you legally became responsible for the property.
Review your policy to understand:
- What’s covered
- Your excess
- Any exclusions
It’s better to know now than after making a claim.
13. Create a Home Maintenance Folder
Keep important documents together, including:
- Boiler manuals
- Appliance warranties
- Insurance documents
- Electrical certificates
- Gas Safety Certificate (if applicable)
- Receipts for repairs and improvements
Having everything organised will save time in the future.
14. Introduce Yourself to the Neighbours
A friendly introduction can go a long way.
Neighbours can often provide useful information about:
- Bin collection days
- Local tradespeople
- Parking arrangements
- Community groups
- The history of the property
They may also keep an eye on your home when you’re away.
15. Make a List of Future Improvements
Not everything needs to be done immediately.
Spend time living in your new home before making major changes.
Keep a notebook or use your phone to record ideas as you settle in.
You may find your priorities change once you’ve lived there for a few weeks.
Don’t Try to Do Everything at Once
Buying a home often comes with a long list of jobs, but remember—you don’t have to tackle them all in your first weekend.
Focus on:
- Safety
- Security
- Essential maintenance
- Getting familiar with your new home
The decorating and bigger renovation projects can come later.
15 Essential Home Checks Every New Homeowner Should Do in Their First Month
Your first month in a new home is the perfect opportunity to understand how everything works, identify any issues and establish good maintenance habits.
By carrying out these simple checks early, you’ll reduce the likelihood of unexpected problems and enjoy greater confidence in your new property.
After all, the more familiar you are with your home, the better prepared you’ll be when something eventually needs attention.
Redrose Tip
Take photographs of every room, along with utility meter readings, appliance serial numbers and any existing damage during your first week. Not only will this help with insurance if you ever need to make a claim, but it’s also a great way to look back and see just how much you’ve transformed your home over the years.
Call us on 01772 456 558 or pop into our Buckshaw Village office for a friendly chat and expert advice
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15 Essential Home Checks Every New Homeowner Should Do in Their First Month