Home Maintenance Tips for New Homeowners

By the Mercury Team

You’ve made the big purchase, and you’re ready to settle into your very first home. But once you’ve gotten sets of keys and you’ve begun moving all your boxes into rooms, you’ll want to take a look at your new home’s potential maintenance needs. Here are a few practical home maintenance tips for new homeowners — and longtime ones, too — that can help keep your property in peak condition.

Why Home Maintenance Matters for First-Time Homeowners

Maintaining your home seems like a headache. In fact, a 2024 report in the Journal of Consumer Research found that Americans spend an average of $3,500 a year on home maintenance projects, or about $280 a month. And while that figure may seem high, preventive maintenance costs can save you in the long run.

Preventing costly repairs

Can it be a pain to clean gutters or hire someone to clean out your water heater tank? Yes. But regular inspections and upkeep can stop problems before they snowball into emergencies. Consider these statistics when it comes to repairs and replacement:

• The average water heater repair costs can range from $228 to $1,015, according to recent Angi data.
• AC repairs can run anywhere from a few hundred to more than $3,300, and AC replacement can set you back $3,000 to more than $12,000.
• The average cost to replace your home’s gutters can run between $2,000 and $6,000.

Protecting your home’s value

Your new home is most likely your biggest, most valuable asset. Having a home maintenance checklist (and keeping up with it) — whether you plan to stay in the home a few years or forever — can help preserve its long-term value. This is especially true if you plan to sell.

First Home Maintenance Tasks to Prioritize

The list of first-home maintenance tasks can seem endless, so we recommend prioritizing these top three items:

Inspecting roofing, gutters, and exterior surfaces

Start from the top. Check your roof for damaged shingles, and clean out gutters to prevent water damage. A quick look each season can help you catch problems before leaks or rot set in.

Checking plumbing systems and water damage risks

Regularly run every faucet, flush each toilet, and inspect under sinks for signs of leaks. Water damage is sneaky, which is why fixing early leaks prevents mold and drywall or flooring repairs down the line.

Testing smoke detectors and safety devices

Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly, replace batteries twice a year, and make sure you have a working fire extinguisher on each level of your home.

Indoor Maintenance Tips to Protect Your Home

Small steps can make a big difference in keeping the air clean, preventing damage, and maintaining a healthy living space. Here are a few indoor home maintenance tips:

Preventing mold and moisture issues

Monitor humidity levels, and use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms. Wipe condensation on windows or walls, and keep an eye on areas that might trap moisture, like beneath sinks or in basements and crawl spaces.

Maintaining HVAC systems and air filters

Your heating and cooling system runs hard and plays a critical role in keeping you and your family comfortable year-round. Regularly changing filters, cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils outside, and checking the drain line all contribute to a better-running system. It’s also worth having an HVAC professional out at least once a year to inspect all the pieces and parts.

Outdoor Maintenance Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

The exterior of your home takes the brunt of the weather, so upkeep prevents long-term damage and contributes to curb appeal. Add these first home maintenance tips to your checklist:

Maintaining landscaping and drainage

Keep shrubs trimmed away from siding, clear leaves from drains, and make sure soil slopes away from your home’s foundation — not toward it. Good drainage can prevent water from seeping into your basement or crawl space.

Inspecting siding, windows, and foundations

Walk around your house every few months to look for cracks, gaps, or peeling paint. Sealing small openings early protects wood, prevents drafts, and keeps pests out.

How Regular Maintenance Can Help Prevent Insurance Claims

Routine upkeep not only keeps your home in shape but can also save you money by avoiding insurance claims.

Common home issues that lead to claims

Many home insurance claims, like roof leaks, burst pipes, or fire damage, actually start as maintenance oversights. That’s why keeping up with small repairs is so important and can reduce your chances of having to file claims in the first place.

When to review your homeowners insurance coverage

If you’re making major updates, whether a roof replacement or a new HVAC system, use that time to review your homeowners policy. You’ll want to make sure your coverage accurately reflects your home’s current value and its new improvements. Otherwise, review at least once a year before your policy renews.

Ready to protect your investment as a first-time homeowner? Compare homeowners coverage options with Mercury, check for discounts, and make sure your new home — and everything in it — remains protected from the unexpected.

FAQs About Home Maintenance for New Homeowners

How often should new homeowners inspect their home for potential problems?

A general rule of thumb is to do a quick seasonal check four times a year. Give special attention after major weather events or when seasons change.

What maintenance tasks should homeowners never skip?

Don’t skip roof inspections, gutter cleaning, HVAC filter changes, or checking for water leaks. These four alone can save you from major headaches later.

What tools should every new homeowner keep on hand for basic maintenance?

Stock your toolkit with all the basics: a hammer, screwdriver set, tape measure, pliers, utility knife, level, and flashlight. Add a cordless drill and a sturdy step ladder, and you’ll be ready for most quick fixes.