After the excitement of your first year in a new home, it's time to take some important steps to ensure your house stays in great shape for years to come. Here are the key things new build homeowners should consider doing after one year to protect their investment and maintain their home.

Schedule a Home Inspection

A lot can change in a year, and that includes your home's condition. Small issues that may not have been present at move-in can develop over time. Settling, weather, and normal wear and tear can all contribute to changes you might not notice right away.

Hire a professional inspector to assess your home for structural settling, HVAC performance, plumbing issues, or electrical system updates. An inspection now can help you catch problems before they become expensive headaches down the road.

Checklist:

• Hire a licensed home inspector.

• Assess foundation, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems.

• Review the inspection report and address any issues.

Review Your Builder's Warranty

If your home is still under a builder’s warranty, it is important to take the time to identify and report any issues before the warranty expires. Many warranties cover defects in materials and construction, which means this is your chance to fix problems without out-of-pocket costs.

This is a good opportunity to address both minor cosmetic problems and potentially more significant issues. Reporting these issues early can save you money and headaches later. Do not miss this window to make the most of your builder’s warranty.

Checklist:

• Check the expiration date of your builder's warranty.

• Identify any defects or issues.

• Contact the builder to report problems before the warranty ends.

Evaluate Your Mortgage

One year into owning your home is a great time to reassess your mortgage. Interest rates fluctuate, and even a small change can make a big difference in what you pay over time. Refinancing could help you secure a lower rate, reduce your monthly payments, or even tap into your equity.

You may also find that your financial goals have shifted since you first bought the home. Perhaps you now want to pay down the mortgage faster, or you need to free up cash for other purposes. Re-evaluating your mortgage can help you ensure it still fits your financial needs.

Checklist:

• Check current mortgage rates.

• Compare your current rate and terms to new offers.

• Consult with a mortgage advisor to explore refinancing options.

Test Smoke Detectors and Safety Systems

Your safety systems are essential for protecting your home and family. Replace the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, and test each one to make sure they are functioning correctly. It is a good habit to test these systems at least twice a year.

Additionally, check your fire extinguishers to ensure they are in good working order. If you do not have fire extinguishers, now is the time to get them and place them in key areas like the kitchen and garage.

Checklist:

• Replace batteries in smoke detectors.

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

• Check fire extinguishers or purchase new ones if needed.

Seal Gaps and Cracks

As your home settles, gaps and cracks may form around doors, windows, and even walls. These small openings can let drafts in, making your home less energy efficient and potentially leading to water damage. Inspect all the doors, windows, and exterior walls for any gaps or cracks that have developed.

Applying caulking or weatherstripping is a simple way to seal these openings and improve your home’s energy efficiency. Taking care of these gaps now can also help keep pests out and reduce your heating and cooling bills.

Checklist:

• Inspect all windows and doors for gaps.

• Apply caulking to cracks in walls.

• Add weatherstripping to drafty doors or windows.

Check for Settlement in Landscaping

Over the course of the year, your landscaping may have shifted. This is especially common if you have had a lot of rain or significant weather events. Inspect the grading around your home to ensure that water is flowing away from your foundation, not pooling near it.

If you find that water is collecting near your foundation, it may be time to regrade your yard. Proper grading helps to prevent water damage and keeps your foundation secure.

Checklist:

• Inspect the grading around your home.

• Ensure water is draining away from the foundation.

• Regrade any areas where water is pooling.

Review Home Insurance Coverage

Your home’s value may have changed since you purchased it. Take time to review your home insurance policy to make sure that you have adequate coverage for the current value of your home. You may need to adjust your coverage if you have made upgrades or if the value of your home has increased.

It is also a good idea to review your policy details to ensure you understand what is covered. Being proactive now can save you from being underinsured when you need it most.

Checklist:

• Review your current home insurance policy.

• Adjust coverage to reflect any upgrades or changes in value.

• Contact your insurance provider with any questions.

Create a Long-Term Maintenance Plan

Now that you have lived in your home for a year, creating a long-term maintenance plan will help keep your home in great shape. A good plan will include seasonal maintenance tasks, annual inspections, and regular upkeep to prevent small issues from turning into bigger problems.

Write down a checklist of tasks to perform each season and keep it in a place where you can easily reference it. Staying on top of maintenance will make your home easier to care for and more enjoyable to live in.

Checklist:

• Create a list of seasonal maintenance tasks.

• Schedule reminders for annual inspections.

• Keep the checklist in an accessible place.

Paint Touch-Ups

After a year of living in your home, the walls, trim, and ceilings might show some wear and tear. Scuffs, chips, and peeling paint are normal in high-traffic areas, but touching them up will help keep your home looking fresh and prevent further deterioration.

Walk through each room and make note of any areas needing attention. A small investment of time now can keep your home feeling new and well cared for.

Checklist:

• Walk through each room to identify paint touch-ups.

• Purchase paint that matches the original colors.

• Touch up scuffs, chips, and peeling areas.

Document and Organize Home Records

Keeping a record of all repairs, inspections, and upgrades is important for future reference. Detailed records can help you track the maintenance history of your home, making it easier to plan for future repairs or upgrades. It can also be very useful when it comes time to sell your home, as potential buyers may want to see evidence of consistent maintenance and care.

Organize these documents in a way that is easy to access. Consider keeping both digital and physical copies of all receipts, warranties, and service records. Staying organized now will save you time and effort down the road when you need to reference these documents.

Checklist:

• Collect records of all home repairs and upgrades.

• Organize documents in both digital and physical formats.

• Keep receipts, warranties, and inspection reports in an accessible place.

Essential Steps for New Build Homeowners

By following these steps, you can ensure that your new home remains in excellent condition and continues to be a solid investment for the future. The first year is just the beginning of your journey as a homeowner, and taking proactive measures now can prevent costly issues down the line. Regular maintenance, inspections, and evaluations will help you protect the value of your home and create a comfortable, safe space for you and your family.

Remember, maintaining your home is not just about fixing things when they break—it’s about being proactive and staying ahead of potential problems. Set reminders, follow through on your checklists, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help when needed. A well-maintained home is not only more enjoyable to live in, but it also provides peace of mind and financial security.