How-to library
Step-by-step instructions for every task on our checklists: 157 guides, each with the time it takes, what it costs, common mistakes and the sources behind it.
Before closing
- How to test for radonAt least 48 hours for the test, plus lab time
- How to use your 10-day lead paint inspection windowAbout 3 to 5 hours on site; report in about 3 to 7 business days
- How to test the private well before closingShort sampling visit; ask the lab about turnaround
- How to compare your Closing Disclosure to the Loan EstimateAbout 45 minutes
- How to verify wiring instructions by phone before sending15 min
- How to bind homeowners insurance before closing1 to 2 hours
- How to do the final walkthrough1 to 2 hours
- How to walk the new build and write a punch list2 to 3 hours
- How to file your closing documents for the long haul30 min
- How to have older wiring and electrical panels checkedAllow time for one electrician visit; repairs vary
- How to decide whether to buy owner's title insurance20 min
- How to check flood risk and buy flood insurance earlyAbout 30 minutes to check; longer for quotes
- How to get every key, code, manual and leftover from the seller15 min
- How to get and read HOA documents before you commit2 hrs to read the packet
- How to get septic records, an inspection and a map of the tankRecords vary by county; the inspection is one visit
- How to pull the permit history for the houseVaries: quick online, longer if records are on paper
- How to ask for a sewer scope before closingA short visit, usually booked with the home inspection
- How to photograph and video every open wall before drywallOne site visit; length depends on house size
- How to hold off on new credit and big purchases until you closeFrom application until closing
- How to decide whether a home warranty is worth it30 min to read one contract
- How to measure rooms, doors and stairs for furniture45 min
Before you move in
- How to rekey or replace every exterior lock1 to 2 hours
- How to reset garage door codes and remotes20 to 30 minutes
- How to test, replace and add smoke alarms1 to 2 hours for a whole house
- How to test and add carbon monoxide alarms30 to 60 minutes
- How to childproof stairs, windows, outlets and cabinets2 to 3 hours
- How to check pool fence, gate latch and door alarms1 hour
- How to clean the dryer vent and replace foil duct45–60 min
- How to set up utilities in your name1 to 2 hours across all providers
- How to submit your USPS change of address10 min
- How to replace the HVAC filter and record its sizeAbout 10 minutes
- How to set up internet and Wi-FiAbout 30 minutes to book; setup time varies
- How to deep clean the empty house1–2 days
- How to enroll kids in the new school district1 to 2 hours, plus time to gather records
- How to patch and paint before furniture arrives1 to 3 days
- How to cover the bedroom and bathroom windows before the first nightMinutes per window for a stopgap
- How to snake every drain before you move inHalf a day for a typical house
Moving day and first night
- How to find and tag the main water shutoff20 minutes
- How to find the electrical panel and label the breakers20 minutes to find; 1 to 2 hours to label
- How to find the gas shutoff and learn what to do if you smell gas15 minutes
- How to anchor dressers, bookcases and TVsUnder 20 minutes per piece, per CPSC
- How to confirm the utilities work and photograph the meters10 minutes
- How to keep pets secured and ID'd during the move30 min
- How to reset smart devices and secure the Wi-FiAbout 1 hour
- How to pack a first-night box for every person30 min
- How to unpack bedrooms and bathrooms firstBed and bath on moving day; 1 to 3 weeks for the rest
- How to put a plunger next to every toilet5 minutes to set up
- How to protect floors and photograph the house before movers20 min
First week
- How to make a fire escape plan and practice it45 min, plus 2 drills a year
- How to update your license, car registration and voter registration20 min online; longer if you must visit in person
- How to mount fire extinguishers on each level30 minutes
- How to test outlets, GFCIs and AFCIs45 minutes
- How to test the garage door's auto-reverse10 minutes
- How to reinforce exterior and sliding doorsAbout 20 minutes per door
- How to lock up medicines, chemicals and firearmsAbout 1 hour
- How to look for moisture and mold in the basement and atticAbout 45 minutes
- How to update your address with the IRS, banks and everyone else1 hr, spread over your first weeks
- How to check the water heater’s age and set it to 120°FAbout 20 minutes, plus a retest after 3 hours
- How to check for hidden leaks and high water pressure30 minutes of work, plus a two-hour wait
- How to start a home binder and maintenance calendarAbout 1 hour to start, then a few minutes per job
- How to learn trash, recycling and bulk pickup rulesAbout 15 minutes
- How to find the nearest ER, hardware store and local pros30 min
- How to update your pet's microchip and get a local license20 min
- How to put together a basic toolkit30 minutes to buy and sort
- How to test the AC and heat before you need themAbout 15 minutes per system, plus a walk through the rooms
- How to watch the first load of laundryOne wash cycle
- How to take over or cancel the existing alarm systemAllow an afternoon, plus provider wait times
- How to find the sewer cleanout15 minutes
- How to program a thermostat scheduleAbout 15 min
- How to write a punch list and pick two or three quick winsOne unhurried walk-through, then a 30-day wait
First month
- How to build a Ready.gov emergency kitAbout 2 hours
- How to have the chimney inspected before first fireOne visit; ask how long when you book
- How to set up your first mortgage payment and autopay20 min
- How to stock a family first aid kit30 min
- How to write a family emergency communication planAbout 1 hour
- How to check your water for leadAbout 15 minutes, plus lab time
- How to put leak sensors under sinks and appliancesAbout 30 minutes for battery sensors
- How to get fuel-burning appliances checked for ventingOne visit; ask how long when you book
- How to watch the mail for loan transfers and deed scams5 min per suspicious letter
- How to make a home inventory and review your policy1 to 2 hrs for a first pass
- How to book an HVAC service if there's no recent recordOne visit; ask how long when you book
- How to test the sump pump by filling the pitAbout 15 minutes
- How to register appliances and check for recalls45 min
- How to make rainwater drain away from the foundation1 hour
- How to inspect the roof from the ground or a ladderAbout 30 minutes
- How to turn your inspection report into a repair plan1 hr to sort, longer for quotes
- How to start a separate home repair fund15 min to open and automate
- How to track indoor humidityA few minutes to set up, then quick checks
- How to shut off the water before you travelA few minutes on the day, plus one practice run about a week before
- How to replace washer hoses and toilet supply linesVaries; allow extra time to move a heavy front-loader
- How to write a quick-reference sheet for house emergenciesOne sitting, plus a walk around the house
- How to get a pest inspection, and a termite check where they're common30 minutes to 2 hours; written report in about 1 to 3 days
- How to set up a safe spot to charge e-bikes and batteriesAbout 15 min
- How to check the mailbox and house numbers15 minutes
- How to introduce yourself to the neighbors30 min
- How to swap the remaining bulbs for LEDsAbout 1 hour
- How to clean or replace the bathroom exhaust fanShort job to clean; allow longer to replace a motor
- How to register for oil tank insurance if you heat with oilVaries by state; start with two phone calls
First 3 months
- How to clear a 5-foot noncombustible zone1 to 2 days for a basic clear-out, longer for fences and vents
- How to apply for your homestead exemptionAbout 30 minutes
- How to before renovating, test for lead and asbestosA short sampling visit, plus lab time
- How to prepare the house for hurricane seasonHalf day, plus lead time for insurance and shutters
- How to strap the water heater and secure heavy items2 to 3 hours
- How to plan safe generator use before an outageAbout 1 hour to plan; electrician work is extra
- How to confirm your deed was recorded with the countyAbout 15 minutes
- How to clean gutters and check they drain2–3 hrs
- How to look over trees near the house and linesAbout 30 minutes
- How to call 811 before planting trees or setting postsAbout 10 minutes to file, then a wait of a few business days
- How to watch for a supplemental property tax bill15 min to check, then watch for a few months
- How to check attic insulation depth and ventilation30 minutes
- How to inspect the sprinkler system1 to 2 hours
- How to learn the lawn: grass type, mowing height, wateringAbout 30 minutes to learn the basics
First year
- How to learn the builder warranty and book the 11-month walkthrough2 to 3 hours
- How to review your first escrow analysis and tax bill30 min
- How to note your PMI removal date and plan for it15 min now, plus one written request later
- How to start a tax file for the house30 min to set up, then a few minutes per receipt
- How to live in the house a year before remodelingOne full year of seasons
- How to appeal your property tax assessment if it's too highA few hours of paperwork, plus any hearing
- How to check energy tax credits before upgradingAbout 15 minutes
- How to plant trees in your first yearVaries with tree size and soil
Maintenance
- How to check the HVAC filterEvery month
- How to get the cooling system tuned upSpring
- How to get the heating system tuned upFall
- How to flush the AC condensate drain lineSummer
- How to drain sediment from the tank water heaterEvery 3 months
- How to test the T&P valve and check the anode rodOnce a year
- How to have the septic system inspected (and pumped if due)Every few years
- How to clean the refrigerator condenser coilsOnce a year
- How to clean the dishwasher filterEvery 3 months
- How to seal drafts and replace weatherstrippingFall
- How to get an annual whole-home maintenance checkOnce a year
- How to check for ice dams and attic frostWinter
- How to disconnect hoses and winterize outdoor faucetsFall
- How to winterize the sprinkler systemFall
- How to walk the exterior for winter damageSpring
- How to check AC unit, caulk and pests outsideSummer
- How to get a snow shovel and ice melt before the first stormFall
- How to keep pipes from freezing in a cold snapWinter
- How to clean the garbage disposal and drain screensEvery month
- How to clean the washing machineEvery month
- How to replace the refrigerator water filterTwice a year
- How to service the mower and outdoor power toolsSpring
- How to lubricate the garage door and replace remote batteriesSummer
- How to clear window and sliding-door weep holesSummer
- How to clear the basement window wellsFall
- How to check every exterior light before the dark monthsFall
- How to put the mower away and test the snow blowerFall
- How to clean faucet aerators and showerheadsOnce a year
- How to inspect the attic for leaks, pests and blocked ventsOnce a year
- How to check caulk, handrails and door hardwareOnce a year
- How to reseal shower and floor groutEvery few years
- How to wash the siding and deck, and reseal the deckEvery few years
- How to have the sewer line camera-inspectedEvery few years
- How to have the electrical panel checkedEvery few years
- How to exercise every water shutoff valveOnce a year
- How to do a monthly walk-through of the houseEvery month
- How to seal mouse entry points before cold weatherFall