If you’ve recently bought a new home, you may think all the hard work is over. That’s mostly true, but there’s still a lot to do in the first year of homeownership to make sure you and your family are comfortable, safe, and secure for years to come.

New homeownership may seem daunting, but don’t worry: we’ve taken the stress out of handling your new home to-do list with this handy reminders list of common projects you’ll want to undertake in the year ahead. And when you’re ready to get started, just call on us to help tackle every project on your list.

Month 1: Revisit Your Inspection Report

The inspection you had before you bought your home can be an invaluable tool to help prioritize what work you should do on your home. Any outstanding issues or repairs that weren’t addressed by the sellers should be your first priority. Is the roof in good condition? Are there any issues with the attic or basement? What about insulation or plumbing and electric. Taking care of these projects early on could save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run.

Month 1: Change Your Locks

When you buy a new home, one of the first things you should do is get your locks changed. After all, you have no idea who has keys to your new home so this is a quick and easy way to make your home more safe and secure.

Inspect Your HVAC System and Clean Your Chimney

Make sure the air quality of your home is fresh and healthy by cleaning out your HVAC vents and giving your furnace a tune-up. If you have a chimney, it’s worth the small investment to have the chimney cleaned to prevent dangerous build-up.

Gutter Cleaning

It’s important to keep your gutters clean and clear of leaves and debris to ensure proper drainage away from your home. Clogged gutters can wreak expensive havoc on roofs and siding, so make sure your new gutters are clean and clear and maintain them with twice-yearly cleanings each spring and fall.

Clean Your Dryer Vents

Just like your gutters, you’ll want to make sure your new home has clean dryer vents. Unchecked, dryer vents can build up dangerous lint and debris that can pose a fire hazard and make your dryer work less efficiently (which can increase your energy bills).

Maximize Storage Space

Many homes can be blank slates for a family to make their own. Every family’s storage needs will be different, so take the time to determine what kind of storage you need, where you might be lacking, and how to find more storage space in your house. Built-in shelving, modular garage solutions, attic and basement storage units, clever under-stair designs, and space bags are all ways you can find more space to store your stuff!

Make It Your Own

Lastly, there are a lot of ways to make your new house a home. Updating your rooms with interior paint that reflects your personal style, changing out the lighting, and installing new window treatments are all easy ways to make a big impact in the look and feel of your home.