New Homeowner Checklist 2026: First Year, Step-by-Step

The 2026 new homeowner checklist — first 72 hours, 30 days, 90 days, and year 1. 27 items with cost ranges, priorities, and the moves owners miss.

Your first year in the home

Month 1: What to Check — Your first month is about documenting what you have and addressing anything urgent from the inspection.
Month 3: What Fails First — By month 3, you'll discover the things the inspection couldn't catch — the intermittent issues and seasonal surprises.
Month 6: What to Service — At 6 months, shift from reactive fixing to proactive maintenance. This is where smart homeownership starts.
Month 12: What to Budget — After a full year, you know your home's personality. Now build a forward-looking plan for the next 1–5 years.