UPON TAKING OWNERSHIP
Security & access
- Rekey or replace exterior locks, including smart locks. Reset garage opener codes, keypads, and alarm codes.
- Remove the prior owner’s access to smart devices: thermostat, doorbell camera, locks, garage app, solar monitoring. Change the Wi-Fi password.
- Check that all windows and doors latch securely. Add security bars to sliders if needed.
Life safety
- Test all smoke and CO alarms. Replace any battery-only units with 10-year sealed alarms, and replace any alarm older than 10 years.
- Make sure there’s a smoke alarm in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level, plus CO alarms where required.
- Make a fire escape plan and confirm every bedroom has an operable exit window.
- Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and garage.
Earthquake & wildfire
- Confirm the water heater is double-strapped (required in CA).
- Locate the gas shutoff and keep a shutoff wrench next to it. Consider an automatic seismic shutoff valve.
- Anchor tall furniture, bookcases, and TVs.
- If you’re near hillsides (Los Gatos, Saratoga, Almaden, etc.), clear 5 feet around the house of flammable material, clean the roof and gutters, and check that vents have ember-resistant screens.
Know your home
- Locate the main shutoffs for water, gas, and electricity, and label your breaker panel.
- Review the inspection report and disclosures. Schedule any urgent or “further evaluation” items.
- Fix trip hazards on walkways, stairs, decks, and flooring.
Paperwork
- File the Homeowners’ Exemption with the County Assessor.
- Expect a supplemental property tax bill after purchase.
- Review homeowners insurance each year, and decide consciously on earthquake coverage.
- Save manuals, warranties, and permits in one folder or drive.
MONTHLY
- Test smoke and CO alarms and GFCI outlets.
- Check the fire extinguisher gauge.
- Check under sinks and around toilets and water heaters for leaks.
- Check shower grout and caulk, and fix drips and running toilets.
- Test the garage door’s auto-reverse.
EVERY 1–3 MONTHS
- Replace HVAC filters. During wildfire smoke season, use MERV 13.
- Clean range hood filters.
SPRING & FALL
- Clean gutters and downspouts before the rainy season (Oct–Nov), and make sure water drains away from the foundation.
- Inspect the roof, flashing, and chimney. Check the attic and crawl space for leaks, moisture, or pests.
- Trim trees and shrubs away from the house, roof, and overhead lines.
- Check the exterior walls, foundation, decks, and fences for cracks, rot, or termite signs. Keep soil and mulch away from wood siding.
- Check irrigation for leaks and overspray, and adjust watering schedules for the season.
- Clean windows, and refresh caulking and weather-stripping where needed.
- Lubricate garage door hinges, rollers, and tracks.
- Solar: check the app for output drops, and clean panels if dusty.
ANNUALLY
- Service HVAC or the heat pump, and flush the water heater (have the TPR valve checked).
- Clean the dryer vent all the way to the exterior. This is a leading fire cause.
- Have the chimney inspected and swept if you use it.
- Have a licensed pest inspection done, since termites are common here.
- Have an electrician look at the panel if the home is 30+ years old or you notice flickering or warm outlets.
- Have EV charger and battery systems checked per the manufacturer.
- Well or septic, if applicable: service it and test the water.
EVERY 5–10 YEARS
- Replace CO alarms (5–7 years) and smoke alarms (10 years).
- Water heater: plan for replacement around 10–12 years.
Prevention pays. Small, regular maintenance heads off expensive surprises and protects your value when it’s time to sell.