First Month Maintenance Checklist

Quick Answer

First-month maintenance focuses on learning your home's systems, identifying issues early, and establishing routines that prevent problems. You're not fixing things; you're inspecting, monitoring, and documenting. Most important: boiler service (if overdue), initial leak checks, and understanding how utilities work.

---

Week 1: Immediate System Checks

Utilities are Working

Already done on moving day, but confirm:

• Electricity: Lights work, sockets have power, no circuits constantly tripping
• Gas: Boiler fires, heating comes on, pilot light visible or ignition working
• Water: Taps run hot and cold, drains flow, no obvious leaks under sinks
• Broadband: Connected or appointment scheduled (not essential but important)

For detailed guidance on each utility, see setting up utilities at your new home.

If any utilities aren't working:

• Electricity not working: Check circuit breaker; reset individual circuits if tripped
• Gas not working: Check boiler is switched on; thermostat not on lowest setting; call Gas Safe engineer if still not working
• Water not working: Check stopcock isn't closed; contact water company if still not working
• Action: Resolve within 48 hours (you need functioning utilities)

Under-Sink Inspection

Kitchen:

• Check under sink for leaks (look for water stains, smell of mould)
• Visually inspect waste pipe connections
• Feel inside cabinet for dampness
• Check dishwasher connections (if fitted) for leaks

Bathrooms:

• Check under basin for leaks
• Look for water stains in cabinet
• Check waste pipe connections secure
• Feel for dampness inside cabinet

Why: Early leak detection prevents structural damage, mould, and costly repairs.

Boiler Assessment

Check:

• Boiler switches on (power switch or button)
• Pilot light visible (if applicable) or electronic ignition working
• Heating comes on and radiators warm up
• Hot water comes from taps
• Thermostat responds to temperature adjustments

If boiler won't fire:

• Check power switch is on
• Check thermostat isn't set to minimum temperature
• Check boiler hasn't gone into lockout (call engineer)
• Action: Call Gas Safe engineer if boiler won't work

Schedule service:

• If you don't know when boiler was last serviced: Schedule within first month (cost ~£100)
• Gas Safe engineer only
• Service maintains warranty and identifies issues early. This pairs with your first-week priorities and overall moving-in timeline.

Damp & Water Ingress Check

Exterior (walk around property):

• No obvious water stains on external walls
• Gutters not visibly blocked or overflowing
• No water pooling against building
• Drains flowing (not visibly blocked)

Interior (each room):

• No water stains on ceilings
• No discolouration on walls (especially near windows, external walls)
• No musty smell (indicates dampness)
• Plaster feels firm (not soft/spongy)

Why: Water ingress causes serious, expensive damage. Catching it early prevents structural problems.

---

Week 2: Establishing Routines

Monthly Under-Sink Check Routine

Establish this as a monthly habit (takes 5 minutes):

Every month, on first Sunday (or whatever you choose):

• Check kitchen sink area for leaks
• Check each bathroom basin for leaks
• Check bath/shower for leaks
• Look under pipes for water stains or dripping
• Smell for damp/mouldy smells
• Document any issues (photo + note)

This prevents small leaks becoming water damage.

Heating System Check

Establish winter routine (if in winter months):

• Heating comes on when thermostat calls for heat
• All radiators heat up evenly
• No radiators remain cold (might indicate air in system or blockage)
• Boiler operates quietly (unusual noises might indicate problems)
• Thermostat is setting temperature accurately (feels as warm as setting suggests)

If radiators uneven:

• Cold radiator might have air trapped (wait a few days; sometimes clears)
• Persistent cold radiator: Call plumber (bleeder valve adjustment or circulation issue)
• Cost: Typically £50–80 plumber call-out

Electrical Quick Check

Monthly:

• All light switches respond
• All tested sockets have power
• No circuits constantly tripping
• No signs of scorching around outlets
• No burning smell from electrical fixtures
• Boiler/appliance power lights indicate normal operation

If circuits trip repeatedly:

• Unplug all devices on that circuit
• Reset breaker
• Plug devices back in one at a time
• Note which device causes trip (likely fault)
• Stop using that device; call electrician

---

Week 3–4: Document & Plan

Create Your Home Manual (Already Suggested, Worth Repeating)

Gather:

• Boiler manual (request from previous owner or search online by model number)
• Appliance manuals (cooker, dishwasher, washing machine)
• Utility account details (electricity supplier, water company, council tax reference)
• Photos of: meter positions, circuit breaker labels, boiler, water stopcock
• Building Regulations certificate (new homes; ask seller if older)
• Electrical Installation Condition Report (if available)
• NHBC warranty documents (if new build)
• Recent service records (boiler, electrical testing, etc.)

Store in:

• Physical folder in kitchen drawer or airing cupboard
• Digital folder on computer or cloud storage
• This becomes invaluable for repairs, selling the property, or insurance claims

Meter Baseline Documentation

Record on specific date (e.g., 1st of each month):

• Electricity meter reading
• Gas meter reading
• Water meter reading (if metered)
• Photograph each reading
• Note date and time

Why: Establishes your usage baseline. Helps identify leaks (if usage suddenly doubles) and disputes (if bills seem wrong).

Know Your Shut-Offs (Already Done, But Document)

Create emergency card with locations:

• Main water stopcock (location, how to operate)
• Main electrical isolator (location, visual description)
• Gas meter on/off (location; for use only in emergency)
• Emergency contact numbers: Water company, Gas Emergency (0800 111 999), Electricity emergency

Post in: Kitchen, next to main light switch, or on bedroom mirror

---

Week 4: Preventative Maintenance Focus

Quarterly Seasonal Checks

Spring (March–April):

• Check gutters not blocked (look from ground)
• Inspect external walls for new cracks or water stains
• Test water stopcock still operates smoothly
• Check for signs of pests or insects (spiders in windows is normal; rodent droppings aren't)

Summer (June–August):

• Check roof from ground (no missing tiles visible)
• Check gutters flowing properly (wait for rain)
• Test boiler still fires (even if not heating; confirms ignition works)
• Check for damp in vulnerable areas (bathrooms, kitchens)

Autumn (September–October):

• Clear gutters of leaves (call roofer if you can't access safely)
• Check draught exclusion around windows/doors
• Book boiler service for winter (do this before it gets cold)
• Check for signs of pests before winter (rodents seek warmth)

Winter (December–February):

• Boiler service completed (if overdue)
• Monitor for unusual heating behaviour
• Check for condensation/damp (indicates poor ventilation or water ingress)
• Ensure heating working before first hard frost

Appliance Checks

Washing machine:

• Runs full cycle without leaking
• Drains properly
• Hose connections secure

Dishwasher (if fitted):

• Runs full cycle without leaking
• Drains properly
• Hose connections secure

Fridge/freezer:

• Temperature control working (fridge cold, freezer frozen)
• Door seals intact
• Drain hole not blocked (check under appliance; some models have condensation drain)

Cooker/oven:

• All burners/elements working
• Oven heating properly
• Timer/controls responsive
• Ventilation working (extractor fan or window)

---

Red Flags: Call Someone If...

Call Plumber If:

• Water pooling inside property or against external walls
• Persistent leak from under sink or pipes
• Water pressure suddenly weak
• Radiator not heating despite thermostat working
• Waste water backing up or drains constantly slow
• Hot water not working at all

Rough cost: £50–150 call-out; additional labour charged hourly (~£40–80/hour)

Call Gas Engineer If:

• Boiler won't fire/ignition
• Smell of gas (emergency: leave property, call 0800 111 999)
• Boiler making unusual noises (hissing, banging, grinding)
• No hot water despite thermostat working
• Pilot light goes out repeatedly

Rough cost: £50–150 call-out; Gas Safe registered engineer only (non-negotiable)

Call Electrician If:

• Circuit breaker constantly trips
• Burning smell near outlets
• Scorch marks around electrical fixture
• Socket or switch feels hot to touch
• Appliance sparks or smells when plugged in

Rough cost: £50–150 call-out; additional labour charged hourly

Call Roofer If:

• Water dripping from ceiling (internal leak)
• Water stains spreading on ceiling
• Missing tiles visible from ground
• Gutters visibly sagging or blocked

Rough cost: £150–250 for assessment; repairs vary significantly

Call Your Builder/Developers If (New Build):

• Cracks wider than 3mm in walls or external brickwork
• Water ingress from external walls
• Doors/windows misaligned or not closing properly
• Structural concerns (sagging ceilings, bulging walls)
• Within 12 months of purchase (NHBC warranty covers)

Process: Document with photos; send list to developer in writing; they must respond

---

What's Normal (Don't Panic)

Boiler sounds:

• Whooshing when burning (normal)
• Clicking when igniting (normal)
• Rumbling as pipes heat (normal)
• Quiet hissing (normal)

Plumbing sounds:

• Groaning or moaning in pipes (air; usually clears within days)
• Water hammer (sharp bang when you turn tap off; common, not dangerous)
• Gurgling in drains (air in system; usually normal)

House sounds:

• Creaking floorboards (normal; wood expands/contracts)
• Cracking plaster (hairline; normal settlement)
• Wind noise around windows (normal)

Condensation:

• On windows on cold mornings (normal; wipe dry)
• In bathrooms after shower (normal; ventilate)
• If persistent elsewhere: Might indicate humidity/ventilation issue

---

Monthly Maintenance Summary

First of each month (takes 15 minutes):

• Check under-sink areas for leaks
• Take utility meter readings and photograph
• Visually inspect for new damp/water stains
• Confirm heating/hot water working normally
• Listen for unusual boiler sounds
• Test electrical circuits functioning
• Update home manual notes

Quarterly (takes 30 minutes):

• Seasonal checks (gutters, windows, external walls)
• Appliance quick checks (wash machine, dishwasher, fridge)
• Emergency card still accessible and accurate

Annually (takes 1–2 hours):

• Book boiler service (before winter)
• Review all maintained records
• Plan any repairs identified over past year
• Update home manual with new information

---

The Real Talk

Most homes don't need repair in first month if utilities are working. You're establishing routines and learning your property's personality, not diagnosing problems.

First-month maintenance is about:

• Understanding how your systems work (see getting to know your new home for detailed system guidance)
• Catching small issues before they become big ones
• Creating habits that prevent problems
• Building confidence in your home

You're not expected to know everything. You're expected to notice when something changes and know who to call. That's it.

What's the difference between maintenance problems that are my responsibility versus builder defects?

Builder defects (new build properties within 12 months) are the developer's responsibility. Maintenance problems after that are yours. Distinction: defects are issues from construction quality (tiles not set properly, doors misaligned). Maintenance issues are normal wear (boiler needs service, radiator has air trapped). When in doubt, document with photos and report to your surveyor or builder within 12 months for defects.

How often should I actually be doing these checks—is this realistic?

Monthly under-sink checks take 5 minutes. Quarterly seasonal checks take 30 minutes. Annual boiler service is professionally done, not your job. These routines are realistic and prevent most emergencies. Many people find that first-month vigilance becomes second nature and actual effort is minimal once systems are understood.

When should I call a professional versus trying to fix something myself?

Gas work: always professional (Gas Safe engineer only, never DIY). Electrical work: professional unless you have specific qualifications. Plumbing: simple leak fixes yourself, but burst pipes need plumber. When in doubt, call professional—attempting wrong repairs can create worse problems and invalidate insurance coverage.

How much should I budget for emergency maintenance calls in first month?

Budget £200–500 for contingencies. Most homes don't need repairs, but emergencies happen—locksmith calls (£100–150), plumber callouts (£50–150+), electrician visits (£50–150+). Monthly checks help prevent emergencies, reducing this budget over time.

What if I find a serious problem like structural damage or extensive damp?

Document with photos immediately. If you had a survey, compare findings to the survey report. If surveyor missed obvious problems, discuss options with them. Contact your lender (they have interest in property condition). For new builds, report to developer in writing within 12 months. For established properties, get professional assessment before deciding if it's serious enough to affect your decision.