Homeowner guides

What should I do with my home inspection report after closing?

Keep it and use it: sort the findings into hazards, repairs and upkeep, get estimates for the big items, and put the upkeep on a calendar.

What maintenance does a house need in the first year?

The monthly, yearly and once-a-decade jobs for a new homeowner — filters, smoke alarms, GFCIs, the dryer vent, the water heater — with a source for each.

Which home inspection items should I fix first?

Hazards first, then water and failing systems, then the rest — and why a Texas 'Deficient' can mean either a hazard or a performance problem.

How often should I change my HVAC filter?

Check it every month and change it when it's dirty — ENERGY STAR's advice for furnaces, central air and heat pumps — and why a dirty filter costs you.

How often should I clean my dryer vent?

Clean the lint screen every load and the vent periodically — failure to clean was the leading factor in home dryer fires, per the U.S. Fire Administration.

How often should I flush my water heater?

At least once a year, more often where water is hard — plus a yearly relief-valve check and the 120°F setting, with sources.

How often should I clean my dishwasher filter?

Every few months for most homes, more often if you run many loads without scraping. KitchenAid's table, Bosch's advice and Whirlpool's hard-water rule.

How often should I replace my washing machine hoses?

Replace them every five years and check them every six months: what Whirlpool and the insurance industry's safety institute advise, and what to look for.

How often should I test and replace smoke alarms?

Test monthly, replace the batteries yearly in battery models, and replace the alarms every 10 years — plus carbon monoxide alarms.

What home records should I keep, and for how long?

Closing papers, the inspection report, receipts for improvements, warranties and manuals — and the IRS rule on how long to keep property records.