New Homeowner Checklist: 6 Areas to Check in Your Chicago Home

by Melissa Kingsbury

Buying your first home is one of the most exciting milestones you'll ever reach – but once the keys are in your hand, it can be hard to know where to start. Homeownership comes with a new set of maintenance responsibilities, and Chicago-area homes bring a few considerations of their own. Cold winters, spring moisture, older housing systems, and seasonal temperature changes can all affect how you maintain your home.

In this guide, we've partnered with local experts to walk you through every room in your home so nothing gets missed. Whether you're settling into a home in Oak Park or a new build in Naperville, this checklist is built to help Chicago-area homeowners stay ahead of costly repairs.

New homeowners should start by locating their main utility shutoffs, checking for leaks, testing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, learning how their HVAC system works, and reviewing any maintenance issues noted during the home inspection.

Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the hardest-working rooms in your home, and it's also one of the most common sources of water damage and electrical issues. Taking a few minutes to inspect the key systems in this space early on can save you from a much bigger headache later.

Check under-sink plumbing for leaks or corrosion.
Test the garbage disposal.
Inspect refrigerator water line and ice maker connections.
Clean refrigerator coils.
Clean or replace the air filter according to manufacturer instructions.
Test GFCI outlets near the sink.

“If you are unsure of your equipment's past maintenance, age and condition, we recommend scheduling regular service to ensure everything operates safely and reliably,” shares Dan at My Guy HVAC. “Preventative maintenance extends your equipment's life, lowers energy costs, and helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and maintains your warranty.”

>>Check out: When to Replace Appliances: A Kitchen Guide

Bathrooms

Bathrooms are one of the top sources of hidden water damage in older Chicago homes, so it pays to give them a thorough once-over as soon as you move in. A few simple checks now can help you catch small issues before they turn into expensive repairs.

Check the age of your toilets (look for the sticker inside the tank).
Check for leaks or deteriorated seals.
Inspect under-sink plumbing for leaks or corrosion.
Test GFCI outlets near sinks.
Check caulking around tubs, showers, and sinks.
Test water pressure.

“Before you settle in, consider starting with a sewer line video inspection. Sewer issues can sometimes cause the most extensive damage and the highest repair costs, so if you already have footage, keep it stored somewhere secure and easy to reference in the future,” states John Baethke at John Baethke & Son Plumbing. “Next, check the age of your toilets and confirm the tank seals are new and not leaking water into the bowl.”

Basement

In Chicago, the basement is often the nerve center of your home – housing your furnace, water heater, and sump pump, all of which work overtime during the city's harsh winters and wet springs. Getting familiar with these systems early is one of the smartest things a new homeowner can do.

Inspect for signs of water intrusion or moisture on walls and floors.
Test your sump pump – especially important before Chicago's spring thaw.
Check the water heater for age, leaks, and corrosion.
Locate and label your main water shutoff valve.
Inspect the furnace and confirm filters are clean.
Keep the area around the furnace and water heater clear of combustibles.

Dan at My Guy HVAC shares helpful tips to prevent expensive repairs down the road: "Familiarize yourself with your HVAC system before an issue arises – locate the shutoffs for your gas, water, and electrical systems and make sure you have working CO and smoke detectors with fresh batteries. Replace your air filters every 30 to 60 days, keep the area around your furnace and outdoor AC unit clear of combustibles, and check your thermostat batteries – consider upgrading to a smart thermostat to save on utilities. Schedule furnace maintenance every fall and AC maintenance every spring, and if you have a humidifier, change the water panels every heating season."

Chicago homeowner tip: If your home has a basement, make sure you know where the sump pump is, how to test it, and where water tends to collect during heavy rain or spring thaw.

Living areas

Your living areas may seem low-maintenance compared to the kitchen or basement, but they're home to some of the most important safety systems in your house. Use your first few weeks to get these items squared away so you can settle in with confidence.

Test all smoke and CO detectors and replace batteries.
Set a regular testing and replacement schedule for all detectors.
Check thermostat batteries – consider upgrading to a smart thermostat.
Review your homeowner's insurance policy for coverage gaps.
Ask your insurer whether service lines, sewer backups, sump pump failures, or other risks relevant to your property are covered or require additional endorsements.

“Protect yourself financially by adding a service line rider or endorsement to your homeowner's insurance, which typically covers all service lines including gas, electrical, and plumbing,” recommends John Baethke at John Baethke & Son Plumbing. “Taking these steps early can save new homeowners from costly surprises down the road.”

Garage

An attached garage is easy to overlook during the excitement of moving in, but it shares walls with your living space and can be a source of serious safety risks if left unchecked. A quick walkthrough here goes a long way toward keeping your home and family safe.

Test the garage door auto-reverse safety feature.
Inspect the garage door weatherstripping for gaps or wear.
Check for a CO detector if the garage is attached to the home.
Inspect walls shared with the home for cracks or moisture.
Make sure garage vents are clear and unobstructed.

Exterior and yard

Chicago's freeze-thaw cycles and heavy rainfall can do a number on your home's exterior over time, making it one of the most important areas to assess in your first year. A proactive inspection of the outside of your home now can prevent water, foundation, and HVAC issues from compounding season after season.

Clear the area around your outdoor AC unit.
Inspect gutters and downspouts for damage or blockages.
Check grading around the foundation to ensure water drains away from the home.
Schedule furnace maintenance every fall and AC maintenance every spring.

>>Discover: A Home Maintenance Checklist for Every Season

Use this new homeowner checklist to stay ahead of costly repairs

The first year of homeownership sets the tone for everything that follows, so don't wait for something to break before you take action. Work through each section of this checklist room by room, schedule your seasonal HVAC maintenance, get that sewer line inspected, and make sure your insurance coverage has no gaps. Staying on top of routine maintenance can help you catch smaller problems earlier and better understand how your home's major systems are performing.

New homeowner checklist: FAQs

What should I do first when I move into a new home in Chicago?

Start with the essentials: locate your gas, water, and electrical shutoffs, ask a plumber if a sewer scope is necessary, and test all smoke and CO2 detectors. These steps cost little to nothing upfront but can prevent serious damage and safety hazards early on.

How often should I replace my HVAC air filter?

Check your HVAC filter regularly and replace it according to the filter and system manufacturer's recommendations. Homes with pets, allergies, or heavier system use may require more frequent replacement.

Does homeowner's insurance cover plumbing and sewer issues?

Standard homeowner's insurance policies typically do not cover service line failures like sewer or water line breaks. Adding a service line rider or endorsement to your policy is a smart and relatively affordable way to protect yourself from those high repair costs.

When should I schedule HVAC maintenance in Chicago?

The best time to schedule furnace maintenance is in the fall before temperatures drop, and AC maintenance in the spring before the heat sets in. Getting on a regular annual schedule ensures your system operates safely and efficiently all year long.