Low-stress first steps
These are simple checks that help you get oriented without turning your weekend into a project.
Free checklist
The first 3 home checks worth making after move-in.
This free Bucklevel checklist gives new homeowners three quick first checks that help reduce guesswork: find the water shut-off, write down the HVAC filter size, and confirm the smoke or CO alarm basics.
Printable checklist
New Homeowner First 3 Checks
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Find the main water shut-off.
Locate it, take a photo, and write down anything confusing about access or labels.
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Check the HVAC filter size.
Write down the exact size printed on the current filter and note the replacement date if you can find one.
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Confirm smoke and CO basics.
Count the alarms you can see, note any missing spots, and check whether any units need batteries or replacement.
Tip: print this page or save it to your phone notes and fill in house-specific details as you go.
Why start here
Three small checks can cut down a lot of new-house uncertainty.
Bucklevel is built for people who do not need contractor talk. You just need a calm first pass and a better sense of what to write down.
Useful notes for later
Writing down sizes, locations, and missing details now makes future problems easier to handle.
Need more detail?
Start with the guide that fits the problem you actually have.
Water shut-off, HVAC filters, smoke or CO alarms, and five more plain-English homeowner guides are available in the Bucklevel library.