Practical advice that prevents expensive mistakes. No fluff — just what you actually need to know.
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The 6 tasks every new buyer must do before anything else — and the week-by-week plan that prevents the most expensive first-year mistakes.
Read the guide → BudgetingReal 2026 cost averages, the 1% rule explained, and a month-by-month breakdown. What preventive maintenance actually costs — vs what skipping it costs.
Read the guide → Emergency PrepMost new homeowners don't know where their shutoff is until a pipe bursts. Find it, test it, and label it before you need it — takes 20 minutes.
Read the guide → ContractorsNew homeowners are the most common target for contractor overcharging. The red flags, the scripts, and the rules that protect your wallet.
Read the guide → Seasonal22 tasks across 6 weeks — what to check, what to book, and what most people skip. Covers gutters, roof, HVAC, exterior and more.
Read the guide → HVACRattling, uneven temps, high bills — each one is a warning your system is telling you something. Here's what each sign means and what to do about it.
Read the guide →47 ranked tasks, a 12-month calendar, contractor scripts and the full Audio Edition. Everything a first-time homeowner needs in one place.
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Budget 1–2% of your home's value annually. On a $400,000 home that's $4,000–$8,000 per year. In year one, front-load spending on safety tasks — HVAC service, gutter cleaning, roof inspection — before tackling cosmetic improvements.
Six tasks matter most: change every filter (HVAC, fridge, range hood, dryer), test all smoke and CO detectors, locate and test your main water shutoff valve, locate your gas shutoff, walk the exterior after the first rain to check drainage, and photograph all systems for your insurance baseline.
In most US homes the shutoff is where the supply line enters the house — typically in the basement near the front wall, in a utility room, or in the garage. In warmer climates it may be outside near the street in a covered box. Test it by turning clockwise to close, counterclockwise to open. Label it with red tape.
Always get three quotes for any job over $300. Require an itemised invoice showing labour and materials separately. Never pay more than 30% upfront. Ask for licence and insurance documents before work starts. Any scope changes must be put in writing before work proceeds. Pressure to decide today is a red flag.
Seven signs to watch for: unusual noises (rattling, grinding, squealing), uneven temperatures between rooms, utility bills climbing without explanation, weak airflow from vents, musty or burning smells when the system runs, ice forming on the refrigerant lines, and a system age over 10 years with no professional service in the past 12 months.
Spring priorities: clean gutters and flush downspouts, inspect the roof for winter damage, book a professional HVAC tune-up before summer demand drives prices up 20–30%, test the sump pump, inspect the attic for moisture or mould, re-caulk windows and doors, and check the deck for rot. Mid-March is the best time to book contractors.
Yes — all articles are free. The site also offers HomePlaybook Mastery ($44), a 15-page PDF and audio edition with 47 ranked tasks, a 12-month calendar, contractor scripts and cost tables. There is also a free $5K Mistake Checklist available on the free checklist page.