Congratulations! You’ve survived the boxes and the bubble wrap, and you’re officially settled into your new McArthur home. While our homes are built with the highest quality materials, every new house goes through a “settling-in” period. To keep your investment in peak condition, we’ve put together the ultimate new home maintenance checklist for your first twelve months.
Seasonal & Monthly Must-Dos
In Utah, our seasons can be beautiful but demanding. Staying ahead of the weather is the best way to protect your home.
- Change HVAC Filters (Every 1–3 Months): This is the #1 rule for new homeowners. During the first year, your system may pick up more dust and construction debris than usual. Changing filters keeps your air clean and your energy bills low.
- Check Your Drainage (Spring & Fall): Utah’s spring runoff is real. Walk around your home after a heavy rain or snowmelt to ensure water is flowing away from the foundation. Clear any debris from window wells.
- Inspect Caulking and Grout (Bi-Annually): As your home settles, small gaps may appear in your backsplash or shower corners. A quick touch-up with matching caulk prevents moisture from sneaking behind your walls.
Exterior Care: Protecting Your Curb Appeal
- Winterize Your Outdoor Faucets: Before the first frost hits the Wasatch Front, disconnect your hoses and shut off the interior water supply to exterior bibs to prevent frozen pipes.
- Maintain Your Landscaping: For those in our West Jordan or Payson communities, keeping your yard graded correctly is vital. Ensure your sprinklers aren’t spraying directly against your siding or foundation.
The “Settling” Walkthrough
It is completely normal to see “settling cracks” in your drywall or small gaps in trim as the wood dries and the house finds its footing. Don’t panic! Most of these are cosmetic. Keep a running list for your one-year warranty review so our team can help you address them all at once.