The first-week checklist every new homeowner needs. Prevent surprises by checking these essential items.
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Change all locks
Previous owners, agents, tradespeople, and cleaners may have copies. A locksmith can re-key all locks in 1-2 hours for $150-$300.
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Test smoke alarms
Press the test button on every smoke alarm. Replace batteries. Smoke alarms must be replaced every 10 years — check the manufacture date on the back.
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Locate and label your switchboard
Find your electrical switchboard and learn which switch controls which area. Test the safety switch (RCD) by pressing the test button.
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Locate water shut-off valves
Find the main water meter and shut-off at the street. Also find individual shut-offs under sinks and behind toilets. You'll need these in an emergency.
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Locate the gas meter and shut-off
Know where your gas meter is and how to turn it off. The shut-off valve is a quarter-turn lever near the meter.
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Check the roof from ground level
Walk around and look up. Note any cracked tiles, lifted sheets, blocked gutters, or damaged flashing. Book a roofer if anything looks wrong.
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Run all taps and flush all toilets
Check for leaks, slow drains, low pressure, and running toilets. Fix dripping taps early — a dripping tap wastes 15,000+ litres per year.
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Test heating and cooling
Turn on the heater and AC to confirm they work. Clean or replace filters. Book a service if the system hasn't been serviced in 12+ months.
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Book a pest inspection
Especially important for termites. A pre-purchase building report may have covered this, but if the house has been vacant, check again. $250-$400 for a full inspection.
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Photograph the condition of everything
Take photos of walls, floors, fixtures, and the exterior. This protects you if you discover defects that were hidden during the sale.