Post-Purchase Essential Resources: What to Do After Closing, Service Providers to Hire, and First 30 Days Checklist

Why critical: Previous owner, contractors, agents, neighbors may have keys

What to change:

All exterior door locks

Garage door codes

Sliding door locks

Window locks (if easily accessible from ground)

Cost: $150-$300 for locksmith to rekey all locks

DIY option: Buy new locksets $30-$80 each, install yourself

Consider: Smart locks ($150-$300 each) for keyless entry and remote access

Required by law in Massachusetts

Test each detector: Press test button

Replace batteries: Even if working

Check dates: Smoke detectors expire after 10 years, CO detectors after 5-7 years

Add if missing: Bedroom level, each sleeping area, each floor

Cost: $15-$40 per detector

Water main shutoff:

Usually in basement near where water line enters

Sometimes in utility room or crawl space

Test to ensure it works (turns clockwise to close)

Label it clearly with tape/sign

Gas shutoff:

Usually where gas line enters house

Quarter-turn valve (requires wrench)

Label it clearly

Only turn off in emergency (requires gas company to relight)

Electric panel:

Usually in basement, garage, or exterior wall

Label breakers if not already labeled

Test each breaker (flip off, note what loses power, flip back on)

Keep flashlight near panel

Sewer cleanout:

Usually in basement floor or exterior (ground level)

Needed if sewer backs up

Label location

Create diagram: Photo shutoffs, note locations, print and post on refrigerator

Locate filter: Usually in return air vent or furnace itself

Check condition: If dirty, replace immediately

Buy correct size: Note dimensions (e.g., 20×25×1)

Stock extras: Buy 3-4 filters (replace every 1-3 months)

Cost: $10-$30 each (standard), $30-$60 (high-efficiency)

Run water everywhere: Look for leaks

Flush all toilets: Check for proper operation

Test appliances: Stove, dishwasher, washer/dryer

Run garbage disposal: Clear any debris

Note any issues: Address immediately or add to repair list

Electric: Call utility company with account number from closing

Gas: Call gas company (National Grid in most of MA)

Water/Sewer: Contact town water department

Internet/Cable: Schedule installation (may take 1-2 weeks)

Trash/Recycling: Contact town DPW for pickup schedule

Set up autopay: Avoid missed payments and late fees

USPS: File change of address online (usps.com)

Update address:

Banks and credit cards

DMV (driver's license)

Voter registration

Insurance companies

Employer

Subscriptions

Inform town:

Property tax bills

Excise tax (if applicable)

Call insurance agent: Confirm policy active

Verify coverage amounts: Adequate for replacement cost

Add umbrella policy: $1-2M liability coverage ($150-$300/year)

Flood insurance: If needed, arrange immediately

Document contents: Photo inventory of valuable items

Introduce yourself: Within first week

Exchange contact info: For emergencies

Ask for recommendations:

Good contractors (HVAC, plumber, electrician)

Landscapers, snow removal

Best hardware store, suppliers

Town-specific tips (trash day, recycling rules)

Join local groups: Neighborhood Facebook groups, Nextdoor

Include:

Police non-emergency: ___________

Fire non-emergency: ___________

Town DPW: ___________

Electric utility emergency: ___________

Gas utility emergency: ___________

Water utility emergency: ___________

Your insurance agent: ___________

Your insurance claim number: ___________

Post on refrigerator: Where anyone can find it

Save in phone: Add contacts

Call within first 2 weeks: Don't wait until system fails

Request full service:

Clean and inspect furnace

Clean and inspect AC

Check refrigerant levels

Test safety controls

Replace/clean filters

Cost: $150-$300 for service call

Establish: Annual service contract (2x per year: spring and fall)

Why critical: Prevents $3,000-$8,000 emergency repairs

Check condition: Clogged gutters cause foundation/basement water issues

Clean: Remove leaves, debris

Test downspouts: Run water, ensure proper drainage away from foundation

Repair: Any damaged sections

Cost: $150-$300 for professional cleaning

DIY: $0 (ladder + gloves + hose)

Schedule: Twice annually (spring and fall)

Collect and organize:

Appliance manuals and warranties

HVAC system manuals

Paint colors and brands (for touch-ups)

Closing documents and deed

Insurance policies

Utility account numbers

Contractor contact information

Service records (HVAC, septic, chimney, etc.)

Property survey and plot plan

Town bylaws and regulations (if relevant)

Create sections:

Important Documents

Warranties & Manuals

Service Records

Contractor Contacts

Maintenance Schedule

Keep in: Fire-safe box or scan and backup digitally

Attic inspection:

Check insulation (adequate depth: R-38 to R-60 for MA)

Look for roof leaks (water stains, daylight through roof)

Check ventilation (soffit vents, ridge vents)

Look for pests (droppings, nests)

Basement/crawl space inspection:

Check for moisture, water stains

Inspect foundation for cracks

Check sump pump operation (if present)

Look for pests

Verify adequate drainage

Address issues immediately: Before they worsen

Locate: Property survey from closing documents

Walk perimeter: Identify property lines

Note easements: Utility, drainage, or access easements

Identify: Shared driveways, fences, or structures

Clarify with neighbors: Any boundary questions

Use: Phone calendar, Google Calendar, or home management app

Schedule recurring reminders: For all maintenance tasks

Create: Annual maintenance checklist (see Part IV)

Basic tool kit:

Hammer, screwdrivers (flathead & Phillips)

Adjustable wrench, pliers

Tape measure, level

Drill with bits

Utility knife

Emergency supplies:

Flashlights (one per floor) + batteries

Fire extinguishers (kitchen, garage, basement)

First aid kit

Plunger (one per bathroom) + toilet auger

Shop vacuum (for water emergencies)

Seasonal:

Snow shovel, ice melt (winter)

Lawn mower, trimmer, garden hose (summer)

Budget: $300-$800 for essentials

Why essential: Heating/cooling emergencies are expensive and uncomfortable

Services needed:

Annual maintenance (2x per year: spring AC, fall furnace)

Emergency repairs

System replacement (when needed)

Vetting criteria:

Licensed and insured

Established business (5+ years)

Good online reviews (4+ stars, 50+ reviews)

Offers service contracts

24/7 emergency service

Upfront pricing

Get quotes from: 3 companies for annual service contract

Cost: $150-$300 per service call; $200-$500/year for annual contract

Why essential: Water emergencies cause expensive damage quickly

Services needed:

Leak repairs

Drain cleaning

Water heater service/replacement

Fixture installation

Sewer line issues

Vetting criteria:

Licensed plumber (MA requires licensing)

Insured

Emergency service available

Good reviews

Flat-rate pricing (not just hourly)

Get quotes from: 3 plumbers

Test with: Small non-emergency job first (install faucet, etc.)

Cost: $150-$300 minimum for service call; $100-$200/hour for labor

Why essential: Electrical issues are safety hazards

Services needed:

Outlet/switch repairs

Circuit breaker issues

Lighting installation

Panel upgrades

Generator installation

Vetting criteria:

Licensed electrician (MA requires licensing)

Insured

Good reviews

Guarantees work

Cost: $100-$200/hour; $150 minimum service call

Why useful: For projects that don't require specialized trades

Services:

Small repairs (drywall, trim, doors)

Carpentry

Painting

General maintenance

Project management (larger renovations)

Vetting criteria:

Licensed (if doing work > $1,000)

Insured

References from past clients

Portfolio of work

Cost: $50-$100/hour for handyman; $75-$150/hour for licensed contractor

Why essential in Greater Boston: Snow removal is critical in winter

Services:

Lawn mowing (weekly in season)

Mulching, trimming

Spring/fall cleanup

Snow plowing/shoveling

Vetting criteria:

Insured (important for property damage)

Reliable (shows up on schedule)

Reasonable pricing

Good references from neighbors

Set up: Seasonal contracts (mowing April-October; snow November-March)

Cost: $40-$80 per mow; $50-$150 per snow event

Pumping: Every 3-5 years ($300-$500)

Inspection: When problems arise

Find: Ask neighbors with septic for recommendations

Annual inspection: Required if using fireplace

Cleaning: $150-$300 annually

Safety: Prevents chimney fires

Water testing: Annually for bacteria ($50-$100)

Pump service: As needed

Find: Local well drilling companies

Quarterly service: If pest issues ($100-$200/quarter)

One-time: For specific problems (rodents, carpenter ants, termites)

Vetting: Licensed, good reviews, guarantees

As needed: Refrigerator, washer/dryer, dishwasher

Cost: $100-$200 service call + parts

Often cheaper than replacing: For newer appliances

Inspections: Every 3-5 years

Repairs: As needed

Replacement: Every 20-30 years (asphalt shingles)

Vetting: Licensed, insured, strong references (roofing scams common)

Tree removal: Dead/dangerous trees

Trimming: Trees near house/power lines

Vetting: Insured (tree work is high-risk)

Cost: $500-$2,000 per tree (removal)

Newer homes (< 5 years): 1% of value annually

Mid-age homes (5-15 years): 1-2% of value annually

Older homes (15+ years): 2-3% of value annually

Conservative budget: 2% = $12,000/year = $1,000/month

Typical breakdown:

Preventive maintenance: $3,000-$4,000/year

Reactive repairs: $4,000-$6,000/year

Reserve for major replacements: $4,000-$6,000/year

Roof replacement: $10,000-$25,000 (every 20-30 years)

HVAC replacement: $6,000-$15,000 (every 15-20 years)

Water heater: $1,200-$2,500 (every 10-15 years)

Septic system: $15,000-$30,000 (every 25-40 years if well maintained)

Siding: $10,000-$30,000 (every 30-50 years depending on material)

Windows: $500-$1,500 each (every 20-30 years)

Driveway: $3,000-$8,000 (every 20-30 years)

Monthly: Set aside $800-$1,200/month in dedicated savings

Use for: Preventive maintenance and unexpected repairs

Build reserve: For major replacements

Don't skip: Tempting to defer, but costs compound