Congratulations! You’re the first owner of a brand-new home. Everything is fresh, modern, and built just for you. No weird smells, dated finishes, or mystery repairs hiding behind the walls. But while new construction gives you a major head start on maintenance, you’ll want to make sure you’re taking care of your investment. Fall in Minnesota can be unpredictable, and winter isn’t far behind. Now is the time to make sure your home is ready for the changing season, especially if this is your first time owning a home. Think of this checklist as your introduction to proactive homeownership, doing a few smart things now will keep your new home in top shape and help you avoid unnecessary wear and tear. Here’s what to know as you head into your first fall.
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Yes, it’s brand new, but before that first cold snap, schedule a professional HVAC inspection and furnace tune-up. Many builders require you to stick to a regular maintenance schedule to keep warranties intact, and fall is the perfect time to start. Also, go ahead and swap out the furnace filter now (even if it’s only a few months old). Construction dust can clog it faster than you think.
If you closed on your home during or after summer construction, there’s a good chance your gutters have collected debris, especially if your lot still has nearby trees or if landscaping was recently completed. Clogged gutters can lead to water pooling near your foundation or even ice dams in the winter. Give them a good clean, and check that all downspouts are securely in place and draining away from the house.
New sod or seeded lawns need a little extra attention in their first fall. Mow it regularly until growth slows, and consider a winterizing fertilizer to help establish root strength before winter. If trees or shrubs were just planted, make sure they’re well watered and mulched. If your irrigation system was installed this year, schedule a professional winter blowout before the first hard freeze to prevent damage.
It’s an easy one to overlook, but make sure you disconnect all hoses, drain outdoor faucets, and shut off exterior water lines if applicable. Frozen pipes can cause major headaches. Ask your builder if your home has frost-proof spigots. If it doesn’t, make sure to drain lines fully or use insulated faucet covers.
It’s good to locate, test, and replace batteries for each one of your detectors before winter.
This might be the most underrated fall task: Set aside time to actually read through your builder’s homeowner manual or warranty guide. Many new homes come with specific seasonal maintenance expectations (like checking sump pumps, sealing driveways, or testing mechanicals) that keep your warranties valid. Create a simple digital calendar reminder for annual or seasonal tasks — future you will be thankful.
Owning a brand new home in Minnesota means fewer surprises, but a little seasonal attention goes a long way. Fall maintenance doesn’t need to be overwhelming. With a few hours and a short checklist, you’ll be ready to enjoy everything the season has to offer, from apple orchards and game day gatherings to the first snowfall, knowing your home is ready for it all.
