First-time homeowner guidance

Know what to do next in a home you plan to keep.

Own Home Forever helps new homeowners make calm, practical decisions about maintenance, tools, safety, budgets, and the purchases worth researching before money changes hands.

Fix a Problem

Explore Fix a Problem

Find guidance for a specific issue around your home.

Explore First Year

Builder coverage, inspections, and the issues to watch in year one.

Latest Guides

11-Month Warranty Inspection: What to Do Before Your Builder Warranty Expires Check your actual builder warranty deadline, decide whether an independent inspection is useful, and document and submit potential defects in time. Best Ant Treatments for Homes With Babies & Toddlers Compare ant baits, targeted sprays and professional pest control for homes with babies and toddlers. See child-access precautions, ant-species limits and our top pick. Is a Home Warranty Worth It After Your Builder Warranty Expires? Compare builder coverage, home service contracts, homeowners insurance, and a repair reserve before paying for a home warranty. Pest Control in a Home With Babies & Young Children A child-conscious framework for household pest control: prevent access, limit treated areas, keep pesticides inaccessible, and know when to ask for professional IPM.