What Maintenance Should You Expect in the First 12 Months of a New Home?

Moving into a brand-new home is a huge milestone; everything is fresh, modern, and built to suit your lifestyle. But even with the highest-quality build, some maintenance and minor issues are perfectly normal in the first year. It’s part of the natural “settling in” process that every home goes through.

What-Maintenance-Should-You-Expect-in-the-First-12-Months-of-a-New-Home

Why Maintenance Is Normal in a New Build

New homes go through a period of adjustment as materials settle and the home adapts to environmental conditions like temperature, humidity, and weather. This can lead to small cosmetic changes or movement in surfaces, fittings, and finishes, all of which are expected and accounted for.

Common Maintenance Items in the First Year

Here are some of the most common maintenance tasks or minor issues you might come across within the first 12 months:

  • Minor Wall Cracks

As your home settles, you might notice small cracks in plasterboard or cornices. These are usually hairline and caused by the normal expansion and contraction of materials. They’re not structural, just cosmetic, and often appear around door frames or ceilings.

  • Door and Window Adjustments

Timber can expand or contract slightly with humidity and seasonal changes. This may cause doors or windows to stick or not close as smoothly. A small adjustment to hinges or catches can usually fix this.

  • Silicone and Caulking Touch-Ups

Over time, silicone sealants around wet areas like showers, sinks, and kitchen benchtops can shrink slightly. Touch-ups may be needed to ensure waterproofing remains effective.

  • Paint Touch-Ups

Small scuffs, marks or minor cracking in paint may appear as your house “breathes.” These are usually quick fixes and can be done alongside other cosmetic touch-ups during your maintenance period.

  • Drainage and Gutters

It’s a good idea to check that gutters and downpipes are clear, and that stormwater drains are flowing properly, especially after the first few heavy rains. Blockages from construction debris or leaves can sometimes cause issues.

  • Paving and Landscaping Movement

If you’ve had paving, retaining walls or garden beds installed, some minor shifting can occur as the soil settles. Keep an eye out for uneven pavers or minor subsidence that may need adjusting.

Aveling Homes’ 12-Month Maintenance Period

One of the advantages of building with Aveling Homes is that you’re covered by a dedicated maintenance period during your first year of ownership. We offer:

  • 12-month maintenance check: Toward the end of your first year, we’ll ask you to submit a list of any non-urgent maintenance issues.
  • Dedicated support team: Our maintenance team will review your list and arrange for repairs where necessary.
  • Clear process: You’ll receive guidance on how to lodge items, what’s covered, and how to prepare.

This gives you peace of mind and ensures your home stays looking and functioning as it should.

What’s Not Covered?

It’s important to note that some maintenance items are the homeowner’s responsibility and not covered under your builder’s warranty. These include:

  • General cleaning and upkeep
  • Blocked gutters caused by leaves or debris
  • Damage caused by pets, kids or furniture
  • Wear and tear or accidental damage
  • Neglect or failure to follow care instructions

Following your Homeowner Manual and using qualified trades where needed helps keep your home in great condition.

Pro Tips to Maintain Your New Home

To stay ahead of any potential issues, we recommend:

  • Keep a running list of minor issues as they arise.
  • Clean regularly, especially vents, gutters, and filters.
  • Use your exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to manage moisture.
  • Watch for leaks or signs of damp around wet areas.
  • Don’t delay small repairs — early attention can prevent bigger issues.

Building a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, and like any investment, it needs care. The first 12 months are a great time to learn the quirks of your new space, get on top of basic maintenance, and ensure everything is functioning as it should.

At Aveling Homes, we’re here to support you every step of the way, even after the keys are in your hand. Our 12-month maintenance support gives you the confidence that help is only ever a phone call away.

Got a question about your home maintenance? Reach out to our team, we’re always happy to help.