Free Home Cost Checkup Kit | Home Cost Insider

The first-year home triage sheet

Know what needs an answer now, what to plan, and what can wait.

Planning, not a safety inspection. Suspected gas, electrical or structural danger needs appropriate urgent help, not this worksheet. For suspected carbon-monoxide poisoning, get outside to fresh air immediately, then call 911. CPSC guidance.

Ask for help now: An observation may be unsafe, actively damaging the home or worsening. Get qualified help; do not guess the diagnosis.
Plan it: Known maintenance or a defect a qualified person says can be scheduled. Ask for scope, timing and an estimate.
Later: A cosmetic change or optional upgrade. Keep it on the list without making it this week's project.

1. Sort three observations

If the lane is unclear, ask a qualified person. Do not use this sheet to delay emergency help.

2. Choose three next actions

Write a finishable action, such as asking the inspector which finding needs follow-up, not “fix the house.”

3. Give the budget three separate lines

Use your own cash flow and known conditions. No universal percentage of your home's value is assumed.

4. Keep a home reference page

Ask for a safe demonstration of unfamiliar equipment rather than experimenting. Follow your actual manual and qualified advice.

Main water shutoff locationElectric panel location HVAC model / manualFilter size / type Qualified contactLast service / date

Next list review

Ready to request a quote? Compare the same scope in the contractor worksheet.

Starting resources: ENERGY STAR maintenance checklist and EPA leak guidance. General US homeowner education, not an inspection or personalized repair advice.

Renewal review

Compare like-for-like coverage before you focus on the price.

Insurer / policy referenceRenewal date

Current policy vs. renewal
Annual figures (USD)	Current	Renewal
Premium
Main deductible
Dwelling limit

Enter both annual premiums to compare.

Record percentage-based wind, hail or hurricane deductibles separately. A lower premium does not establish equivalent coverage.

Check before renewing Compare coverage limits and any new exclusions. Check each deductible, including named-peril deductibles. Check replacement-cost versus actual-cash-value wording. Ask whether discounts changed and what evidence they need. Compare another written quote on the same coverage basis. Confirm any replacement policy starts before the old one ends.

Questions for the insurer / agent

Reference: NAIC homeowners insurance guide. This worksheet organizes questions, not policy advice.

Contractor quote comparison

Put the same job beside each price. A blank is a question to ask.

Project and agreed scope

Up to three written quotes
Compare	Quote A	Quote B	Quote C

Enter at least two total prices to compare.

Resolve before you sign or pay Check the license with the relevant state or local authority where required, and request insurance evidence. Name who gets permits and who pays for them. Record start and completion dates, materials and cleanup. Put changes, exclusions and extra charges in writing. Tie progress payments to defined work; check local deposit rules. Avoid full payment up front. Check the finished work before final payment.

Missing details to request

Reference: FTC home improvement guidance. Contract and licensing requirements vary by location.

Home rebate watchlist

Verify the official terms before buying equipment or signing a contract.

ENERGY STAR rebate finder U.S. Department of Energy savings resources

Also check your utility and state energy office. Program listings do not guarantee eligibility, funding or approval. No rebate amounts or tax-credit deadlines are assumed here.

Before committing money Confirm the program is open and funding is available. Confirm the exact model, installer and property qualify. Check income or account-holder conditions and who applies. Check whether approval is needed before purchase or installation. Save the terms, receipt, model number and application confirmation. Confirm whether other incentives can be combined.

Checked resource links: October 10, 2026. Verify terms again on the date you apply. This is a planning worksheet, not tax advice.