Congratulations on your newly built home! Whether you’ve just moved into a newly constructed house in Lucknow or any other Indian city, your new home is more than just a building—it’s your investment, comfort zone and future. But even a newly built home needs proactive maintenance from day one to stay safe, beautiful and durable. In this guide we’ll walk you through the most important maintenance tasks for your first year—and beyond—tailored for Indian homes and climate conditions.
1. Do a Thorough Initial Inspection
Before you settle in fully, walk through your home and check:
- Walls, ceilings and floors for any cracks or uneven finishes.
- All plumbing points (bathrooms, kitchen, utility) for leaks, seepage or poor alignment.
- Electrical wiring, switchboards, earthing and safety switches.
- Windows, doors and balcony/terrace for proper sealing, drainage, and water exit.
By catching these “new home issues” early, you ensure your builder’s warranties or maintenance commitments are still valid. Many maintenance guides highlight that early inspection prevents future costlier repairs.
2. Plumbing & Drainage – A Big Priority
In Indian homes (especially newly built ones), plumbing issues often emerge in the first year:
- Check regularly for floor trap blockages, slow drainage in bathrooms or kitchen.
- Make sure roof terrace drains, balcony drains are free and flow well – monsoon readiness.
- If water supply is hard (borewell or municipal with high TDS), consider measures like water softener or flushing pipes periodically.
- Avoid pouring grease/oil down the kitchen sink; use mesh filters.
These preventive steps align with common “home maintenance mistakes in India” which include ignoring small leaks or blocked gutters.
3. Waterproofing & Dampness Control
Given India’s climate (monsoon, heat, humidity), waterproofing becomes critical for a newly built home:
- Inspect terrace roofing, parapets, exterior walls for damp patches, peeling paint or signs of seepage.
- Clean gutters and down-pipes before monsoon to ensure smooth water exit.
- In North India & Lucknow region, the monsoon followed by humid summer means walls may accumulate moisture—keep an eye.
- Use good quality waterproof coatings at least every 3–5 years.
- Seal any hairline cracks as soon as you spot them—don’t wait.
If neglected, dampness can lead to structural weakening and higher repair bills.
4. Painting, Finishes & Exterior Care
Finishes make your house look polished, but they require ongoing care:
- Wipe walls with a dry soft cloth regularly to remove dust; in kitchens use mild cleaning.
- Avoid harsh cleaning or scrubbing newly painted walls for at least 6 months.
- Use anti-fungal/anti-mould paints if you live in humid or coastal areas (or areas with high humidity post-monsoon).
- Touch-ups: Ask your builder for leftover paint cans for future touch-ups.
- Exterior walls & terrace: Inspect for peeling paint or cracks; these indicate potential moisture ingress.
Proper maintenance of finishes helps preserve the “as-new” look and also the value of your home.
5. Electrical Safety & Regular Checks
Your newly built home’s electrical system should be treated proactively:
- Test switches, sockets, wiring for any signs of looseness, flickering, strange noises or warmth.
- Don’t overload sockets—spread devices across circuits.
- Use surge protectors for expensive electronics to guard against voltage fluctuations.
- Schedule a certified electrician’s inspection annually (especially after monsoon when wiring can get damp).
In India, many maintenance mistakes stem from delaying equipment servicing—so early action is best.
6. Flooring, Woodwork & Fixtures
Materials like tiles, marble, wood, laminates give luxury—but they also need care:
- Clean floors daily using appropriate cleaners; avoid acidic harsh chemicals on marble/stone.
- For wooden flooring or wood furniture: polish once a year; ensure no water spillage or damp around.
- Avoid dragging heavy furniture across tiles/wood—prevents scratches.
- For kitchens/wardrobes: Use moisture-resistant laminates especially in humid conditions.
- For balconies or terraces with tiles: Inspect for cracks or elevation changes which may lead to water seepage underneath.
7. Exterior & Garden Areas
Don’t ignore the outside of your home: first impressions and structural health matter.
- Clean terraces, balconies, exterior walls regularly—dust, bird droppings, moss can accumulate.
- Trim garden plants, ensure shrubs don’t grow too close to the walls (roots may cause cracks or damp).
- If you have a lawn or garden, maintain drainage so water doesn’t stand near foundation.
- Apply termite/ant prevention treatments if your home is near green belts or damp areas.
8. Settlement & Crack Monitoring
A newly built home may undergo slight movement or settling—that’s normal—but monitoring is key:
- Note hairline cracks (especially around windows, doors, joints).
- Mark them (with pencil) and observe whether they stay the same, widen, or new ones appear.
- If cracks widen quickly or appear after finishing, consult a structural/quality engineer.
- Most small cracks are cosmetic—but if ignored for months, they may lead to major issues.
9. Keep Builder & Warranty Documents Handy
Your builder may give you multiple warranties for things like waterproofing, plumbing, electricals, validator of finishes.
- Store all documents, receipts, service records safely.
- Especially essential for newly constructed homes where warranty period is limited.
- If any issue arises (leaks, defects), raise it within warranty period.
- Keep a list of contact numbers (builder, architect, electrician, plumber) for quick service if required.
10. Create & Follow an Annual Maintenance Schedule
Just like your car needs service, your home needs a yearly check-up cycle:
Pre-Monsoon (March–May): Inspect terrace, gutters; check drainage; clean exterior walls.
Post-Monsoon (September): Check for damp spots, leaks, repaint patches; inspect woodwork.
Winter (Dec–Feb): Check for cracks, insulation around windows/doors; service heaters/ACs.
Ongoing: Monthly checks of plumbing traps, monthly dust/wipe finishes, six-monthly electrical inspection.
Having a schedule prevents tasks piling up and creating big problems. The website of Tata Steel Aashiyana advocates for a checklist approach in Indian homes.