Tri-State Homeowner Report

First-Time Homeowner Tri-State Starter Guide

Congratulations—you’ve got the keys. Whether you bought in Evansville, Newburgh, Henderson, Owensboro, Mount Vernon, or a nearby Tri-State town, the first year of homeownership is less about perfection and more about systems, schedules, and knowing who to call.

This starter guide covers what to learn in your first 30 days, how to handle emergencies, how to find qualified help, and seasonal priorities for Ohio River Tri-State weather. Tri-State Homeowner Report is homeowner media and a contractor matching service—not a contractor, lender, or insurer.

First 30 days: learn the house

Safety and shutoffs

  • Locate the main water shutoff.
  • Locate the gas shutoff if applicable and learn how your utility wants it operated.
  • Find the electrical panel and label breakers as you learn circuits.
  • Test smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms; note manufacture dates.
  • Locate fire extinguishers.

Water, moisture, and exterior

  • Learn the water-heater age and emergency shutoffs.
  • Test the sump pump if present and check basement or crawlspace moisture clues.
  • Locate hose bibs and irrigation shutoffs before the first freeze.
  • Note roof age, gutter outlets, drainage away from the foundation, weatherstripping, and trees near the roof or utility lines.

Documents folder

Keep digital copies of the inspection report, seller disclosure, survey or plat, appliance manuals, warranty paperwork, insurance declarations, and permit history.

Build a simple maintenance rhythm

Monthly

  • Replace or check HVAC filters; check more often with pets or construction dust.
  • Run water in little-used sinks and showers.
  • Test GFCI outlets.
  • Scan roof, basement corners, and the attic hatch after storms.

Each season

  • Late summer and fall: schedule furnace service, plan gutter cleaning, winterize hose bibs, test alarms, and refresh the storm kit.
  • Winter: protect pipes, keep vents clear, use generators safely, and manage indoor humidity.
  • Spring: check roof and gutters, service AC, correct grading, and test the sump.
  • Summer: check cooling efficiency, trees, severe-weather readiness, and deck or patio fasteners.

Purdue and UK Extension resources are useful free tutors for lawn and yard timing in this climate.

Emergencies: what counts and who to call

Call 911 first when

There is a fire, medical emergency, unmanaged gas odor, or immediate life-safety risk.

Save utility contacts

Save your electric outage, gas emergency, and water after-hours numbers from each utility’s current official site.

Home system emergencies

  • Burst pipe or major leak: shut the main water; power off affected areas if safe; then call a licensed plumber.
  • No heat in freezing weather: check thermostat and breakers, protect pipes, then call licensed HVAC help.
  • Electrical burning smell or sparking: shut off the affected breaker if safe and evacuate if needed; call a licensed electrician.
  • Roof leak: catch water and move belongings; call a licensed roofer.
  • Sewer backup: avoid contact and stop running water; call a plumber and check coverage.
  • Storm damage: document with photos when safe, then contact insurance and qualified contractors.

Keep CO alarms working and generators outdoors well away from openings.

Finding help without getting burned

  1. Search locally via trusted directories and referrals.
  2. Verify licenses for the trade and city.
  3. Confirm insurance.
  4. Get written scopes.
  5. For Indiana work over $150, ask for a proper written contract under HICA. This is general information, not legal advice.

See our contractor hiring checklist, browse the directory, or request a contractor.

Money and risk basics

  • Standard homeowners policies usually exclude flood; check FEMA maps and discuss NFIP or private flood options with an agent.
  • Ask about sewer-backup coverage if you have a basement.
  • Photograph valuables and building condition now.
  • Plan a repair reserve for HVAC service, appliances, roof or gutter surprises, and deductibles.

September–November priorities

  1. Confirm the heating system works and has been serviced.
  2. Test smoke and CO alarms.
  3. Know water, gas, and electric shutoffs.
  4. Keep gutters functional before full leaf drop.
  5. Winterize outdoor faucets before hard freeze.
  6. Refresh the emergency kit and identify a tornado shelter.
  7. Save contractor contacts before you need them.

Neighborhood and community orientation

  • Learn your NWS office; much of the core Tri-State is covered by NWS Paducah.
  • Learn local siren habits; outdoor sirens do not replace indoor alerting.
  • Find trash, recycling, leaf pickup, and burn-ordinance information.
  • Read HOA exterior-change rules before patio or fence projects.

Use TSHR to learn the Tri-State, subscribe for seasonal reminders, and hire through a calm, documented process.

Bottom line

First-time homeownership rewards the prepared, not the perfect. Learn your shutoffs, set a seasonal rhythm, respect permits and licenses, and prepare for the storms the Ohio River valley actually throws.

Sources

Find a local contractor

Browse the Tri-State contractor directory by trade, or tell us what you need and we will hand it to one local contractor in your area. Free to you — contractors pay us, you never do.

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