DIYrr

New Homeowner First-Week Checks: Shut-Offs, Alarms, Locks

Updated 2026-10-20 · Sources verified 2026-07-20

Have this exact problem? Snap a photo or describe it and get a free step-by-step plan — local prices and the permit answer included, and you can email the plan to yourself. No signup. Get my free plan →

Short answer: no permit needed. Exempt finish work under FBC 105.2 and Orange County's published list — but exempt work must still comply with the Florida Building Code. The full rule and its official source are below, with the code requirements and mistakes that trip up Orlando homeowners.

The permit answer

No permit needed. Exempt finish work under FBC 105.2 and Orange County's published list — but exempt work must still comply with the Florida Building Code.
Source: https://codes.iccsafe.org/s/FLBC2023P1/chapter-1-scope-and-administration/FLBC2023P1-Ch01-SubCh02-Sec105.2

Orange County and the City of Orlando run separate permit offices with separate portals — and your mailing address alone doesn't tell you which one covers your home. Check which permit office covers your address →

Key facts before you start

Day one, find the two water shut-offs: the house valve where the main enters and the valve at the meter (OUC: 'a valve at the meter may need to be closed to make repairs on a suspected leak'). Then run EPA's leak test — read the meter, 'avoid all water use for two hours, then read it again. If the meter does not read exactly the same, you probably have a leak.' Full details in the main water shut-off guide.
Alarms: CPSC — 'Smoke alarms should be on every level of the home, outside sleeping areas and inside each bedroom'; CO alarms 'on each level of the home and outside sleeping areas'. 'Test the alarms monthly and replace the batteries at least yearly, unless the alarms have sealed 10-year batteries.' NFPA: replace smoke alarms after 10 years 'or sooner if they give an end-of-life warning' — check the date on the back of each one the week you move in.
Water heater: NFPA — 'set your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius) or just below the medium setting.' Most sellers leave it hotter; 120°F cuts scald risk and the energy bill. The water heater guide covers the T&P valve and expansion tank you should look at while you're there.
Dryer: CPSC — clear the lint filter 'before or after each use', and lint should come out of the vent pipe 'at least once a year'. A previous owner's clogged vent is a fire and a slow-dry problem on day one (see the dryer vent guide).
HVAC filter: EPA's tip is to check it every month, 'especially during heavy use months (winter and summer)', and change it on the maker's 60-to-90-day schedule or sooner if it's heavily soiled. Write the date on the frame edge so the next check is a glance.
Locks: everyone who ever had a key still has one. Kwikset SmartKey locks rekey in a minute with the lock's own tool and your current working key; other brands rekey or swap at the deadbolt (see the rekey & replace door locks guide). Map the breaker panel while you're at it: flip each breaker and label what goes dark.

Get a free step-by-step plan for YOUR exact repair →

DIYrr builds a personalized plan from a photo and description — tools, materials with local prices, and permit guidance. Email it to yourself to keep it. Free for homeowners, no account needed.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit for a new homeowner first-week checks repair in Orange County, FL?

No permit needed. Exempt finish work under FBC 105.2 and Orange County's published list — but exempt work must still comply with the Florida Building Code.

What's the biggest safety risk to know about before a new homeowner first-week checks repair?

Water heater: NFPA — 'set your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius) or just below the medium setting.' Most sellers leave it hotter; 120°F cuts scald risk and the energy bill.

When should I call a licensed professional instead of DIYing a new homeowner first-week checks repair?

HVAC filter: EPA's tip is to check it every month, 'especially during heavy use months (winter and summer)', and change it on the maker's 60-to-90-day schedule or sooner if it's heavily soiled.

Related repairs

Sources

https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Carbon-Monoxide-Information-Center/CO-Alarms
https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/2023/Save-Daylight-Save-Lives-Replace-Batteries-in-Smoke-and-Carbon-Monoxide-Alarms
https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/project/storefront/catalog/files/home-fire-safety/emac/educationalmessagesdeskreference.pdf
https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/fief/up_in_smoke_home_checklist.pdf
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/watersense-challenges-homeowners-take-10-minutes-find-and-fix-leak-week
https://blog.epa.gov/2014/04/27/earth-mont-tip-change-your-hvac-system-filter/
https://www.ouc.com/about/water-services/
https://www.kwikset.com/support/answers/how-to-re-key-your-smartkey-security-locks

This guide is general informational content, not professional or legal advice. Codes and county rules change — confirm permit requirements with your local building department, and use a licensed professional for electrical, gas, structural, or main-line plumbing work.

Built by Karhan Construction & Remodeling, an owner-led repair and remodeling company in Orlando — DIYrr is free whether or not you ever hire us.