What to check first
Tune the new strings to pitch. On a floating tremolo, check bridge position. Then check neck relief, action and finally intonation. Also confirm heavier strings are not binding in the nut.
What the result tells you
A small gauge change may require little or nothing. Measure before assuming the guitar needs every adjustment available.
Write down the current measurement before changing anything.
Small, reversible adjustments are easier to understand and undo.
Stuck, stripped, lifted or structural parts are not routine setup territory.
Bench questions
Do I need to chase a factory number exactly?
No. Factory specs are useful baselines, but playing attack, string gauge, fret condition, radius and preference affect the setup that actually works.
Should I change more than one thing at once?
No. Make one measured change, retune, and test again so you know what caused the result.
When should I stop?
Stop if an adjustment is stuck, requires unusual force, hardware is stripped, a fret is visibly lifting, or the problem looks structural rather than setup-related.
Related setup guide
Electric Guitar Setup Guide gives you the broader context for this problem.
Where to go next
If this check does not explain the symptom, don’t compensate by randomly changing another adjustment. Go back through the symptom diagnostician and follow the next branch.