The Ultimate Home Maintenance Checklist
More often than not, homeowners put off home maintenance until something goes awry but keeping up with your home maintenance can save you a lot of time, money, and frustration. By putting together a home maintenance plan and scheduling out tasks throughout the year, the process is much less overwhelming and will take less time.
Another benefit of regular maintenance is being able to catch small issues before they become big ones, which will save you money!
Maintenance to Complete on a Monthly Basis
Clean the furnace filter to remove dust build-up
Clean and remove mineral deposits on faucet aerators and shower heads
Remove debris from tub and sink drains (unclog if necessary)
Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
Inspect electrical cords from wear and tear
Make sure all indoor/outdoor air vents are clear of debris
Flush water heater to remove accumulated sediment
Clean garbage disposal
Maintenance Focus by Season
Winter - Damage control (prevent ice dams, keep the roof intact, etc.)
Spring - Repair winter damage, clean out basement and garage
Summer - Take on any big projects (building drainage systems, exterior painting, landscape projects, etc.)
Fall - Prepare for winter (clean gutters, install storm doors/windows, etc.)
Winter Maintenance Tasks
Your main maintenance focus come winter is going to be prepping for the harsh winter weather and damage control.
Check gutters and lower roof for ice dams
Make sure the covers are still on the outside hose faucets and that they haven’t iced up
Make sure water isn’t pooling on your lawn
Clean your basement, garage, and other interior spaces
If you have above-ground electric service, keep an eye on the leads from your home to the power pole
Spring Maintenance Tasks
With winter behind us, it’s time to focus on cleaning up any damage that incurred over the winter season.
Clean the gutters and make sure they drain properly
Check your siding for damage and repair as needed
Check your roof for any damage
Clean and replace window screens
Trim back trees and bushes
Install window unit air conditioners
Reverse the direction of your ceiling fan to go counter-clockwise
Summer Maintenance Tips
With consistently nice weather, summer is the perfect time to tackle any outdoor projects!
Make repairs to your siding
Repaint the exterior of your home
Clean and repair your deck/patio areas
Wash and apply a sealant to wood fencing
Flush your water heater
Clean debris from window wells
Tackle drainage system repairs
Fall Maintenance Tasks
Your main goal for home maintenance come fall will be prepping your home for the winter season.
Test your sump pump to make sure it’s working properly
Remove and store window screens
Install storm windows
Remove window unit air conditioners
Winterize central air conditioning systems
Service your furnace
Clean the chimney
Winterize exterior hose faucets
Remove leaves and debris from water features
Reverse ceiling fans to rotate clockwise