Like a regular health check-up, a home maintenance schedule is important for every house’s upkeep. Continuing to check on your exterior, appliances, heating and cooling, plumbing, security, and electrical systems will help prevent breakdowns, save money, and keep your home looking its best.<\/p>\n
Use this home maintenance checklist to help schedule seasonal updates, repairs, cleaning, and a handful of monthly tasks. Revisit the list monthly and at the beginning of each season to keep your home in prime working condition. If any recommended home repairs and maintenance go beyond your skill level or lead to more complicated projects, consider hiring a professional to help.<\/p>\n
Monthly Home Maintenance Checklist<\/strong><\/p>\n Inspecting your home and completing monthly home improvement projects will keep your maintenance schedule on track and easier to manage. Follow this comprehensive home maintenance checklist each month to help save time and money :<\/p>\n \u2022 Clean the furnace filter to remove dust build-ups, make it easier to regulate your home’s temperature, and ultimately decrease energy bills.<\/em> Fall Home Maintenance Checklist<\/strong><\/p>\n In many regions, fall is the perfect season to tackle general home maintenance projects because the weather is generally dry and temperatures are moderate. Before you start your seasonal home maintenance checklist, examine your home’s interior and exterior. Most of these tasks can be accomplished without the help of a professional, but it’s always better to be safe and call for assistance if a project is beyond your abilities. Here are our seasonal home maintenance checklist improvement recommendations for fall :<\/p>\n \u2022 Rake leaves and aerate the lawn.<\/em> Winter Home Maintenance<\/em> Checklist<\/strong><\/p>\n Winter weather can be harsh on your home. The below-freezing temperatures can cause a number of problems, including frozen pipes and roof damage. To prevent winter harm and avoid calling a professional in the middle of a blizzard, be sure to check these winter items off your home maintenance checklist :<\/p>\n \u2022 Cover your air-conditioning unit.<\/em> Spring Home Maintenance Checklist<\/strong><\/p>\n Once the ground has thawed and the trees begin to bud, it’s time to prepare your home for spring. On top of your regular spring cleaning, you’ll also want to consider these general upkeep tips. Use our spring home maintenance checklist to make sure everything in your home, from the basement to the roof, is in tip-top shape :<\/p>\n \u2022 Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks.<\/em> Summer Home Maintenance Checklist<\/strong><\/p>\n When the sun is out, and warm weather is finally here to stay, home maintenance is the last thing you should worry about. Use our quick summer home maintenance guide to get the hard work out of the way at the beginning of the season. Don’t worry if the weather is already heating up; most of these tasks are indoors :<\/p>\n \u2022 Oil garage-door opener and chain, garage door, and all door hinges.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Check the water softener and replenish salt if necessary.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Clean faucet aerators and showerheads to remove mineral deposits.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Inspect tub and sink drains for debris; unclog if necessary.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Test smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and all ground-fault circuit interrupters.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Inspect electrical cords for wear.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Vacuum heat registers and heat vents.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Check that indoor and outdoor air vents are not blocked.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Flush out hot water from the water heater to remove accumulated sediment.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Clean the garbage disposal by grinding ice cubes, then flushing with hot water and baking soda.<\/em><\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Have the forced-air heating system inspected by a professional. Schedule an inspection in late summer or early fall before the heating season begins.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Check the fireplace for damage or hazards and clean fireplace flues.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Seal cracks and gaps in windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping; replace if necessary.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Swap old, drafty windows for more energy-efficient models.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Touch up exterior siding and trim with paint.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Power-wash windows and siding.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.
\n\u2022 Mend cracks and gaps in the driveway and walkway.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Drain and winterize exterior plumbing.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Have your fireplace professionally inspected.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Tune up major home appliances before the holidays.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Repair or replace siding.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Install a smoke detector on every floor of your home, including the basement.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Clean the carpets.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Clean window and door screens.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Vacuum lint from the dryer vent.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Inspect exterior door hardware; fix squeaky handles and loose locks.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Check for frayed cords and wires.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Drain and store hoses, and drain in-ground sprinkler systems.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Wrap insulation around outdoor faucets and pipes in unheated garages.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Check the water heater for leaks.<\/em><\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Check the basement for leaks during thaws.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Inspect the roof, gutters, and downspouts for damage after storms.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Vacuum bathroom exhaust fan grill.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Vacuum refrigerator and freezer coils and empty and clean drip trays.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Clean drains in sinks, tubs, showers, and dishwashers.<\/em><\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Change the air-conditioner filter.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Clean window and door screens.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Polish wood furniture and dust light fixtures.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Refinish the deck.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Power-wash windows and siding.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Have a professional inspect and pump the septic tank.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Inspect sink, shower, and bath caulking for deterioration.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Vacuum lint from the dryer vent.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Inspect the chimney for damage.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Repair or replace caulking and weather stripping around windows, doors, and mechanicals.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Remove the insulation from outdoor faucets and check sprinkler heads.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Have air-conditioning system serviced.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Drain or flush the water heater.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Fertilize your lawn.<\/em><\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Remove lint from inside and outside washer hoses and dryer vents.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Clean kitchen exhaust fan filter.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Clean refrigerator and freezer coils and empty and clean drip trays.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Check the dishwasher for leaks.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Check around kitchen and bathroom cabinets and around toilets for leaks.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Replace interior and exterior faucet and showerhead washers if needed.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Seal tile grout.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Prune trees and shrubs.<\/em><\/p>\n