Like a regular health check-up, a home maintenance checklist and schedule are 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.
Use this home maintenance checklist to help schedule seasonal updates, repairs, cleaning, and a . 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.
Monthly Home Maintenance Checklist
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:
Air Quality and Vents
- to remove dust build-ups, make it easier to regulate your home’s temperature, and ultimately .
- Vacuum heat registers and heat vents.
- Check that indoor and outdoor air vents are not blocked.
Plumbing and Water
- Check the water softener and replenish salt if necessary.
- by grinding ice cubes, then flushing with hot water and baking soda.
- Inspect tub and sink drains for debris; unclog if necessary.
- Flush out hot water from the water heater to remove accumulated sediment.
Home Safety
- Test smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and all ground-fault circuit interrupters. Check the gauge and expiration date on fire extinguishers.
- Inspect electrical cords for wear.
Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
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 :
Landscaping and Yard Prep
Home Exterior Repairs and Updates
- Mend cracks and gaps in the driveway and walkway.
- Touch up exterior siding and .
- windows and siding.
- Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks.
- Repair or replace siding.
- Clean window and door screens.
- Replace old, drafty windows for .
- Seal cracks and gaps in windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping; replace if necessary.
- Inspect exterior door hardware; fix squeaky handles and loose locks.
- Wrap insulation around outdoor faucets and .
Interior Cleaning and Inspection
- Have the forced-air heating system inspected by a professional. Schedule an inspection in late summer or early fall before the heating season begins.
- for damage or hazards and clean fireplace flues. Have your fireplace professionally inspected.
- Tune up major home appliances before the holidays.
- Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Install a on every floor of your home, including the basement.
- .
- Vacuum lint from the dryer vent.
- Check the water heater for leaks.
Winter Home Maintenance Checklist
Winter weather can be harsh on your home. The below-freezing temperatures can cause a number of problems, including frozen pipes and .
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:
Exterior Repairs and Updates
- Cover your air-conditioning unit.
- Inspect the roof, gutters, and downspouts for damage after storms.
- Stock up on sidewalk salt and ice melt.
- Inspect the roof, gutters, and downspouts for damage after storms.
Interior Cleaning and Inspection
Spring Home Maintenance Checklist
Once the ground has thawed and the trees begin to bud, it’s time to prepare your home for spring. On top of your , 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:
Landscaping and Yard Prep
Exterior Repairs and Updates
- Clean window and door screens.
- from gutters and downspouts.
- Have a professional inspect and pump the septic tank.
- Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks.
- Inspect the chimney for damage.
- Wash windows.
- Power-wash siding.
- Repair or replace caulking and weather stripping around windows, doors, and mechanicals.
- Remove the insulation from outdoor faucets and check sprinkler heads.
Interior Cleaning and Inspection
- to remove mineral deposits. Repeat in the fall.
- Change the .
- Polish wood furniture and dust light fixtures.
- Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Inspect sink, shower, and bath caulking for deterioration.
- Vacuum lint from the dryer vent.
- Have the air-conditioning system serviced.
- Drain or flush the water heater.
Summer Home Maintenance Checklist
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; these tasks are indoors:
Interior Cleaning and Inspection
- Remove lint from your .
- Clean kitchen exhaust fan filter.
- and empty and clean drip trays.
- Check the dishwasher for leaks.
- Check around kitchen and bathroom cabinets and around toilets for leaks.
- Replace faucet and showerhead washers if needed.
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