4/26/2024 @ArmkeySuccess
As a homeowner, keeping up with your home’s maintenance is crucial. Regular maintenance, repairs, and enhancements not only safeguard your property but also boost its value and increase your family’s comfort. Proactive home care prevents expensive issues down the line, ensuring your home remains a secure and enjoyable place to live.
Once you've settled into your new home, it's wise to allocate a portion of your monthly budget for a savings fund dedicated to home maintenance needs and expenses. Many upkeep tasks can be handled on your own, but for larger issues, it might be necessary to seek professional assistance.
Utilizing monthly and seasonal checklists can streamline your maintenance routine, helping you keep everything organized and on track.
Monthly Home Maintenance Checklist
Clean your furnace filter to remove dust buildup.
Check the water softener and replenish salt if needed.
Clean faucet aerators and shower heads to remove mineral deposits.
Inspect and unclog your tub and sink drains.
Test smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers and all ground-fault circuit interrupters.
Inspect all of your electrical cords for any wear and tear.
Vacuum all heat registers and heat vents.
Make sure indoor and outdoor air vents are not blocked.
Flush out hot water from the water heater to remove accumulated sediment.
Clean your garbage disposal.
Spring and Summer Home Maintenance Checklist
Change the batteries in smoke, fire and carbon monoxide detectors.
Service your home's heating and cooling systems and replace filters.
Clean your gutters and downspouts. Seal any leaks in the gutter seams.
Check for any plumbing leaks. Replace leaky faucet seals and washers if needed.
Inspect your roof to look for issues such as buckling, damaged or missing shingles, or piles of leaves.
Check the foundation, driveway, sidewalks and walkways for cracks and make repairs as necessary.
Inspect your exterior for peeling paint or dry-rotted caulk. Repaint and caulk if needed.
Clean your window and door screens; replace any that are damaged.
Check and replace dry-rotted weather stripping for all doors and windows.
Remove and clean your storm windows.
Inspect your attic, roof and eaves for water damage and proper ventilation.
Open your attic vents.
Clean your stove hood, grease traps, dryer vents, room fans and stove burners.
Replace any faulty seals on your refrigerator and clean the coils.
Inspect your basement for dampness and seal appropriately.
Fall and Winter Home Maintenance Checklist
Change the batteries in smoke, fire and carbon monoxide detectors.
Service your home's heating and cooling systems and replace filters.
Clean the gutters and downspouts. Seal any leaks in the gutter seams.
Check for any plumbing leaks. Replace leaky faucet seals and washers if needed.
Clean your fireplace.
Hire a professional to clean your chimney and flue.
Clean your humidifier.
Check insulation and replace it if necessary.
Remove any window air conditioners.
Remove window and door screens, and clean them before putting them in storage.
Install storm windows. Be sure to clean and repair them before they're installed.
Remove wasp nests, and inspect for termites and wood rot, especially on windows and exterior door frames.
Inspect your sump pump. Keep an eye out for any debris, rust or erosion.
Drain and turn off outside faucets if you live in a region with very cold winters.
Oil your door locks, especially if you live in a region with very cold winters.
While it might seem like a lot of effort, even small maintenance tasks can significantly contribute to keeping your home in excellent condition.