Keeping your home in excellent condition will ensure you maintain your investment for years to come, but it can be a lot to remember all of the things that need regular attention. To help keep you on track, we’ve compiled the ultimate home maintenance checklist for you. Feel free to bookmark this list and come back to it each season.
Monthly Tasks
● Test all lighting; replace bulbs, dust & clean fixtures
● Vacuum couches (keep anything interesting you find)
● Clean the furnace filter to remove dust buildups, make it easier to regulate your home's temperature, and ultimately decrease energy bills.
● Check the water softener and replenish salt if necessary
● Clean faucet aerators and shower heads to remove mineral deposits
● Inspect tub and sink drains for debris; unclog if necessary
● Test smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and all ground fault circuit interrupters
● Inspect electrical cords for wear ● Vacuum heat registers and heat vents ● Check that indoor and outdoor air vents are not blocked
● Flush out hot water from the water heater to remove accumulated sediment; test pressure relief valve
● Clean the garbage disposal by grinding ice cubes, then flushing with hot water and baking soda
Fall
● Clean out closets
● Rake leaves and aerate the lawn ● Have forced-air heating system inspected by a professional. Schedule an inspection in late summer or early fall before the heating season begins
● Check fireplace for damage or hazards, and clean fireplace flues
● Seal cracks and gaps in windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping; replace if necessary
● Swap old, drafty windows for more energyefficient models
● Touch up exterior siding and trim with paint ● Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks
● Power-wash windows and siding ● Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts
● Mend cracks and gaps in the driveway and walkway
● Drain and winterize exterior plumbing ● Have your fireplace professionally inspected ● Tune up major home appliances before the holidays
● Clean appliances inside & out ● Repair or replace siding
● Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Install a smoke detector on every floor of your home, including the basement
● Clean the carpets
● Clean window and door screens ● Vacuum lint from the dryer vent ● Inspect exterior door hardware; fix squeaky handles and loose locks
● Check for frayed cords and wires ● Drain and store hoses, and drain in-ground sprinkler systems
● Wrap insulation around outdoor faucets and pipes in unheated garages
● Check water heater for leaks ● Clean oven hood & filter
Winter
● Cover your air-conditioning unit ● Check basement for leaks during thaws ● Inspect the roof, gutters, and downspouts for damage after storms
● Vacuum bathroom exhaust fan grill ● Vacuum refrigerator and freezer coils and empty and clean drip trays
● Clean drains in sinks, tubs, showers, and dishwashers
● Clean baseboards & walls ● Clean cupboards inside & out ● Clean window coverings
Spring
● Dust/vacuum heat & air return vents ● check gutters and downspouts ● reseal exterior woodwork such as decks, railings and wooden structures
● look for signs of termites and other pests ● inspect your roof for signs of wear or damage ● touch up or completely redo exterior paint ● inspect driveways, pathways and hardscaping materials for cracks and other damage ● test sprinklers and irrigation systems ● get rid of standing water and sources of it to prevent mosquitoes
● check windows, doors and screens for signs of wear or damage
● have heating and cooling systems serviced ● Dust and disinfect lesser used areas of your home
● Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks
● Check your chimney for damage or obstructions
● Change the air-conditioner filter ● Clean window and door screens ● Polish wood furniture, and dust light fixtures ● Refinish the deck
● Power-wash windows and siding ● Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts
● Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
● Have a professional inspect and pump the septic tank
● Inspect sink, shower, and bath caulking for deterioration
● Vacuum lint from dryer vent ● Inspect chimney for damage
● Repair or replace caulking and weather stripping around windows, doors, and mechanicals
● Remove insulation from outdoor faucets and check sprinkler heads
● Have air-conditioning system serviced ● Drain or flush water heater ● Fertilize your lawn
● Check on your sump pump
Summer
● Oil garage-door opener and chain, garage door, and all door hinges
● Remove lint from inside and outside washer hoses and dryer vents
● Clean kitchen exhaust fan filter ● Clean refrigerator and freezer coils and empty and clean drip trays
● Check dishwasher for leaks
● Check around kitchen and bathroom cabinets and around toilets for leaks
● Replace interior and exterior faucet and showerhead washers if needed
● Seal tile grout
● Prune trees and shrubs
If you feel any of the areas of your home could use professional attention, please reach out.
Areas that commonly show early signs of damage are roofs, windows and exterior coverings such as stucco and siding. Heritage Interiors and Exteriors would be happy to provide a free inspection and estimate to save you time and money. Getting repairs or replacements done earlier is always a good option!