It is important to maintain your home on a regular basis. Below is a home maintenance checklist for every season.
Homeowners who neglect home maintenance can face costly repairs and harm in the long run. Thousands of dollars may be spent on a roof or plumbing equipment all at once. Homeowners can budget between 1 and 5% of their property’s value for repairs and improvements per year. Homeowners can reduce unexpected costs by following a routine home maintenance schedule.
Maintenance and upgrade costs can vary depending on the season. Homeowners can plan ahead by creating a home maintenance calendar checklist. Here’s a short seasonal guide to help you find important tasks to complete during the year.
Winter
Winter preparations can be time-consuming and stressful. The tasks mentioned below will help you winterize your home and prepare it for a moderate or extreme winter. Property owners should take the following steps:
Heating System
- Check to see if the heating system in your home is up to the task.
- PVC vent pipes in high-efficiency systems must be free of obstructions.
- Boiler systems should be cleaned once a year.
- Gas furnaces should be cleaned every three years.
Inspect insulation
- The home will be kept warm with adequate insulation.Inadequate insulation forces the furnace to work harder resulting in a higher heating bill.To help save money on heating, add additional insulation to the attic, walls, and crawlspaces.
Check the fireplace and chimneys
- Creosote and debris accumulation (leaves/bird nests) can cause a fire hazard and should be removed.
Additional winter maintenance tips
- Garden hoses should be disconnected from the outside faucet. Frozen pipes can burst when water freezes.
- Clear the roof of snow and ice.
- Walkways and driveways should be shoveled.
- Plan your planting or landscaping projects for the coming year.
- Make a plan for future changes to your house.
Spring
Leaks and flooding can occur as things start to thaw and melt. Homeowners should do the following to ensure a smooth transition from winter to spring:
- Clear the roof and gutters of any leaves or debris that have accumulated over the winter.
- Inspect the roof, paying special attention to any shingles that are missing or damaged.
- Ensure the downspouts are pointing away from the building.
- Look around the property for puddles of water.
- If necessary, test the sump pump.
- If appropriate, inspect the sprinkler device.
- Wash walls, decks, and porches with a pressure washer.
- Total landscaping and/or planting improvements that you’ve been preparing.
Summer
Summertime can be a busy time for many people when it comes to home maintenance. This is partially due to the upkeep of the landscaping. Grass, trees, and flowers develop more quickly in the summer. Homeowners may want to do the following:
- Maintain a landscaping routine that involves mowing, watering, and pruning on a daily basis.
- Prepare outdoor furniture for use by cleaning and conditioning it.
- Check for cracks, water leakage, and other signs of damage in the base.
- On the outside of the house, touch up the paint.
- Deeply clean the interior of your house, including the floors, walls, and fixtures.
- Complete interior improvements, such as painting or adding new flooring. For ventilation and drying, the windows and doors must be left open.
- Detect and eliminate rodent and insect infestations.
Fall
When the leaves start to fall, it’s time for homeowners to prepare their homes for the upcoming winter months. These activities should be done before the snow and ice arrive:
- Leaves should be raked.
- Drain the hoses and turn off the sprinkler system.
- Outdoor furniture and gear should be stored or covered with outdoor furniture covers.
- Clear the gutters of debris and give them a good rinsing.
- Clean the siding and look for any loose panels or cracks.
- Windows and doors should be caulked and weather-stripped.
- Get ready to turn off the air conditioner.
- Ensure that the furnace is in good working order.
- Examine the humidifier (if a whole-house humidifier is installed).
- Chimneys should be cleaned and inspected.
- As required, replace and test the batteries in the thermostat and smoke detectors.
It is a good idea for homeowners to complete as many tasks as possible ahead of time. This is particularly important if you live in an area where snow and ice occur early. Homeowners should conduct routine exterior walkarounds to ensure that everything is in working order. Clogged gutters can cause serious structural damage, so they should be cleaned on a regular basis.
Follow the seasonal home maintenance checklist to keep your home in good shape.
A well-kept home is more likely to sell Faster and for more money