Are you ready to create an annual home maintenance checklist?
Each home requires routine maintenance to keep it in good condition and prevent any potential malfunctions, which can get quite costly. Moreover, by keeping everything maintained, your home will remain a safe and livable place as well.
A list of things to keep in check is lengthy, and this can be daunting, especially if you’re a fresh homeowner. In addition to regular maintenance, there could be certain investments you need to consider like replacing old wooden doors and windows, insulating a pole barn in your yard, minor remodeling, and such.
Fortunately, you can maximize the efficiency with some planning and by distributing the tasks evenly throughout the year. We asked the professionals and came up with the annual home maintenance checklist to get you started, so let’s get going.
Spring
There is a high probability that your home got a bit neglected during the winter, and Spring is the right time to give your home all the attention it deserves.
- Exterior
Begin by inspecting your exterior for any potential structural deterioration. Look for any cracks in the concrete, check if your drains need cleaning, and pay extra attention to the roof for any missing or damaged shingles.
- Gutters
If necessary, clean your gutters and drainage holes to improve water flow and prevent any moisture from entering your walls. Make sure to climb up the ladders and remove all the leaves, branches, and whatever else you discover there.
- Attic
Inspect your attic for any signs of water leaks and moisture. While you’re there, take a look at your insulation and see if it requires any fixing.
- AC
Make sure to switch your air conditioner filter, and have your air conditioner serviced by a repairman. This way, you’ll have it ready for the upcoming hot weather.
Summer
Even though you should be enjoying the summer instead of working around your home, there are still some tasks that you need to complete.
- Garage
This should become a summer routine for everyone who owns a garage, which often gets very neglected and chaotic. Start by removing all the unnecessary things from your garage, give it a good cleaning, and don’t forget to lubricate the garage doors.
- Power Wash
The pressurized washer can do miracles, so use it to cleanse your balcony, patio, driveway, and even your facade. And worry if you don’t own a power washer, because you can rent it at local home improvement stores.
- Insects
You can prevent an insect swarm by spraying a bit of bug spray around your house, caulking your windows and doors to stop ants and other bugs from entering your home, and installing fly screen buntings on your windows.
- Lawn
Mow your lawn to a one-inch size, and make sure to water it regularly. In addition, make sure to fertilize it to provide the grass with all the nutrients it requires.
Fall
- Heating
Begin by inspecting doors and windows for any leaks, then ensure that heating vents aren’t blocked. Get your furnace serviced, and your chimney cleaned, to prepare for the winter months.
- Trees
Keep your trees neat by pruning the dead branches and checking them for any sign of disease. If you have any young trees, use a paper tree wrap to protect them.
- Faucets
If you leave a hose attached to an outdoor faucet, this can do substantial damage to your pipes and exterior walls, because the water inside of pipes may freeze and expand. To prevent this, make sure to drain and remove all the hoses and turn off all the shutoff valves.
- Safety Devices
Replace the batteries on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and check for the expiration date of your fire extinguisher. In addition, you can get a radon test kit and test for any trapped radon that accumulates inside of your home.
Winter
- Winter Supplies
Before the first snowfall, get winter tools such as a snow shovel, roof rake, and ice-melting products. Furthermore, ensure that you have enough canned food, bottled water, and other emergency supplies in case of a heavy winter storm that may leave you stranded.
- Drafts and Leaks
Place weatherstripping around doors and windows, cover the mail slots and pet doors with insulation, and use bubble wrap on windows that you won’t be using. In addition, install the insulation to prevent the heat from escaping.
- Floors
Even though laminate and wood floors look fantastic, they will cause your home to lose heat during the winter. So place some carpets to prevent that and keep your feet warm at all times.
- Deep Clean
Since you’ll spend more time inside of your home during the winter, you could do a deep cleaning of the entire home. Pay extra attention to those areas which aren’t usually a part of your regular cleaning routine.