Nothing beats the feeling you get when you first move into
your new home.
There’s a great sense of personal accomplishment when you
become a homeowner. There’s also an
overwhelming sense of responsibility (and not just financially). Despite the
benefits of homeownership, a home requires a lot of time-consuming upkeep all
year round.
With homeownership comes a long list of monthly, seasonal
and semi-annual maintenance objectives for your home. These can range from
normal upkeep for cleanliness to preventative maintenance for issues regarding
natural seasonal occurrences, like drastic temperature changes during warm or
cold months. With a little direction, you can establish a nice routine and keep
your home in great shape. Performing
light maintenance regularly can help to avoid issues that take longer to fix.
Use this checklist to help you stay on top of your home
maintenance:
Monthly Maintenance
[ ] Clean/unclog sink
and tub drains
[ ] Inspect and/or
replace HVAC filters
[ ] Check fire
extinguisher levels
[ ] Check water
softener
[ ] Clean range hood
filters
Quarterly Maintenance
[ ] Clean faucet
aerators
[ ] Test smoke/carbon
dioxide detectors
[ ] Clean drain gates
for floor and outdoor
[ ] Run water and
test toilets in guest rooms or unused areas
Seasonal Maintenance
(Fall)
[ ] Drain and cover
your pool
[ ] Replace the
batteries in your carbon monoxide detectors
[ ] Clean the carpets
[ ] Clean windows and
door screens
[ ] Inspect fireplace
for damage or potential hazards
[ ] Clean out dryer
vents
[ ] Inspect your home
for peeling paint
[ ] Caulk windows to
seal air leaks
[ ] Winterize your
air conditioning systems
[ ] Clean and prep
heating systems for winter
Seasonal Maintenance
(Winter)
[ ] Clean your
basement and perform inspection for mold
[ ] Inspect the
outside of your home for ice patches/icicles (address as you see them)
[ ] Tighten any loose
items in your home (knobs, racks, handles, etc.)
[ ] Inspect and
replace any locks or deadbolts that aren’t working properly
[ ] Check caulking in
bathroom sinks, bathtubs and showers
[ ] Inspect the
foundation of your home
Seasonal Maintenance
(Spring)
[ ] Uncover and treat your pool
[ ] Replace the
batteries in your carbon monoxide detectors
[ ] Clean the carpets
throughout your home
[ ] Clean windows and
door screens
[ ] Inspect fireplace
for damage or potential hazards
[ ] Service your air
conditioner
[ ] Remove any dead
plants or shrubs from around the house
[ ] Clean out gutters
Seasonal Maintenance
(Summer)
[ ] Determine if
there are any leaks in your plumbing
[ ] Clean and repair
your deck/patio
[ ] Focus on outdoor
home improvements (painting, landscaping, deck work)
[ ] Inspect and clean
outdoor exhaust vents
[ ] Complete roofing
projects
[ ] Clean your garage
It’s important to note that not all homes require the same
amount of maintenance. You may have equipment, furniture, appliances or other
items custom to your home that require different levels of upkeep. As you get
ready to tackle your home maintenance, be sure to add your own items to the
list to ensure your home is well-kept.
