Homeownership is the goal of many Americans. But following a proper home maintenance checklist can be a challenge, especially if you've been putting off maintenance for years. Below is an easy-to-follow checklist to help you tackle these small tasks every month throughout the year. Spring Home Maintenance Checklist Spring is usually when the real estate market starts to recover. It's also a good time to do some maintenance around the house. Below are some home maintenance tips to do during this time of year. Some of the most important activities during this time of year are those that will help protect your home from the heavy rains that are common during this time of year. March Items Some arborists recommend that late winter, just before spring arrives, is the best time to prune or trim your trees. Make sure tree branches are kept away from your home. Branches rubbing against your shingles can cause premature wear on your shingles. Walk around the outside of your home and touch up any exterior paintwork as needed. Spring is always the best time for a spring cleanup. Get rid of and organize items you no longer need. This is very important if you're planning on selling within the next few months. A lot of rain is usually expected during this time of year. Check all gutter downspouts and splashback blocks to make sure water is directed away from the foundation of your home. As a rule of thumb, we recommend changing your smoke detector batteries twice a year during daylight savings time. April Items Replacing a new unit isn't cheap. That's why it's important to have your air conditioner inspected once a year. Check if the exterior slope of your home is proper. During heavy rains, it's important that water properly drains away from the foundation. To prevent accidents, test your garage door's automatic reversing to make sure it's working properly. Gutters often clog and overflow. We recommend clearing leaves and debris at least twice a year. Check your bricks, siding, and exterior for damage. Mortar can deteriorate and may need tuck points to prevent water from seeping in. May Items The size of your household will determine how often you should maintain your septic tank. If you haven't done so in a while, now may be a good time to do so. Wash and clean your deck, siding, and other outdoor areas with a pressure washer. With certain products like Wet and Forget or OxiClean, you may be able to get the job done without a pressure washer. Now that everything is clean, it's a good time to reseal or stain the deck. To improve indoor air circulation, switch ceiling fans to counterclockwise. Run water in unused bathrooms and flush toilets to keep sediment from building up in the pipes. Download PDF: Home Maintenance Checklist Printable Summer Home Maintenance Checklist Below are some home maintenance items to do during the summer. This is the time of year when temperatures and humidity are at their highest. However, instead of focusing only on the outside of your home, it's a good time to focus on the inside as well. June Items Clean your garbage disposal monthly. Your basement should be kept dry. Always check for cracks and signs of water. Clean and defrost your freezer and refrigerator. Vacuum your registers and vents. Some companies will come and deep clean all your ducts. Clean your windows, inside and out, to increase the natural light in your home. July Items Tighten loose handles and doorknobs, both indoors and outdoors. Driveways can take a lot of abuse. Check for cracks and consider resealing if necessary. To extend the life of your water heater, drain and flush it to remove any sediment. Test your GFCI outlets to make sure they are working properly. Have a professional roofing company inspect your roof for damage or repair needs. August Items If you have a vestment, you probably have a sump pump. Now is a good time to make sure it is working properly. Take a look at your attic to make sure there is no water intrusion. During the summer, homeowners tend to have more barbecues. It is a good idea to clean them regularly. Depending on the size of your household and the number of guests, it may be time to have your carpets professionally cleaned. September Items Over time, doors can become noisy and creaky. Sometimes removing the pins from door hinges and oiling them is the best way to fix this. Replacing the caulking around exterior windows helps prevent water from getting inside and raging over time. Nails and screws can come loose from wood in hot and cold temperatures. Tighten loose nails and screws on decks to secure boards and prevent tripping hazards. Inspect your fence for any areas that need repairs. Are there any loose boards or faded paint? Fall Home Maintenance Checklist Below are some tips to do around the house during the fall months. Now is the perfect time to prepare your home for the colder temperatures. Complete any outdoor tasks that you don't want to get done when the temperatures are below freezing. October Items Winter is on its way and the temperatures are dropping. Now is a good time to perform maintenance and cleaning of your heating appliances. Remove the hoses from outdoor faucets to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. Run ceiling fans clockwise to better circulate warm air. Especially if you have high vaulted ceilings. Winter is just around the corner and the hot summer is drawing to an end.Look at your attic to make sure it is properly insulated. Winterize your outdoor lawn equipment. November Items It is important to have an emergency escape plan and practice it once or twice a year. Shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets. Inspect and clean your fireplace before using it during the winter. Clean and cover your outdoor furniture. Winter Home Maintenance Checklist December through February typically experience the coldest temperatures. Check these months for winter home maintenance tips to do on your home during this time of year. December Items Clean or replace dryer vents. Flush water and toilets in unused bathrooms. Inspect waterproof seals on doors and windows to prevent unwanted drafts. Clean faucet aeration devices to remove buildup. January Items Make sure gutters are free of ice and icicles. Inspect fire extinguishers. Clean behind refrigerators and stoves to improve airflow and keep appliances from overheating. It's important to change your HVAC filters every 30 or 60 days. Thoroughly clean your oven. If you eat home-cooked meals regularly, they'll get pretty dirty. A once-yearly clean will keep them looking clean. February Items Check the caulking in your bathroom and kitchen to see if it's deteriorating and allowing water in behind. Test smoke detectors throughout your home. It's important to check them monthly. If you have a whole-house humidifier, it's a good idea to check it once or twice a year to make sure it's working properly. During colder months, make sure all outdoor railings and stairs are secured. Check and clean your range hood filters once or twice a year, depending on how often you use it.
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