As humans need a health checkup, so does a house. A home maintenance routine is vital for any house’s upkeep. When your house is your most significant investment, as it is for most Americans, its maintenance is crucial.
Checking on your house’s exterior, heating and cooling, appliances, security, plumbing, and electrical systems regularly will help you avoid problems, save money, and maintain the appearance of your house.
Home maintenance may be intimidating, especially for a first-time homeowner who has never even drained a boiler. A house changes with the seasons, waking up in the spring and hibernating in the winter. Consider hiring a professional handyman to assist you if any of the tasks are above your ability level.
Follow this complete guide throughout the year and pay attention to the details, and your home will function like a well-oiled machine.
Checklist for Monthly Home Maintenance
Some home items will necessitate greater care than others. To save time and money, use this complete home maintenance checklist once a month.
- Make sure your alarms and detectors are working properly. Smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide detectors are critical for your family’s protection.
- Clean your furnace filter to get rid of dust buildups. This makes it easy to control your home’s temperature and save money on your energy costs.
- Check your faucets for leaks or cracks. A dripping faucet wastes water and raises your monthly electricity bill without you even realizing it.
- To eliminate accumulated silt, flush the water heater with hot water. Also, check for blockages in the pipes.
- Dust can accumulate quickly in air vents. Check to see if any of the outdoor and indoor air vents are blocked.
Checklist for Annual Home Maintenance
If you wait too long to handle minor issues in your house, they might become significant ones. To save money on future home repairs, complete these home maintenance activities once a year.
- Tree branches should be pruned. Cutting branches near your roof can help prevent severe storm damage the next time there is heavy rain and high winds.
- Examine the roof to see if there is any damage, if the paint is peeling, or if the house has any holes. Check the roof closely to see whether it need any repairs.
- You can avert a serious infestation by inspecting your property for symptoms of wood damage and termites. Call a professional if you’re not sure how to check for termites.
- Gutter and drains would have gathered leaves from the fall and dust, as well as sediments from water and rains. Clean them once or even twice a year.
- Lint builds up in your dryer, which not only reduces performance but also poses a fire threat. Keep a brush on hand and clean your lint trap and dryer vent at least once a year.
Checklist for Seasonal Home Maintenance
The focus of your house maintenance efforts should shift as the season change. Let’s have a look at how you should proceed with home maintenance in every season.
Spring
Preparing your home for summer is necessary, so make sure your window screens are clean and in good working order. Also, the fences and decks should be re-sealed.
After the winter, a fresh coat of paint or replacing damaged siding can do wonders for your home’s curb appeal. Check for cracks in your driveway and pathways as well. Also, get your air conditioner checked well before summer begins.
Summer
During the summer, the garage door opener, chain, garage door, and all door hinges should all be oiled. You should check for leaks in the dishwasher, behind kitchen and bathroom cupboards, as well as near toilets.
Tile grout should be sealed and ensure that the kitchen exhaust fan filter is clean. It would be best if you also cleaned the coils in the refrigerator and freezer, as well as the drip trays.
Fall
To prepare for winter, schedule a heating system maintenance appointment in the fall to stay ahead of the game. Also, examine the insulation around your pipes and prevent them from freezing in the coming winters.
Rake leaves and debris to prevent it from creating a breeding ground for dangerous mold. The sprinklers should be turned off and drained. Moreover, cracks in your windows and doors should be sealed before the winter arrives.
Winter
Finally, the winter is here, so cover your air conditioner with a blanket. Vacuum the bathroom exhaust fan grill. After a storm, inspect the roof, gutters, and downspouts for damage. Also, during thaws, inspect the basement for leaks.
This complete guide can assist you in keeping track of all the items in your home that require maintenance. With these checklists, you’ll be able to maintain your house at any time of year.
