Home maintenance is essential to keeping your home in tip-top shape, but it can be tough to keep track of everything that needs to be done. To help you out, we’ve put together a month-by-month home maintenance checklist. This way, you can ensure you’re taking care of your home all year! So, without further ado, here’s what you should be taking care of each month:
January
January is all about checking for drafts and insulating your home. Take a look at all of your windows and doors to see if there are any drafts or leaks. If so, seal them up with caulk or weather stripping. Consider adding extra insulation to your attic or crawl space as well.
February
Your roof is constantly exposed to the elements, so it’s important to check for any damage or missing shingles. If there are any issues, call a professional to fix them before they turn into bigger problems. February is also a good time to clean out your gutters and downspouts and trim any trees or branches that may be hanging over your roof. No one wants falling branches to cause damage!
March
Springtime brings warmer weather, so checking your air conditioning unit and ensuring it’s ready for the hot summer months is important. Clean or replace the filters, and schedule a professional inspection if necessary. You should also check your outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems for any leaks. This is also a good time to have your septic tank pumped if you have one. You should also check the trees on your property for any dead branches that need to be removed.
April
Spring showers bring flowers, but they can also cause damage to your home if you don’t have proper drainage. Check your property’s grading and ensure water is being directed away from your foundation. It’s also a good idea to check for any leaks in your roof and inspect your deck or patio for any needed repairs before the summer grilling season. You should also clean out your dryer vent to prevent a fire hazard.
May
Warmer weather means it’s time to start grilling and entertaining outside, so check your deck or patio for any needed repairs or maintenance before hosting guests. Inspect the caulking around your bathroom fixtures and re-caulk as necessary. Check for grout damage in your showers and bathrooms and re-grout as needed. Grout maintenance services can also help keep your grout looking new and prevent damage. And don’t forget to clean out your refrigerator to get rid of old, expired food.
June
Summer is a great time to open up the windows and let in some fresh air, so check all of your screens for holes or tears and repair them as needed. Inspect the exterior paint on your home and touch up any areas that may be chipping or fading. You should also check for any cracks or damage in your driveway and sidewalk and repair them as necessary. And don’t forget about your outdoor furniture- clean and protect it from the elements to keep it looking nice all summer long.
July
July is a great time to check the condition of your roof and make any necessary repairs before the harsh winter weather sets in. Inspect all of your handrails and railings for stability, and repair or replace them as needed. Check all exterior lights and replace any burnt-out bulbs. And while you’re enjoying those summer barbecues, remember to clean your grill grates to prevent any grime and grease build-up.
August
Summer may be winding down, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to stop thinking about home maintenance. Check the seals around your windows and doors for drafts or leaks, and reseal them as necessary. Clean out your kitchen exhaust fan to remove any built-up grease and grime.
September
Fall brings cooler weather, so now is a good time to check the insulation in your attic and add more if necessary. Inspect all of your smoke detectors, and replace the batteries if needed. Clean and replace the filters in your heating system to ensure it runs efficiently throughout the colder months.
October
The leaves may be falling, but that doesn’t mean you should neglect to check the exterior of your home. Clear any clogged gutters and downspouts to prevent damage from rain or snow. Inspect your chimney for any cracks or damage and schedule a cleaning if necessary. And don’t forget about your garage- clean any clutter and ensure your garage door opener is functioning properly.
November
The colder weather means it’s time to winterize your home. Drain and shut off any exterior water sources, such as hoses and sprinkler systems. Cover or store outdoor furniture and grills to protect them from the elements. Inspect your home’s heating system and schedule a professional cleaning or maintenance if necessary.
December
The holidays are here, so it’s time to check your home’s fireplaces and chimneys for any needed repairs or cleanings. Inspect your Christmas lights for frayed wires or damaged bulbs, and replace them as necessary. And if you’ll be traveling for the holidays, remember to unplug any electronic devices and set your home’s thermostat to save energy while you’re away. Happy holidays!
As you can see, quite a bit of home maintenance needs to be done every month! But by following this checklist, you can rest assured that your home will stay in great condition all year long.
