Seasonal Home Maintenance Checklist

home maintenance checklist

We know home maintenance can seem daunting and many don't know where to even start, but maintaining your home is crucial—especially when it’s one of your biggest assets.

We've compiled a seasonal home maintenance checklist to help you stay on top of your home's upkeep and improvement throughout the year. This checklist will guide you through each season, help you better understand what your home needs year-round, and help you stay on top of some of the tasks we can easily forget about.

Read on to learn how easy it is to avoid costly repairs, limit major issues, and keep your home in tip-top shape.

Spring

homeowner checking hvac system

From rain to severe storms and flooding and everything else in-between, spring can bring unexpected weather that takes a toll on your house. That’s why spring is the ideal time to get to work on fixing areas of your home that may have acquired damage from harsh winter weather as well as prepare your home for the upcoming rain and warmer months.

Service your HVAC in order to maintain a well-oiled cooling system all summer long. Don’t wait until the middle of the season to get this checked out or you may have to wait a few weeks before your system can be checked due to repairs being in high-demand.

Vacuuming your refrigerator coils will ensure that your refrigerator has a longer life and will save you money by keeping your energy bill low.

Inspect your attic, basement, and crawl space for any signs of moisture or water damage. An alarming statistic shows that nearly 70% of homes have mold issues. Your attic, basement, and crawl space are primary areas where mold can grow due to leaks and excessive moisture, creating structural issues for your home and health concerns for your family. Spring is prime time for moisture to accumulate and is the best time of year to inspect each of these areas and make repairs as necessary.

Examine any wooden fixtures such as decks, playsets, or sheds for protruding nails or broken pieces of wood. Repairing these will keep your whole family safe during outdoor play in the upcoming months.

Turn off your water when heading out for spring vacation. To help protect your home from internal water damage while you’re away, consider shutting off your water. Damage caused by water in the home can quickly escalate into costly repairs if left unattended, even for just a few hours.

Summer

homeowners cleaning the siding on their house

Summer is a great time to check off home maintenance projects that may be difficult to take care of once the cooler weather hits. Try tackling the bigger outdoor projects such as exterior home inspections, painting, and lawn care that are more easily managed in the warmer and drier months.

Clean and check your siding. Inspecting for structural damage is an important aspect of maintaining the value of your home. If you find any damage to these areas, be sure to contact your local handyman for assistance with these repairs.
Inspect exterior paint for any damage or deterioration that can take place over time. Annual check-ups on your home’s exterior paint can improve its longevity and protect its architectural integrity from weather and pests. Summer is an ideal time to hire a professional to paint your home for you.
Maintaining your lawn and garden will not only improve the curb appeal of your home but also keep away unwanted pests and bugs that often flock to unruly lawns and gardens.
Check for cracks or breaks in your window and door sealing before the fall and winter seasons so you can ensure that the heat stays in while the cold stays out! This will also help you save money by keeping energy costs low.
Dehumidify your home to proactively hedge against moisture and mold growth, as well as reduce pests in your home. A dry home will ensure a clean and healthy environment for the whole family.

Fall

homeowner cleaning gutters

As cooler weather approaches, there are a few imperative home maintenance tasks to take on before winter arrives. Taking care of these projects can ensure that your home will be in great shape to endure the onset of colder weather and come out retaining value on the other side of the season.

Clean and inspect your fireplace and chimney in order to steer-clear of the toxic build-up that accumulates in your home when you have fires in your fireplace.

Clear out your dryer vent to prevent any possible fires from starting in your laundry room. According to U.S. Fire Administration, more home clothes dryer fires occur in the fall and winter months.

Clean your gutters and your roof regularly. This isn’t just for keeping your home looking beautiful. If your gutters are full of debris, excessive water can accumulate, flow out of your gutters, and into your foundation. This can cause thousands of dollars in repairs to your foundation or basement.

Have your HVAC or heating system checked. Similarly to having your HVAC system inspected for the spring season, you’ll want to make sure that you have it serviced and ready to go when the weather begins to cool off.

Inspect and add insulation where necessary. Not only will insulation keep your home warm and energy costs low, it will help protect your pipes from freezing during the winter months.

Winter

homeowner caulking interior windows

While the winter season can be a more difficult time to manage the maintenance needs of your home, it’s certainly no time to sleep on it. Not only should you stay on top of the exterior needs of your home during harsher weather, but you also consider the interior projects you can tackle. Check out these winter weather tasks for you to check off in the colder months.

Cover your outdoor AC unit to protect it from harsh weather. Left unprotected, snow and ice can damage it, leading to a costly repair.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries as necessary.
Prevent frozen pipes by leaving your faucets to drip when you’re not at home. This is especially important to do when temperatures are particularly low.
Inspect all pipes for any signs of leaking. It’s common for pipes to burst during the winter. Stay on top of this by checking the pipes in your home regularly throughout the season.
Keep your eyes and ears open for any signs of pests. Animals will often take up residence in attics, walls, and garages to stay warm for the winter. Be sure to close off any gaps or openings in your garage and siding to keep pests out. And keep a look out for droppings that may appear in your garage or attic from your unwanted house guests.

Monthly

There are some tasks that should be taken care of on a monthly basis. Be sure to carefully inspect these areas of your home to maximize the efficiency of your appliances and keep energy costs low.

Check and replace your furnace filter
Vacuum and clean your vents
Clean your garbage disposal
Clean the drains in your kitchen and bathrooms
Exterior inspection of your home/property

Properly maintaining your property doesn’t have to be intimidating. With this home maintenance checklist, you’ll be able to take preventative measures to minimize the chance of disaster striking your home, which will save you time and money. Revisit this list every season to keep your home safe and secure.

NOTE: Some home maintenance tasks may not be safe for nonprofessionals. Whether it’s beyond your skill level or you simply don’t have the time, your local professional handyman can help.

Home Care & Repair’s professional handyman services keep you in control of your small home improvements and repair projects and provide a worry-free experience when it comes to quality workmanship, fair pricing, and your safety. To learn more, please visit our website or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.