Home maintenance can sometimes be a daunting task. With this easy checklist you can keep household chores on track.
*Not every task is applicable for every home. For more details, consult professionals (contractors, home maintenance experts, appliance technicians, etc.).
Monthly
- Clean garbage disposal
- Clean range hood filters
- Inspect electrical cords for wear
- Inspect fire extinguisher
- Inspect HVAC filters
Quarterly
- Deep clean entire house
- Replace batteries in smoke/carbon monoxide detectors
- Test water heater pressure relief valves
- Vacuum refrigerator coils
Annually (Winter)
- Check caulking around showers and tubs
- Check all locks and deadbolts
- Check for icicles and ice dams
- Deep clean and inspect basement
- Shutoff interior water valves to outdoor
- Test electrical outlets
- Tighten handles, knobs, racks, etc.
- Prune trees and shrubs (*check with your local nursery or arborist for techniques and specific timing)
Annually (Spring)
- Check and clean dryer and exhaust vents
- Check grout in bathrooms and kitchen
- Clean and repair deck/patio
- Clean debris from window wells
- Clean garage
- Clean gutters (*can also be done in late fall/early winter and may also need to be done more frequently depending on tree location to your home)
- Fertilize lawn
- Inspect plumbing for leaks, clean aerators on faucets
- Schedule HVAC inspection/service
- Get air conditioning system ready for summer
- Spray for insects
Annually (Summer)
- Check for exterior drainage
- Check trees for interference with electrical lines
- Clear dead plants from house
- Inspect home exterior
- Repair/replace damaged window screens
Annually (Fall)
- Buy winter gear
- Check driveway and pavement for cracks
- Clean carpets
- Flush hot water heater and remove sediments
- Get chimney cleaned
- Get heating system ready for winter
- Power wash windows
- Rake leaves
- Test sump pump
- Tune up/service major appliances (washer and dryer, refrigerator, stove/oven, dishwasher)
- Winterize air conditioning system
- Winterize external plumbing