Like a regular health checkup, your home requires regular maintenance. So, having a checklist and schedule are essential parts of its upkeep. You should consistently check the condition of your exterior, appliances, HVAC system, plumbing, and electrical systems to keep them from breaking down. It will save you money and will make sure your home looks its best.
Monthly Home Maintenance Checklist
If you inspect your home on a regular basis and complete monthly home improvement projects, you’ll be able to keep your maintenance schedule on track because it will be easier to manage. One of these monthly tasks is to check your air quality and vents, which you can do by taking the following steps:
- Clean the furnace filter to remove dirt buildup.
- Vacuum heat register and heat vents.
- Check the indoor and outdoor air vents to make sure they’re not blocked.
- You should also perform the following tasks to check your plumbing and water:
- Check the water softener and replenish the salt if necessary.
- Clean the garbage disposal by grinding ice cubes before flushing it with hot water and baking soda.
- Check the tub and sink drains for debris and unclog them as needed.
Be sure to test your smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and ground-fault circuit interrupters. You also want to check the gauge and expiration date on all your fire extinguishers.
Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
Fall is usually the best time of year to take care of your general home maintenance projects, because the weather is dry and the temperatures are moderate. It’s the perfect time of year to check your landscaping and do certain tasks related to yard prep. Some of them include the following:
- Raking leaves and aerating the lawn.
- Removing leaves and debris from your gutters and downspouts
- Practicing good pest prevention by keeping firewood away from the house, trimming shrubs, and repairing rotten or broken woodwork.
- Removing wasp nests from eaves and overhangs.
- Draining and winterizing exterior plumbing (including hoses and sprinkler systems).
It’s also a good time of year to do any home exterior repairs and updates. Some of them can include the following:
- Fixing cracks and gaps in the driveway and walkway.
- Touching up exterior siding and trimming with paint.
- Power washing windows and siding.
- Inspecting the roof for missing, loose, or damaged shingles.
- Checking the roof for leaks.
- Repairing or replacing siding.
- Cleaning windows and door screens.
- Replacing old, drafty windows or more energy-efficient models.
- Sealing cracks and gaps in windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping and replacing them if necessary.
- Inspecting exterior door hardware and fixing it as needed.
- Wrapping insulation around outdoor faucets and pipes in unheated garages.
Some of the interior tasks that are good to do in the fall include:
- Having the forced air heating system inspected by a professional (preferably in late summer or early fall).
- Checking the fireplace for damage or hazards and cleaning fireplace flues (which should be done by a professional).
- Tuning up major home appliances before the holiday season.
- Replacing the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Installing a smoke detector on every floor of your home.
- Cleaning carpets.
- Vacuuming lint from the dryer vent.
- Checking the water heater for leaks.
Be sure to speak to a professional for more information about which home maintenance tasks you can do in the fall.
Winter Home Maintenance Checklist
Here are some home maintenance tasks that can be done during the winter months:
- Cover the HVAC unit.
- Inspect the roof, gutters, and downspouts for damage after a storm.
- Vacuum exhaust fan grill.
- Vacuum refrigerator and freezer coils.
- Empty and clean refrigerator drip trays.
- Clean drains in sinks, tubs, showers, and dishwashers.
- Set up mouse traps as needed.
All of these tasks can be helpful during this time of year when the weather can get harsh.
Spring Home Maintenance Checklist
Spring is a good time to do the following things related to landscaping and yard prep:
- Refinishing the deck.
- Fertilizing your lawn.
- Pruning trees and shrubs.
- It’s also a good idea to do the following exterior repairs and updates:
- Cleaning windows and door screens.
- Removing leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.
- Inspecting the roof for missing, loose, or damaged shingles.
- Checking the roof for leaks.
- Inspecting the chimney for damage.
- Washing windows.
- Power washing exterior siding.
This is a good time to perform various cleaning and maintenance tasks related to your home’s interior (such as changing the AC filter, replacing the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, as well as draining and flushing the water heater).
If you’re looking for one of the best contractors in Corpus Christi, Texas to help you with your home maintenance checklist, be sure to reach out to Bayfront Roofing.
