Seasonal Maintenance Checklist

These checklists can help you manage homeowner maintenance tasks season by season so that everything gets done without you feeling overwhelmed. All homes are different, so these lists aren’t comprehensive, but they’ll help you get started with routine items that apply to most homes.

Spring

• If you suspect damage to your roof due to a recent storm, broken tree limb, or other cause, check for damage, but only if you can do so safely and with a helper present.
• Check all the fascia and trim for deterioration.
• Have a professional air conditioning contractor inspect and maintain your system as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Check your water heater for rust and leaks.
• Replace all extension cords that have become brittle, worn or damaged.
• Check your fire extinguishers.
• Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air filter.
• Repair cracked and uneven walkways and the driveway to maintain a level and undamaged surface.
• Check the shutoff valve at each plumbing fixture to make sure they function properly.
• Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper, and the space under the dryer.
• Inspect and clean dust from the covers of the smoke detectors and carbon-monoxide alarms.

Summer

• Check the kids’ backyard playset (swings, treehouse, trampoline, etc.) for wear and tear, and repair any damage.
• Check your wood deck and/or concrete patio for deterioration.
• Check the seals, caulking and weatherstripping around all windows and doors to ensure a tight seal to prevent heating and cooling loss.
• Check the water hoses on the washing machine, refrigerator ice maker, and dishwasher for cracks and bubbles.
• Make sure that any bushes and exterior foliage are not growing up against the house in order to prevent moisture intrusion, mold growth and structural damage.

Fall

• Have a professional heating contractor inspect and service your system as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Protect your plumbing system from freezing and damage by using special insulated blankets and wrapping for plumbing pipes and the water heater. Also, blow out excess water from the automatic sprinkler system, garden hoses and exterior hose bibb. Store garden hoses and cover the hose bibb with an insulated cover.
• Run all gas-powered lawn equipment until the fuel is gone.
• Test your emergency generator.
• Have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean the chimney flue (especially to remove any birds’ nests) and check your fireplace damper for proper operation before you light the first fire of the season.
• Make sure that the caulking around all bathroom fixtures is adequate to prevent water from seeping behind tile work and bath and shower enclosures into the drywall behind them, as well as into the sub-flooring under the floors.
• Make sure that any firewood is not stacked up against the home in order to prevent moisture intrusion, mold growth and structural damage.
• Clean out gutters, rake leaves, and remove debris from the home’s exterior before the first freeze.
• If you notice any tree limbs that are overhanging your home or near exterior power lines, have a professional tree trimmer cut them back before the first frost to prevent them from breaking off and causing damage or injury.
• Remove and store window screens and install the storm windows.
• Check the exterior siding.
• Check the attic and basement for water intrusion.

Winter

• Familiarize responsible family members with the gas main shutoff valve and other appliance valves.
• Make sure all electrical holiday decorations have tight connections.
• Review your fire escape plan with your family.
• Make sure your house number is visible from the street for any emergency response personnel.
• Make sure all exterior lights are in good working order.

Annually

Hire me to perform your Annual Home Maintenance Inspection as part of your homeowner maintenance plan to check the structure, system and components, and to evaluate any problems you may be concerned about.