Part of being a responsible homeowner is taking care of your investment. To help you keep your home in optimal condition throughout the year, we've created a seasonal home maintenance checklist comprising DIY and professional tasks.

Fall Home Maintenance

Exterior:

1. Insulate pipes, exterior faucets, and hose bibs.

2. Store garden hoses.

3. Clear debris off the roof and in gutters.

4. Check the HVAC system before switching from the air conditioner to heat.

5. Have the fireplace or chimney inspected and cleaned if necessary.

6. Put away outdoor furniture cushions and cover furniture and grill.

7. Spray for bugs outside the exterior of your home.

8. Rake and remove leaves.

9. Inspect stormwater drainage for potential issues.

10. Remove any icicle buildups or ice dams created during cold weather.

11. Assess the home’s exterior foundation walls for cracks.

Interior:

1. Check and weatherize your home for air leaks around windows, doors, and vents.

2. Clean the dryer vent.

3. Clean the sump pump and pit if applicable.

4. Verify fire extinguishers are still in service.

5. Take note of the furnace filter replacement schedule and set reminders.

6. Have your heating system and water softener inspected and tuned up if needed.

7. Inspect walls and windows for water damage and intrusion points.

Winter Home Maintenance

Exterior:

1. Blow water out of the outdoor sprinkler system to prevent freezing and potential line damage.

Interior:

1. Ensure pipes near exterior walls are safe from freezing by keeping cabinet doors open during frigid weather.

2. Hire a plumber to check internal plumbing and clear any clogs.

3. Ensure interior plumbing and valves are not leaking.

Spring Home Maintenance

Exterior:

1. Check wood siding for peeling paint, wood rot, and protruding nails.

2. Inspect for holes or crevices where animals could invade.

3. Evaluate caulking around windows and doors for bugs or animals.

4. Inspect the foundation for settling cracks and concrete for cracks.

5. Check the roof for missing or damaged shingles and clean gutters.

6. Spray for bugs, especially for potential termite damage.

7. Inspect window screens for damage, wash windows, and clean exterior window tracks.

8. Clean, reseal, or repaint/re-stain exterior decks.

9. Have a professional powerwash the exterior of your home.

10. Ensure proper grading and redirect downspouts away from the foundation.

11. Reseal asphalt driveways if needed.

12. Inspect exterior sprinkler heads and systems.

13. Mow areas where weeds have overgrown.

Interior:

1. Check for dampness or musty smells throughout the home, including closets.

2. Inspect water and weather damage in storage sheds and replace weather stripping if necessary.

3. Have the HVAC system checked by a professional and verify air conditioning functionality.

4. Replace HVAC filters, standing air filters, and humidifier filters.

5. Clean and reverse the direction of your ceiling fans.

6. Perform a deep clean of your home, including washing lint traps, garbage disposal, etc.

7.  Replace window and door screens and tighten loose screws.

8. Touch up or repaint interior walls.

9. Maintain interior seals and caulking.

10. Inspect the garage door's track and springs.

11. Clean the fireplace and remove any buildup.

12. Clean showerheads of grime and sediment buildup.

Summer Home Maintenance

Exterior:

1. Check trees and landscaping for potential hazards and hire a professional for trimming.

2. Remove cutback trees or shrubs near the exterior structure to prevent bug intrusion.

3. Inspect and clean outdoor furniture, grill, and exterior lighting fixtures.

4. Eliminate standing water to avoid mosquito breeding.

5. Remove bird and insect nests from your house.

6. Consider painting exterior parts of your home or deck if necessary.

Interior:

1. Check carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors, replacing batteries if necessary.

2. Thaw or defrost the freezer and deep clean the fridge.

3. Test GFCI outlets to ensure they are working properly.

4. Flush the water heater to remove sediment.

5. Test and repair blinds or shades to control sunlight.

Protect Your Investment with Professional Maintenance Inspections

Home maintenance is crucial in preventing small problems from becoming bigger issues. Consider having an annual or twice-yearly maintenance inspection done by a professional contractor. This proactive approach helps extend the lifespan of your home's materials and systems. Hiring a trusted company for multi-year maintenance inspections allows them to get to know your home intimately, making it easier to identify future issues.

To learn more about working with Better Builders and keeping your home in top shape, check out the eBook - Redefining Home Maintenance: The Proactive & Essential Guide for Homeowners. Schedule a home maintenance consultation call today to address your needs and see if we're the right fit for you.