Like a regular health check-up, a home maintenance checklist and schedule are important for every house's upkeep. Continuing to check on your exterior, appliances, heating and cooling, plumbing, security, and electrical systems will help prevent breakdowns, save money, and keep your home looking its best.
Use this home maintenance checklist to help schedule seasonal updates, repairs, cleaning, and a handful of monthly tasks. Revisit the list monthly and at the beginning of each season to keep your home in prime working condition. If any recommended home repairs and maintenance go beyond your skill level or lead to more complicated projects, consider hiring a professional to help.
Monthly Home Maintenance Checklist
Inspecting your home and completing monthly home improvement projects will keep your maintenance schedule on track and easier to manage. Follow this comprehensive home maintenance checklist each month to help save time and money:
Air Quality and Vents
- Clean the furnace filter to remove dust build-ups, make it easier to regulate your home's temperature, and ultimately decrease energy bills.
- Vacuum heat registers and heat vents.
- Check that indoor and outdoor air vents are not blocked.
Plumbing and Water
- Check the water softener and replenish salt if necessary.
- Clean the garbage disposal by grinding ice cubes, then flushing with hot water and baking soda.
- Inspect tub and sink drains for debris; unclog if necessary.
- Flush out hot water from the water heater to remove accumulated sediment.
Home Safety
- Test smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and all ground-fault circuit interrupters. Check the gauge and expiration date on fire extinguishers.
- Inspect electrical cords for wear.
Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
In many regions, fall is the perfect season to tackle general home maintenance projects because the weather is usually dry and temperatures are moderate. Before you start your seasonal home maintenance checklist, examine your home's interior and exterior. Most of these tasks can be accomplished without the help of a professional, but it's always better to be safe and call for assistance if a project is beyond your abilities.
Here are our seasonal home maintenance checklist recommendations for fall:
Landscaping and Yard Prep
- Rake leaves and aerate the lawn.
- Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.
- Practice pest prevention by keeping firewood away from the house, trimming shrubs, and repairing rotten or broken woodwork. Remove any wasp nests hanging from eaves or overhangs.
- Drain and winterize exterior plumbing, including hoses and in-ground sprinkler systems.
Home Exterior Repairs and Updates
- Mend cracks and gaps in the driveway and walkway.
- Touch up exterior siding and trim with paint.
- Power-wash windows and siding.
- Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks.
- Repair or replace siding.
- Clean window and door screens.
- Seal cracks and gaps in windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping; replace if necessary.
- Inspect exterior door hardware; fix squeaky handles and loose locks.
- Wrap insulation around outdoor faucets and pipes in unheated garages.
