The Essential Home Maintenance Checklist
Maintaining your home is crucial to ensure its longevity and functionality. Just like regular health check-ups, a consistent home maintenance schedule will help you stay on top of your house's upkeep. By regularly inspecting and addressing issues with your exterior, appliances, heating and cooling systems, plumbing, security, and electrical systems, you can prevent breakdowns, save money, and keep your home in pristine condition.
To simplify the process, we have created the ultimate home maintenance checklist, accompanied by expert advice. This checklist will assist you in scheduling seasonal updates, repairs, and cleaning tasks, as well as a handful of monthly responsibilities. We recommend revisiting the list every month and at the beginning of each season to ensure your home remains in prime working condition. For any recommended repairs or maintenance tasks that exceed your skill level or require more complex expertise, it's advisable to hire a professional.
Monthly Maintenance Checklist
By inspecting your home and completing monthly home improvement projects, you can stay on track with your maintenance schedule and manage it more efficiently. Follow this comprehensive home maintenance checklist each month to save time and money:
Clean the furnace filter to remove dust build-up, regulate your home's temperature more effectively, and reduce energy bills
Check the water softener and replenish salt if necessary
Clean faucet aerators and showerheads to eliminate mineral deposits
Inspect tub and sink drains for debris and unclog them if necessary
Test smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and all ground-fault circuit interrupters
Inspect electrical cords for signs of wear
Vacuum heat registers and vents
Ensure indoor and outdoor air vents are unobstructed
Flush out accumulated sediment from the water heater by draining the hot water
Clean the garbage disposal by grinding ice cubes, followed by flushing it with hot water and baking soda
Summer Maintenance Checklist
When the sun is shining and warm weather is here to stay, the last thing you want is to worry about home maintenance. Our quick summer home maintenance guide will help you tackle the essential tasks early in the season. Don't fret if the weather is already scorching; most of these tasks can be completed indoors.
Oil the garage-door opener, chain, garage door, and all door hinges
Remove lint from inside and outside washer hoses and dryer vents
Clean the kitchen exhaust fan filter
Clean refrigerator and freezer coils and empty and sanitize drip trays
Check the dishwasher for leaks
Inspect the areas around kitchen and bathroom cabinets, as well as toilets, for any signs of leaks
Replace worn-out washers in interior and exterior faucets and showerheads if necessary
Seal tile grout to maintain its integrity
Trim trees and shrubs to ensure a well-manicured landscape
By following this comprehensive home maintenance checklist, you'll be well-prepared to keep your home in excellent condition. Remember, regular maintenance is key to preserving the value and functionality of your property.