The Ultimate Annual Home Maintenance Guide

We all know that specific maintenance tasks need to be done on a regular basis to keep our home looking good and running the way it should. We also know that letting certain things go can lead to more costly repairs in the future.

Yet, given our busy schedules, the list of what needs to be done can seem overwhelming. Somehow, these tasks seem to get shoved aside. After all, who wants to spend their Sunday afternoon cleaning gutters? Home maintenance tasks do not have to feel overwhelming if you break it down into sections. We have provided a breakdown of what needs to be done by area and season to make it a bit easier.

Front and Backyard

Giving your front and backyard some TLC can completely transform the feel and look of your home. Particularly if you want to create a welcoming entrance to your home. Here are some front and backyard tasks to check off on your yearly maintenance:

• Inspect any garden features such as retaining walls, borders, patio pavers, fountains

• Check for any plant material that needs to be maintained or replaced

• Look at your home from the street with a critical eye for curb appeal

• Clean up any debris such as fallen leaves and branches

Inside Your Home

Inspecting the inside of your home can be a massive job. This will include maintenance of all your bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens and any other living spaces. Giving your home a deep clean can also drastically change the atmosphere of your home. Here’s some important tasks to consider when starting that internal inspection of your house:

• Give your plumbing a proper inspection for leaks and broken parts

• Make sure your sump pump is working properly

• Check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detector monthly

• Inspect electrical cords and outlets for wear

• Check your furnace filter and replace it if needed

• Check your water softener and replenish the salt

• Vacuum heat registers and vents

• Clean and inspect attic vents

• Inspect and repair any caulking around your tubs, showers, and sinks

• Clean range hood filters with a degreaser

• Clean your garage as there might be hiding hazards you can't see

Outside Your Home

Maintenance of the exterior of your home can be a comparable big job, just like maintaining the inside of your home. This could also be a great opportunity refresh the outdoor furniture and décor. Inspecting some areas such as your roof or gutters may be a dangerous job if you’re not experienced or afraid of heights, that’s when hiring the relevant professional is a safe option.

• Inspect the foundation

• Inspect the driveway and sidewalks

• Look at your roof and check for any broken tiles

• Clean your gutters

• Inspect Exterior paint

• Wash the exterior

• Pool opening tasks

• Inspect your chimney

• Inspect and clean your gutters twice a year

• Make sure that your sprinklers do not have any holes

• Clean debris from window wells

Best Jobs for What Seasons

If a yearly maintenance isn't enough to keep your estate looking it's best, perhaps a half-yearly inspection is a better option for you. Below are some maintenance tasks broken up into different seasons.

Spring

• Have your trees inspected and trimmed by a certified arborist

• Rake up any remaining leaves

• Check your outdoor faucets and sprinkler system for damage

• Put away your snowblower according to manufacturer’s instructions

• Check your lawnmower and have it serviced

• Inspect and clean your gutters

• Get a pre-cooling season inspection of your HVAC system

• Vacuum heat registers and vents

• Remove the insulation from the sprinkler and outdoor faucets

• Lawn fertilization

• Inspect your sprinkler system

• Repair window and door screens

• Make sure all windows open and close properly

• Clean debris from window wells

Summer

• Check to make sure outdoor air vents are not blocked

• Flush sediments from hot water heater

• Clean mineral deposits from faucet aerators

• Clean the garbage disposal

• Inspect tub and shower drains for clogs

• Replace any old and drafty windows

• Power wash siding and windows

• Repair any driveway or sidewalk cracks

• Make any siding repairs

• Replace smoke detector batteries

• Have your home inspected for termites and pests

• Clean your garage and any outbuildings

Fall

• Give your gutters and end of fall cleaning

• Get a pre-heating season inspection and service of your HVAC system

• Replace your furnace filters

• Vacuum heat registers and vents

• Rake leaves and aerate lawn

• Have fireplace and chimney inspected and repaired

• Winterize and drain exterior plumbing

• Thoroughly clean the carpets

• Clean door and window screens

• Vacuum the dryer vent

• Inspect water heater for leaks

• Lawn aeration

• Inspect and seal tile grout

Winter

• Wrap insulation around faucets and pipes in unheated garages and outbuildings

• Cover your outdoor air conditioning unit

• Inspect basement for leaks after thaws

• Inspect roof, gutters, downspouts after a storm

• Vacuum exhaust fan grill in bathrooms

• Vacuum freezer and refrigerator coils

• Clean drains in shower, tub, sinks, dishwasher, floors

• Replace smoke detector batteries

• Winterize your home and check for any air leaks or drafts

• Inspect your fire extinguisher and have them properly filled

• Check all locks and deadbolts to make sure they are working properly

Putting This List into Action

Of course, not all of these items will apply to you, and you might have others that you need to add. The best way to use this list is to make it into a calendar or seasonal list. Don't try to tackle the whole list at once but break it into one or two tasks at a time. Some of these items might only take a few minutes to complete, and then you can check them off quickly.

Getting these items taken care of in a timely manner can help you to avoid big repair bills and give you peace of mind. Keeping up with tasks on a regular basis keeps them from becoming overwhelming, which means that you can spend your Sunday afternoons enjoying life instead of doing big home repairs.

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