Home Maintenance Checklist

Our Home Maintenance List Will Help Keep Your Home in Top Shape All Year

To keep your biggest investment in good repair and avoid unnecessary costs, you’ll want to stay on top of home maintenance chores each season. While it may feel daunting, if you break the to-do list down into bite-sized tasks, you can easily keep up with your maintenance and enjoy your home for many years to come. Here is a season-by-season checklist to keep you on top of it all!

Spring Home Maintenance

Once the weather starts to warm up and the ground thaws, it’s time to head outside and see how your property faired during the winter months. When you are sure that the snow is not making a surprise comeback, you’ll be able to tackle some of these springtime chores.

Store your snowblower. Once the season is over, don’t forget to properly store your snowblower. Start by draining the fuel and cleaning the parts. You can also take it to a professional to clean and check it to make sure it’s in good shape for next season.

Check your mower. Make sure that your lawn mower is ready to work by having it serviced with a tune up before the grass starts growing quickly. They will sharpen the blades and check all the plugs. If you use a service, then make sure that your contract is in place. Start cleaning the lawn of any debris and put fertilizer down. This will help bring back nutrients and revitalize your lawn for faster growth.

Put down seed. If your lawn is missing some grass in areas, put seed down to boost spring growth. It’s also a good time to start planting spring flowers, once the threat of frost has passed.

Check your gutters. With the rainy spring weather, it’s important to check your gutters to make sure they aren’t clogged or damaged. This should be done at least twice a year if many trees hang over your roof.

Change the air filter in your HVAC system. Spring is a good time to change your air filter, especially if you’ve run your heat a good amount during the winter. A clogged filter can cause maintenance problems and increase your energy costs.

Service your air conditioning. Before the summer heat sets in, it’s a good idea to check on your air conditioning so it’s ready to cool you off in the hot weather. Many times, homeowners don’t know that they have a problem until the weather gets hot and they turn their system on.

Summer Home Maintenance

In the heat of the summer with vacations and fun on your mind, maintenance is probably the last thing you'll want to deal with, but there are a few summer tasks you should keep on your list.

Control pests. Ants, wasps, mice, and other pests are out during the summer months. Look for cracks along the foundation and by windows and door frames, and any gaps in cables or pipes that lead into your home. Also, check the attic, basement, and garage for signs of damage. If you spot an infestation or anything unusual, it’s a good idea to call a professional. An annual pest control contract can help you manage these pests all year.

Check play equipment. If you have play equipment in the backyard, it’s important to make sure it’s safe. Check bolts and screws to ensure that they are tight and secure. Reseal or repaint it to freshen it up.

Keep your plants hydrated. Summer is generally a drier season, so if you have a garden or plants that need water, you should consider a sprinkler system. A professional landscaper can install underground sprinklers, or you can set up a system yourself using timers to help keep your lawn hydrated.

Maintain the pool. Pools need to be cleaned throughout their season of use. Skim the top regularly to remove leaves, bugs, and other debris. Clean the sides to prevent algae from growing, and make sure to frequently check the water and chemical levels.

Replace windows or doors. The warm weather is a great time to tackle a project, such as replacing windows or doors. Replacing them with more energy-efficient ones will save money on heating and cooling and could improve curb appeal.

Fall Home Maintenance

Fall is an important time for home maintenance, as the temperatures are cool enough to comfortably take care of projects, and you can prepare your home for the winter. Here are some home tasks for the fall season.

Close the pool. In most climates, by September, pool season is over, so, in the fall, you’ll need to clean and cover the pool or have a maintenance company close it for you.

Rake leaves. Leaving all the fall leaves on your lawn could lead to mold growth, so you should get rid of most of them. One option if you don't have too many is to mow the leaves with your lawn mower, which breaks them down, provides nutrients to the grass, and saves time on bagging and raking.

Clean leaves and debris from gutters. A clogged gutter filled with leaves can cause damage to your roof or siding and could cause leaks inside your home. Wear safety glasses and gloves when pulling out debris. If you’re not comfortable on a ladder, hire a professional.

Check your heat sources. Make sure your chimney is in top shape for winter use and that there isn’t damage or too much soot built up from the previous year. Also, make sure that your furnace or boiler is in working order before you need to turn the heat on.

Change the air filter in your HVAC system. Replacing the air filter is one of the easiest ways to maintain your HVAC system. A clogged filter makes your system work harder, which can cause maintenance problems and increase your energy costs. If you ran your air conditioning a lot during the summer, fall is a good time to replace your air filter.

Seal windows and doors. Look for any cracks that will cause a draft in your home, raising the cost of keeping warm. Caulk or place weather stripping around the edges to seal any cracks or gaps. You can also put draft blockers at the bottom of your doors to keep heat from escaping.

Winter Home Maintenance

Winter is when we typically retreat indoors and take a break from outdoor tasks, but it’s a good idea to be prepared for any weather-related maintenance issues that may occur. Here are some items to put on your winter to-do list.

Get the snow blower ready. Make sure it’s in proper working condition before the first storm hits. You’ll want to get a tune up and ensure that you have enough gas and motor oil ready.

Stockpile supplies. It’s a good idea to replenish certain necessities before the first storm, such as ice melt for walkways and driveways, a good shovel (if you don’t have a snowblower), and a scraper for car windows. Also, have an emergency kit ready that includes water, canned items, batteries, a radio, and a first-aid kit.

Check the generator. A portable generator can be a necessity in many areas, as extreme weather conditions and power outages are more prevalent. Cover your generator when its not in use. After you use it, empty the gas into a separate tank and make sure that you have enough gas for backup. Since generators are not used often, it’s a good idea to test them every month to ensure they’re working properly.

Move outdoor items, inside. Before the snow and ice start falling, it’s a good idea to move outdoor items inside a shed or garage to make sure they stay in good shape. This includes any outdoor furniture, portable firepits, outdoor play equipment, and garden hoses (be sure to drain them, first).

Inspect trees. Call a professional if you suspect a tree is dead, is at risk of falling, or needs to be trimmed back. Heavy ice or snow can bring down branches and trees and can damage property if they're near a house or car.

Best of luck as you take care of your home each season. A house that’s been well taken care of can increase in value and curb appeal if you ever need to sell it. More importantly, you’re more likely to have a cozy home in which to enjoy your life!

Last reviewed and updated September 2024 by Freedom Mortgage.