Home Maintenance Checklist: A Job for Every Season
Home Maintenance Checklist: A Job for Every Season
Whether you are getting ready to sell your house or planning to stay put, regular home maintenance is a must.
And lucky for you, we have just the seasonal home maintenance checklist you've been looking for!
If you learn just one thing from this post, let it be this gem of homeowner wisdom: Spring isn't the only season for cleaning and repairs. Stay on top of home maintenance all year long and avoid big surprises and price tags later.
Plus, a well-maintained home definitely will improve your resale value in our competitive East Bay real estate market.
Let's get started...
FALL
- Inspect gutters and clear debris
- Clean and close pool for winter
- Get furnace and HVAC inspected by a pro
- Vacuum dryer vent, and/or have an HVAC specialist inspect and clean it
- Rake leaves and aerate the lawn
- Have fireplace inspected if you didn't do it in the spring
- Seal cracks and gaps in windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping. Replace old drafty and inefficient windows
- Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles
- Drain and winterize exterior plumbing if you live in a region with freezing temperatures
- Inspect siding and repair or replace as needed
- Inspect fire extinguisher(s) and make sure you have easy access to it
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries
WINTER
- Trim dead tree limbs so they don't fall and damage your home during a storm
- Inspect gutters and clear leaves and other debris
- Test your sump pump if you have one
- Check your emergency kit for bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights, first-aid supplies, batteries, radio, and a smart phone charger
- Reverse ceiling fans to a clockwise position to push heated air down
- Flush hot water tank to remove sediment
- Inspect fire extinguisher(s) and make sure you have easy access to it
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries
SPRING
- Check exterior drainage and look for standing water
- Clean gutters
- Have an arborist inspect tree health and trim dead branches
- Reseed lawn and plant perennials
- Clear dead shrubs and leaves from house
- Check for exterior winter damage like peeling paint and pavement cracks
- Wash windows and check screens for rips
- Wash winter grime off deck, or refinish if needed
- Schedule a chimney checkup
- Inspect roof for damage
- If you have a septic system, have a professional inspect and pump the tank
- Inspect sink, shower, and bath caulking for cracks
- Vacuum lint from dryer vent
- Inspect and possibly change out HVAC filters
- Inspect your fire extinguisher(s) and make sure you have easy access to it
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries
SUMMER
- Check sprinkler and irrigation system for leaks or poorly aimed sprays
- If you need exterior painting done, summer is a perfect time
- Inspect and possibly change out HVAC filters
- Inspect your fire extinguisher(s) and make sure you have easy access to it
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries
Read More: 5 Home Repairs That Give the Best Bang for the Buck
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Want more homeowner tips? Contact our East Bay real estate experts at Abio Properties at 888-400-ABIO (2246) or hello@abioproperties.com.