The Ultimate Home Maintenance Checklist

Home repair and maintenance is an ongoing task for any homeowner. Understandably, it can quickly get overwhelming especially when simultaneously faced with the thought of home improvement, plumbing repairs, DIY home repairs etc. However, home maintenance is essential for a safe and functioning home. We all have to do it. To keep the process efficient, doable, and organized, we suggest breaking down tasks and schedule maintenance checks and repair work. A proactive approach is best to stay on top of things. The worst time to repair something in your home is when it’s already broken. 

To make things easier for you, we have put together the ultimate home maintenance checklist. WRAL news outlined an excellent time frame to work with for weekly and seasonal tasks that we’ve adopted. The following covers all the essential tasks you should schedule to keep your home well-maintained. While it may seem tedious, remember broken things are more difficult to deal with than maintain them. Follow this checklist to ensure your home is well taken care of.

Weekly Home Maintenance

General Cleaning

Cleaning your home at least once a week is always a good idea. From scrubbing toilets, vacuuming carpets, wiping down surfaces, doing laundry, polishing windows, etc., a weekly home clean is good practice to keep your home looking its best. With a weekly cleaning habit, you can also quickly identify any problems that need to be addressed, such as leaks, mold & mildew development, or worn-out grout. 

Monthly Home Maintenance

Test garage door safety features

Garage doors are an essential component of many homes, and it’s important to ensure they’re functioning safely and properly. Aim to do this once a month. Test that all safety features are responding as they should and functioning flawlessly. Safety checks such as checking the automatic reverse function, manual release function, as well as the physical condition of the doors cables and springs, is good practice. Regularly testing and maintaining these safety features can help ensure that your garage door operates safely and smoothly.

Check your HVAC system

Your HVAC system works best when regularly inspected. A monthly check up is recommended to ensure that the entire system is clean and running optimally. This ensures that the indoor air quality in your home is at its best. If you find yourself having difficulty navigating through the set up, don’t hesitate to call a professional. Many providers give regular service checks for their setups. You can call and schedule a professional to identify more technical issues, such as where air filters need changing. 

Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are a non-negotiable safety system in any home. They keep you and your household safe, but you must do your part to ensure they are working. Aim to test your entire fire safety and suppression system monthly or quarterly. Regularly testing your detectors and replacing batteries will ensure they do their job in the face of fire incidents. By testing your detectors and replacing batteries, you can help protect your home and loved ones from potential fire and carbon monoxide hazards.

Twice A Year Home Maintenance

Clean and maintain appliances

Home appliances are a significant investment, and proper maintenance is essential to ensure they last as long as possible and operate at peak performance. 

Schedule a bi-annual checkup when it comes to your appliances. Regularly cleaning your appliances prevents damage from the buildup of dirt and debris. On top of a weekly wipe-down, you’ll need to go in deeper to keep your appliances clean. Refrigerators, for instance, should be deep cleaned at least twice a year to eliminate the inevitable buildup of bacteria. Ovens could use a deep clean from food buildup and grime. Washing machine tubs need to be sterilized etc. 

If you need help, you can always enlist a professional electrician to inspect any minor appliance issues. You can also consult the manufacturer on the best care instructions for your appliances. 

By prioritizing regular cleaning and maintenance of your appliances, you can help prevent major breakdowns, save money on repairs, and ensure that they operate safely and efficiently for as long as possible. 

Inspect your roof

Roof care often gets put on hold due to general inaccessibility. With that said, it’s crucial to schedule inspections at least bi-annually to identify any signs of damage. It’s ideal for inspecting your roof during the dry season. This will allow you to do any repairs easily. We suggest also scheduling a maintenance check before the wet season or winter. Doing so will allow you to seal any cracks, address leaks, and repair damage that would otherwise subject your home to cold and moisture. 

Look for repair issues such as missing, dislodged, or damaged shingles, cracks, foliage buildup, and general wear and tear. 

 Spring and Fall Home Maintenance

Check for pest infestations

Pests can wreak havoc on your home and cause damage to your property. Pests can be unavoidable, so early detection is the next best thing to prevent. Regularly checking for common pests such as rodents, insects, and termites is crucial to avoid potential damage and ensure your home stays safe and comfortable. Signs of infestation may include droppings, damage to wood or fabric, or even the visible presence of live pests. 

We suggest checking for pest infestation specifically during spring and during the fall. Termites, ants and ticks for instance become more active in spring as the weather becomes warmer. Rodents on the other hand tend to seek refuge and warmth as the weather gets colder. We suggest checking for rodents during fall. 

If you suspect a pest infestation, addressing the issue promptly is important. You can lay out the appropriate traps alongside a thorough cleaning. You can also hire pest control for more severe infestations. Regularly scheduling pest checks and addressing pest issues as soon as you see them is often enough to keep your home pest-free.

Clean gutters and downspouts

Maintaining clean gutters and downspouts is a crucial aspect of home maintenance as it helps prevent potential water damage to your home. Regularly removing debris and ensuring that water can flow freely through your gutters and downspouts can prevent water buildup that could lead to leaks or other forms of water damage. You can inspect gutters and downspouts while doing your roof inspection. However, scheduling to clean your gutters and downspouts during the spring and fall is a good idea as well. Checking them during the spring will let you catch any water damage that might have developed over the winter. Checking them during the fall will also address any buildup and blockage. Doing so keeps them clear and primed for the cold season. 

By prioritizing regular cleaning and maintenance of your gutters and downspouts, you can help ensure that your home stays dry and free of water damage.

Summer Home Maintenance

Clean and seal your driveway and sidewalks

Issues like wear and tear and weathering are all part of the driveway and sidewalk damage. The best you can do is to repair minor issues like cracks and holes before they get bigger. Regular cleaning and sealing of your driveway and sidewalks protects them from major damage and saves you the headache of a heavy repair job. 

Cleaning your driveway and sidewalks removes dirt, debris, and other materials that can build up over time. Doing so helps to prevent slip and fall hazards. 

We suggest doing any maintenance work on your driveway during summer when it’s dry. Things like sealant, caulk, concrete etc. will settle properly during the dry season when rain is less likely to ruin any repair work. 

By prioritizing regular cleaning and sealing of your driveway and sidewalks, you can help extend their lifespan and appearance. 

Maintaining a home all year round is a challenging task. Make it an easier process by breaking down tasks and scheduling them. Doing so helps keep your home safe and in good condition in the years to come. By following this home maintenance checklist, you can help keep your home in top shape and prevent costly home repairs.