You moved in, deep cleaned, and unpacked in your new home. Congratulations! As you settle in, everything will feel brand new. While it’s important to savor that feeling and enjoy your first months in your new space, don’t make the mistake of neglecting routine home maintenance. 

Like a regular health check-up, a home maintenance schedule is essential for general upkeep and goes beyond weekly cleaning. Check on your exterior, appliances, heating and cooling, plumbing, security, and electrical systems to prevent breakdowns, save money, and keep your home looking its best. 

Every year, plan to spend 1-3% of the value of your home for regular home maintenance. Keep in mind, this does not include major renovations, so if you know you have a big project coming up, make sure you put aside extra money for that!

Use this checklist to help schedule your seasonal updates, repairs, and cleaning. Revisit the list throughout the year to keep your home in prime working condition.

Fall

Fall is a transitional period, and the perfect opportunity to get your home ready for winter. Before it gets too cold, take care of these home maintenance items:

• Seal cracks in windows and doors with caulk or weatherstripping.

• Drain exterior plumbing, and cover outdoor faucets.

• Install a new furnace filter.

• Clean gutters (wait until the leaves fall!).

• Clean heating vents.

• Inspect outdoor lighting.

Winter

Most of our time is spent indoors during the coldest months of the year. Set aside some time for interior maintenance:

• Clean drains.

• Clean tile grout. 

• Clean the oven and other kitchen appliances. 

• Early in the season, check for drafts. 

• Check for leaks in the basement. 

• Watch for ice dams on the roof. 

Spring

By the time spring comes, we are all ready for a fresh start. Air out your home, check the exterior, and get ready for some deep cleaning!

• Clean and refinish decks, porches, and patios.

• Clean all windows — inside and out.

• Inspect roof and siding. 

• Clean gutters.

• Check for air leaks around doors and windows. 

• Inspect the exterior of the home for rotting wood or insect damage. 

Summer

Completing these items early in the season will give you plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors!

• Fix large cracks in concrete or asphalt driveways and walkways. 

• Get an HVAC checkup. 

• Have the fireplace inspected, and the chimney swept. 

• Clean and repair or replace window and patio door screens.

• Power wash the exterior of the house.

• Inspect foundation and crawlspace.

• Check sprinklers or lawn system. 

Every season, complete a visual inspection of your home inside and out. If you notice anything needs attention, add it to your list. This will eliminate surprises and keep your home looking it’s best.