This Home Maintenance Checklist Has Everything You Need to Keep Your House In Order

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Similarly to how you need to visit the doctor, your hair stylist, or the dentist for regular maintenance, your house also needs maintaining to stay looking (and operating) its best. Some tasks you should check off monthly, like deep cleaning your kitchen appliances or garbage disposal, while others are more periodic and should be addressed with each new season.

Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or a first-time homebuyer, it can be helpful to have a roadmap you can follow to determine which tasks you need to check off—and the best time to do so. Below, we outline a comprehensive home maintenance checklist, focusing on both the tiny tasks and impactful to-dos that can make a big difference in the overall “health” of your home. The end result? A home that’s as sturdy and reliable as it is beautiful—and a place that will safeguard your family for years to come.

Monthly

The more you stay on top of your home throughout the year, the fewer surprises you’ll run into. Below are tasks you should aim to do monthly to maintain the quality of your home and lessen the risk of larger issues. 

• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. When necessary, replace faulty units or batteries to keep your systems working seamlessly. 
• Inspect your HVAC filters. Clean or replace if dirty. 
• Clean your radiators or air vents. Vacuum thoroughly, then use a cloth to remove any lingering dust; tougher grime can be spot cleaned with soap and water. 
• Check for leaks. Look closely at areas with frequently used pipes, like below the kitchen sink and within bathroom vanities. Address any issues with a plumber. 
• Monitor your exterior vents for blockages. Pay attention to areas that vent out from your dryer or furnace, which can be prone to clogs from dust or lint. 
• Clean your garbage disposal. Start by grinding up ice cubes, baking soda, and lemon peels. Flush with boiling hot water. 
• Deep clean kitchen appliances. Wipe down your range hood filters, the interior of the microwave, and the stove door. 
• Do a general home walkthrough. Keep an eye out for any new cracks in the wall, peeling paint, signs of pests, or anything else that signals something is up. 

Annually

Think of the below like your home’s yearly physical. While these tasks don’t need to be completed during a specific season, you can time them to the anniversary of your home’s purchase if it helps you remember. 

• Schedule annual inspections. Have a professional come in and inspect your HVAC, furnace, water heater, and any other devices integral to your home’s day-to-day function. 
• Have your plumbing inspected. Ask a plumber to look for leaks, signs of corrosion, and test the water pressure. You can also ask them to test water softener levels or perform maintenance on a filtration device, like a reverse-osmosis system. 
• Examine your home’s exterior finishes. Keep an eye out for peeling paint, broken or cracked gutters, roof shingles that are askew, or shutters that are broken. 
• Recaulk your bathrooms where needed. Check the seams on your tub, showers, sinks, and around faucets to ensure they maintain a water-tight seal. 
• Review homeowner’s insurance. Make sure your coverage is up to date.

Winter

These tasks are best done during the winter months for ease and accessibility. In some areas of the country, winters can be particularly tough on the home (we have some tips on winterizing your home here), so it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on the following areas to ensure you stay safe and warm through even the most blustery winter storm. 

• Check on exposed pipes. Particularly those locations partially (or completely) outdoors or any that are in a basement. Insulate pipes where necessary to prevent freezing.
• Inspect attic insulation. Replace or add more insulation as necessary. 
• Seal drafty windows. Use weatherstripping, caulk, or add a thermal covering to mitigate leaks. 
• Inspect your fireplace and chimney. Ensure your flue is clear, your damper works, and there is no damage to the firebox. Stock up on wood or replace fire tools if necessary. 
• Increase pest control. Set up mouse traps where necessary, especially in the basement and attic. 
• Stock up on snow essentials. Purchase more sidewalk salt and locate or buy a gas-powered space heater, as well as a backup generator. Make sure your shovels are still in good shape, and that you have gas for your snowblower. 

Spring

True to spring’s DNA, now is the perfect time to clean up and tidy around the home—don’t forget to purge where necessary! And follow our spring cleaning guide for a full breakdown of our best cleaning tips and tricks.

• Inspect your screens. Wash them thoroughly and repair any holes ahead of open-window season. 
• Power wash your exterior. This includes your siding, porch, deck, and any other surface that experiences high traffic once the weather warms up. 
• Test outdoor plumbing. Run your hoses, outdoor faucets, and sprinkler systems, and inspect for any signs of damage. 
• Unpack and clean outdoor furniture. Take chairs, tables, and loungers out of storage and clean them; wash any cushions. 
• Trim trees and shrubs. Give the appropriate plants a generous trim ahead of the growing season, especially anything that is growing near the house. You can also fertilize your lawn if necessary. 

Summer

Summertime is a bustle of fun and activities, but it’s still important to stay on top of your household tasks.

• Prep your household cooling elements. Clean your HVAC filter, clean and install window air conditioning units, and wipe down any ceiling fans so they’re ready for use. 
• Check for pest activity. Keep close tabs on common summer culprits, like ants, termites, and wasps, which can make a home outdoors as well as in the attic. 
• Audit your deck or patio. Repair or reset any wood or stone that has become compromised; power wash away any moss or grime that has accumulated throughout the season so far. 
• Clean out your gutters. Make sure they’re free of debris, especially ones located near flowering trees that may have shed petals from spring.

Fall

Close out the year before winter kicks in by tackling lingering tasks and prepping your home for hibernation season. 

• Service your heating system. Schedule a furnace inspection and address any issues promptly; make sure your propane delivery cadence is adjusted for cold-weather use. 
• Drain and store outdoor hoses. Shut off exterior faucets and insulate where necessary.
• Clean gutters and downspouts. Remove fallen leaves or debris and make sure they’re securely attached to the house before a blustery storm. 
• Check driveway and walkways. Inspect surfaces for cracks or loose pavement and seal or repair before temperatures hit freezing.
• Rake leaves. Aerate lawn if needed; now is also the time to plant any bulbs you’d like to have bloom come spring. 
• Put patio furniture in storage. Keep what you can in a garage or basement; cover or protect any elements that will remain outdoors. 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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Alyssa Longobucco

Alyssa is a freelance writer, editor, and stylist with a background in interior, food, and lifestyle content. The recent recipient of an interior design certification, she has over a decade of experience in the digital and magazine industry helping readers digest design trends and providing actionable expert advice for creating a home and life they love.

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