A key to protecting the investment you’ve made in your home is following a regular maintenance schedule. By performing preventative maintenance on an ongoing basis, you’ll avoid many of the big-ticket repair items that can lower the value of your home.
Here are helpful checklists for monthly and Summer home maintenance.
Monthly
- Test your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector.
- Check the filters on your heating and cooling systems. Be sure to clean and change according to the manufacturer’s schedule.
- If you have a humidifier or an electronic air filter, check these as well.
- Check faucets for drips. Check plumbing for leaks.
Summer
Inside
- Deep clean carpets and rugs.
- Vacuum air duct grills and bathroom fan grill.
- Inspect your dryer’s lint duct. Disconnect it from the dryer and vacuum out the lint from the duct and areas surrounding your dryer.
- Inspect windows and doorways. Replace damaged caulking and weather stripping.
- Have a thorough termite inspection if you don’t currently have a termite service. Follow up on any treatment and repair recommendations. It will save you money in the long run.
- Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air filter
Basement
- Check pipes for condensation or dripping.
- Check the basement floor trap to be sure it contains water. Refill as necessary.
Outside
- Power wash concrete patios, inspect decks, and secure railings.
- Inspect driveway and walkways. Make repairs as needed.
- Remove or prune any plants, shrubs, or trees that penetrate the foundation, siding, or brick.
- Check lawn sprinkler heads.
- Check exterior siding and trim for signs of damage. Clean, repair, and/or replace as needed.
- Check for and seal holes that could be an entry point for pests and rodents.
- Make a visual inspection of your roof (or hire a professional to do so). Note the general condition. Sagging could be a sign of structural damage and should be checked by a professional. Inspect all roof flashings, checking for signs of cracking or leakage. Replace broken or damaged shingles as needed.
- Inspect gutters and downspouts for clogs.
- Inspect the chimney cap and caulking.
- Sweep out chimneys connected to a fireplace or wood-burning appliance. Inspect the chimney for end-of-season problems.
- Examine window screens, storm doors, and putty/caulk lines around exterior windows and doors.
- Clean the Outdoor Condenser on your air conditioner.
Garage
- Test the garage door to ensure it is opening properly and the hardware is secure.
- Lubricate garage door hardware. If you have a garage door opener, lubricate the automatic garage door opener motor, chain, etc., and ensure that the auto-reverse mechanism is properly adjusted.
See also: Fall Checklist, Winter Checklist, Spring Checklist
