Buying a house is one of the biggest investments you will ever make. To get the most out of your home, take a proactive approach to maintenance and repairs. We know—there are a lot of tasks to keep track of and appointments to juggle. That’s why we’ve created a home maintenance checklist for every season that you can refer to throughout the year!
Why Does Home Seasonal Maintenance Matter?
Seasonal maintenance is important for several reasons. Each season brings unique challenges, and regular upkeep ensures your house can withstand the changing weather. It’s easy to forget tasks and prioritize other things, but maintaining your home throughout the year can make a big difference because it:
1. Saves Money
By practicing regular maintenance, you can prevent small problems from turning into a major issue down the road. This will save you money in the long run and help you avoid the hassle and stress of intensive repairs. It’s easier to tackle a few small projects than a large, costly one.
2. Affects Home Value
Participating in home seasonal upkeep can actually boost your property’s value by about 1% each year. You can’t completely prevent the signs of wear, but you can slow depreciation and make sure you get the best price when selling! The opposite is also true—if you don’t keep up with maintaining your home, it can decrease in value by up to 10%.
3. Keeps You Compliant
Depending on where you live and your neighborhood’s rules, your Homeowners Association may require certain maintenance tasks. Doing seasonal checkups using our home maintenance checklist helps you remain compliant and avoid fines.
4. Increases Energy Efficiency
As a homeowner, it’s also energy efficient to do seasonal upkeep. By making sure your internal systems, such as HVAC, are working properly, you can lower utility bills and decrease your environmental impact.
5. Improves Living Environment
At the end of the day, it’s your home. You want to feel safe, clean, and comfortable in your house, and proper maintenance is the best way to do that. Consistency is key to staying on top of things every season.
Spring Maintenance Checklist
When it’s time for some much-needed spring cleaning, remember to focus on tasks that will help you prepare for the warm weather and recover from any winter damage. Take charge of your home’s upkeep and dive into our spring maintenance checklist.
Exterior
- Check the roof, siding, and foundation for any winter damage.
- Clean and inspect the gutters and downspouts (repeat in the fall).
- Inspect for signs of pests (repeat in fall).
- Pressure wash your siding, decks, and driveways.
- Examine wooden structures for rot and damage.
- Trim trees and shrubs away from the house in preparation for storm season.
- Clean window and door screens and, if needed, recaulk.
- Check sprinkler heads, garden hoses, and outdoor faucets for leaks.
Interior
- Clean faucets and showerheads.
- Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (repeat in the fall).
- Repair grout and caulking in the bathroom and kitchen.
- Check the dryer vent for lint (repeat in the fall).
- Check the air ducts for mold and debris (repeat in the fall).
- Get your HVAC unit serviced by a professional (repeat in the fall).
- Change your HVAC filter, depending on your type.
Summer Maintenance Checklist
In the heat of the summer, focus your home’s seasonal upkeep on comfort and efficiency. It’s also the perfect time to tackle bigger projects that require good weather!
Exterior
- Clean and reseal your deck or patio (if needed).
- Inspect and repair fences and gates.
- Clean outdoor furniture and equipment.
- Fill cracks in your driveway or sidewalk.
- Check outdoor lighting.
- Maintain your garage door.
- Inspect and repair irrigation systems.
- Water lawn and landscaping as needed.
Interior
- Clean ceiling fans and reverse their direction.
- Test and clean exhaust fans in the bathrooms and kitchen.
- Clean carpets and rugs.
- Clean the refrigerator and freezer coils.
- While you’re at it, clean the rest of the fridge!
- Check your kitchen, dishwasher, and bathroom for leaks.
- Organize your pantry and cabinets.
- Change your HVAC filter.
Fall Maintenance Checklist
As the leaves start to change and the weather gets cooler, our fall maintenance checklist focuses on winterizing your home and preparing for the cold months ahead.
Exterior
- Prepare outdoor plumbing for winter.
- Clean gutters and downspouts (repeat in the spring).
- Check for signs of pests (repeat in the spring).
- Clean and store garden tools, outdoor furniture, and other equipment for the winter.
- Consider repainting or redoing your siding!
Interior
- Inspect and test the thermostat.
- Seal gaps around windows and doors.
- Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (repeat in the spring).
- Check the dryer vent for lint (repeat in the spring).
- Check the air ducts for mold and debris (repeat in the spring).
- Inspect your attic for pests.
- Clean your heating vents and registers.
- Clean your fireplace and chimney.
- Get your HVAC unit serviced by a professional (repeat in the spring).
- Change your HVAC filter.
Winter Maintenance Checklist
In the dead of winter, focus your energy on protecting your home from the harsh weather and keeping your roof intact. Depending on your roofing material, wind, snow, and moisture can do a lot of damage if you’re not careful.
Exterior
- Repair any roof leaks.
- Check outdoor heating sources like fire pits and heaters.
- Make sure everything is draining properly around the foundation.
- Clear snow and ice.
- Monitor snow buildup on the roof.
- Check for drafts around your windows and doors.
Interior
- Insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing.
- Check and replace furnace filters.
- Adjust thermostat settings for energy efficiency.
- Inspect and clean humidifiers.
- Add weatherstripping around doors and windows as needed.
- Inspect and insulate attics/basements.
- Change your HVAC filter.
Monthly Home Maintenance Checklist
Some maintenance tasks need to be done monthly to ensure a safe home environment. At the beginning of every month, remember to:
- Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Inspect fire extinguishers.
- Replace furnace, oven, and vent filters.
- Check for leaks.
- Check the sump pump.
- Inspect and clean your garbage disposal.
Know When to Hire a Professional
Do you need a professional to do everything? Absolutely not! Some issues can be solved with a little DIY. However, for anything complex that requires specialized knowledge, don’t hesitate to reach out for an expert opinion. Safety should be your number one priority. Always wear protective clothing, be smart while climbing ladders, and pay attention to your surroundings.
At KSW, we specialize in roofing repairs, exterior siding replacement, storm damage repairs, home remodeling, window replacement, and more! Contact our team to see how we can help.
With this home maintenance checklist for every season, you can create a schedule that works for you and results in a house that is safe, comfortable, and in great condition for years to come.
