Owning a home is more than paying the mortgage, it also involves performing home maintenance year-round. From windows to doors and appliances to pipes, there are a lot of elements that need to be maintained. That is why a home maintenance calendar is a genius resource to help you organize essential tasks by frequency so you can preserve your home’s value and prevent expensive repairs. The best way to divide tasks on your calendar is to organize them by monthly, seasonal, and annual checkups.
In addition to organizing tasks, you should also set up a budget that factors in the maintenance cost into your annual budget. Most financial analysts recommend budgeting one to four percent of your home’s annual value for maintenance. This budget allocates for replacements and repairs in addition to services like professional repairs and pest control.
We have created a list to help you build your home maintenance calendar. Customize the list so it fits your home’s needs.
Monthly Home Tasks:
- Check your HVAC filters
- Clean the filter on your air cleaner(s)
- Inspect your water heater
- Clean your garbage disposal
- Clean your dishwasher
- Check under all sinks for leaks
- Walk outside around your home and look for possible damage such as: foundation cracks, branches leaning on your gutter and/or roof, damaged shingles, standing water, critter (and their nests), and rodents
- Walk around the inside of your home and look for: signs of pests, water spots on the ceiling, issues with doors or knobs, damaged wires (lamps, charging cords, etc.) and listen for odd sounds from appliances
- Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- Test your home security system
Spring Home Tasks:
- Clean your gutters
- Inspect your roof from the ground and check for missing shingles, damaged areas, and dark spots that may be a sign of a leak.
- Have a professional service your air conditioner
- Seal windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping
- Power wash your siding, deck, and driveway
- Test your sprinkler system
- Inspect your deck or patio for winter grime, damage, and/or dry rot
- Inspect and repair cracks in concrete areas such as your driveway, walkway, or patio.
- Service your lawn equipment
Summer Home Tasks:
- Clean and inspect appliance hoses such as hoses for your washing machine, dishwasher, and ice maker
- Change the filter in your dishwasher
- Clean refrigerator coils—this may be a bi-annual task if you have pets
- Seal the tile grout in your kitchen and bathroom(s)
- Clean the bathroom exhaust fan
- Vacuum your dryer vent
- Trim trees and branches near your home
- Test sump pump
- Check basement and attic for musty smells and damp spots
Fall Home Tasks:
- Test your heating system
- Have your furnace professionally serviced
- Clean gutters
- Drain outdoor sprinklers and faucets
- Inspect weather stripping around doors and windows
- Have your chimney professionally serviced
- If you have a window unit AC, place a cover (or tarp) on it to prevent damage from snow and ice
- Insulate any exposed pipes and check for any leaks
- Inspect foundation for cracks and fill them before winter
Winter Home Tasks:
- Check for drafts
- Inspect roof shingles (from the ground) for ice damage
- Monitor your attic and basement after a freeze to ensure there are no leaks and/or water damage
- Check water heater for leaks
- Clean bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans
- Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Annual Home Tasks:
- Check your fire extinguisher
- Deep clean your oven to remove grease buildup
- Hire a professional to inspect for signs of termites or other pests
- Lubricate the garage door opener
Maintaining a home can be stressful and time consuming, so make sure you break up the tasks into a smaller task list that makes sense for you. Remember, everything doesn’t need to be completed in one day. It is a process that becomes easier each time you do it.