These checklists (broken into seasons) can help a home owner keep a routine maintenance plan for their house.
In the Spring:
- Check for damage to your roof
- Check all the fascia and trim for deterioration
- Have a professional air conditioning contractor inspect and maintain your system as recommended by the manufacturer
- Check and drain your water heater
- Replace all extension cords that have become brittle, worn or damaged
- Check your fire extinguishers
- Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air filter
- Review your fire escape plan with your family
- Repair all cracked, broken or uneven driveways and walks to help provide a level walking surface
- Check the shut-off valve at each plumbing fixture to make sure they function
- Clean clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper, and space under the dryer
- Inspect and clean dust from the covers of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
In the Summer:
- Check kids playing equipment
- Check your wood deck or concrete patio for deterioration
- Check the nightlights at the top and bottom of all stairs
- Check exterior siding
- Check all window and door locks
- Check your home for water leaks
- Check the water hoses on the clothes washer, refrigerator ice maker and dishwasher for cracks and bubbles
In the Fall:
- Check your home for water leaks
- Have a heating professional check your heating system every year
- Protect your home from frozen pipes
- Run all gas-powered lawn equipment until the fuel is gone
- Test your emergency generator
- Have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean the flues and check your fireplace damper
- Remove bird nests from chimney flues and outdoor electrical fixtures
- Inspect and clean dust from the covers of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- Make sure the caulking around doors and windows is adequate to reduce heat/cooling loss
- Make sure that the caulking around your bathroom fixtures is adequate to prevent water from seeping into the sub-flooring
In the Winter:
- Clean the gutters and downspouts
- Confirm firewood is at least 20 feet away from your home
- Remove screens from windows and install storm windows
- Familiarize responsible family members with the gas main valve and other appliance valves
- Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper and space under the dryer
- Make sure all electrical holiday decorations have tight connections
- Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air filter
- Check the water hoses on the clothes washer, refrigerator ice maker and dishwasher for cracks and bubbles
- Check and drain your water heater
- Test all AFCI and GFCI electrical devices