A Home Maintenance Checklist for Homeowners
Jul 30, 2024Staying on top of home maintenance is crucial, but can be tricky, and usually gets pushed to the bottom of our-to-do lists. This leads to a lot of small jobs, a big headache, and a hefty bill when inevitably a maintenance issue needs repair. A well-structured and comprehensive checklist serves as a great guide to stay ahead of tasks and know what needs to be done. As a professional organizer and declutter expert, there are 25 things I’ve found that clients should do to maintain their homes.
Structural Maintenance
- Inspect the Roof: Look for missing shingles, leaks, or damage at least once every six months.
- Clean Gutters: Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage.
- Check for Leaks: Regularly inspect pipes and faucets for leaks.
- Service the HVAC System: Have the heating and cooling systems examined annually. This ensures that they are running as efficiently as possible.
- Test Smoke and CO Detectors: Replace batteries twice a year and test the alarms every month.
- Inspect the Foundation: Check for cracks or signs of settling and address any issues immediately.
- Seal Windows and Doors: Inspect and replace weather stripping and caulk to prevent drafts and improve energy efficiency.
- Clean Chimney: Have the chimney examined and cleaned yearly to prevent fire hazards.
- Service Water Heater: Flush the water heater annually to remove sediment and improve effectiveness.
- Pest Control: Schedule regular pest inspections and treatments to keep your home pest-free.
Maintenance Room Essentials
- Organize Tools: Keep tools organized and easily accessible on pegboards (Amazon CA, Amazon US) or in labeled drawers.
- Maintain Power Tools: Frequently clean and lubricate power tools, and replace parts as needed.
- Store Seasonal Items: Keep seasonal maintenance items (e.g., snow shovels, garden hoses) easily accessible and neatly stored.
- Check and Refill Essential Supplies: Make sure you have a stock of supplies like light bulbs, batteries, filters, and cleaning products.
- Label Everything: Using a label maker (Amazon CA, Amazon US),clearly label shelves, bins, and drawers to make finding items easy.
- Store Hazardous Materials Safely: Keep chemicals, paints, and flammable materials in a secure, ventilated area.
- Maintain Lawn Equipment: Service lawn mowers, trimmers, and other lawn equipment regularly.
- Inspect Fire Extinguishers: Ensure they are fully charged and readily available.
- Test Sump Pump: If you have a sump pump, test it regularly and ensure it is working properly.
- Inspect and Clean Dryer Vents: Clean the dryer vent often to prevent fire hazards and maintain effective use of your dryer.
General Home Maintenance
- Clean Appliances: Regularly clean kitchen appliances, including the oven, refrigerator coils, and dishwasher.
- Change Air Filters: Replace HVAC air filters every 1-3 months to ensure clean air circulation.
- Clean Windows and Screens: Clean windows and screens inside and out at least bi-anually.
- Inspect Insulation: Check attic and wall insulation to ensure it is adequate. Replace or add more if necessary.
- Regularly Paint and Caulk: Touch up paint and caulk to maintain the home's exterior and interior appearance.
By following this checklist step-by-step, you can be sure that all of your home upkeep is taken care of, headache-free. Assigning one family member with overseeing this checklist and delegating tasks to other family members is a good way to ensure that tasks get done, with nothing slipping through the cracks.
