Are you performing the recommended maintenance tasks needed to keep your home in tip-top shape? Did you know using a home maintenance checklist will save money? There are several tasks that are recommended to keep a home in tip top shape.  Keeping a checklist ensures none of these recommended maintenance tasks go overlooked or forgotten.  So, I’ve put together the home maintenance checklist homeowners need.

Having a Home Maintenance Checklist Saves Money

There is the obvious savings of performing regular and timely home maintenance tasks to catch issues before they become large, costly repairs and replacements.  However, there are many other ways that home maintenance tasks can keep cash in a homeowner’s pocketbook.  Such as, the savings in energy when windows and doors are properly sealed.  And by energy saved by simply replacing the filter in your HVAC every month requires the unit to work less.  This not only is an immediate savings that you see on your energy bill, but a long terms savings as lessening the workload on the unit helps lengthen the lifespan of the system.

Then there's the obvious savings.  Like, noticing and addressing a small crack in the siding before it becomes large and invites water damage to the interior of the home and requiring the piece of siding be replaced instead of a simple small repair. There are many more examples, but you get the idea.

Download your free copy of The Home Maintenance Checklist

Why Is It Important to Keep A Home in Tip-Top Shape?

For one thing, it's more relaxing and comfortable living in a home that is in good condition.  But also, the average homeowner moves every 11 - 13 years.  If a home is not maintained properly small issues turn into large expensive issues that will have to be dealt with when selling the home.  Using a maintenance checklist such as the Home Maintenance Checklist Homeowners Need will go a long way in avoiding and even preventing large, expensive issues at sale and help ensure the home is in tip-top shape.

Not Sure How to Do a Home Maintenance Task?

Many maintenance tasks on the maintenance checklist will have some detail.  If you come across one that you’re not comfortable doing or not sure about and need some help, hire a professional.  Often times, carefully reviewing the manufacturers user manual and watching videos on the topic will go a long way learning how to do a home maintenance task.

Searching the internet can help you locate copies of old user manuals,  where to find model numbers on appliances, missing parts and how to repair videos, etc.  Just be sure you are using accurate information by matching brand, model, make, manufacturer’s model number, etc.

Having a background in building and rehabbing homes, I do most of the home maintenance repairs around our house.  If you feel intimidated by just hearing the words "home maintenance repairs" don't be. Start with some of the easier maintenance tasks. Such as,  Do your research, the internet has a plethora of information available to you.  And if you're a woman, as I am...you go girl!

All this said, know your limits.  If you don't feel you can do the repair properly, let a professional do it.  It's better to have a professional do something well, then making things worse.  I know that sounds negative, but I've seen some homes where owners destroyed their homes by performing really bad repairs throughout their house.  When this happens the value of the home plummets.  Don't be that homeowner...put away the tool bag!

When to Hire a Professional?

As I said above, if you aren’t sure how to or are uncomfortable doing a maintenance task, hire a professional.  Oftentimes they will let you watch them do the service.  So, you can watch them closely, take notes and do it yourself next time.  Repair professionals are a great source of information, don’t be afraid to ask them questions.

Hire professionals to do tasks that can be dangerous or require special knowledge, tools, licensing.  Some of these home maintenance tasks are noted with an asterisk on the Home Maintenance Checklist Homeowners Need below. They are also noted on the printable version of the home maintenance checklist.

Another good time to use a professional is when the task is hard manual labor and you are unable or would just rather pay someone else to do it.  These home maintenance tails have also been noted with and asterisk.  The finally, hire a professional when you simply don’t have the time.

Download your copy of the Home Maintenance Checklist Homeowners Need now.

First, a Little About the Home Maintenance Checklist Homeowners Need

This home maintenance checklist is broken into 3 main sections to make it easier to use.  The first section contains recommended monthly home maintenance tasks.

The second section contains recommended home maintenance tasks that should be done or “performed” annually.

The third and final section contains those home maintenance tasks that are best performed during specific seasons.

Not every maintenance task will pertain to your home.  You may choose to cross through those tasks or simply ignore it.  Most, including myself, find it easiest to print out the maintenance checklists and place them in a “Home Binder” for easy reference.  Keeping the checklist in a binder will also help stay on schedule and ensure no home maintenance task is overlooked or forgotten.

Please note, the printable version of the Home Maintenance Checklist Homeowners Need does not contain much of the links to details, tips and instruction provided below.  Therefore, be sure bookmark this page to refer back to when needed.

Monthly Home Maintenance Checklist

Inspecting your home and completing home improvement projects will keep it in the best shape.   This monthly home maintenance checklist is easy to implement, it requires very little time and money.

• Replace HVAC filters. Buy in bulk, it will save you money and you will always have a replacement on hand.

• Flush out hot water from water heater to remove accumulated sediment. A tried and true best way to do this is by filling a spa bath until you run out of hot water.  Do this at least once a month from the time a hot water is new, and it will reduce sediment at the bottom of the tank which is a major culprit of burned out heating elements.

• Flush toilets and run water in bathrooms that are rarely used.

• Check water softener and iron filter, replenish needed. Note: most green sand iron filters only require addition of potassium permanganate every 3 months. Therefore, refer to manufacturer from proper scheduling.

Download your copy of The Home Maintenance Checklist Homeowners Need - FREE Printable

Seasonal Home Maintenance Checklist

As you go through the year, keeping a seasonal home maintenance schedule will help track and ensure recommend home maintenance tasks are not overlooked or forgotten.  Use this seasonal home maintenance checklist along with the handful monthly tasks to keep your home in the best shape.   If any of the jobs go beyond your skill level or lead to a more complicated or involved repairs, hire a professional to help.

Checking smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the spring and fall are two items that need to be on everyone's home maintenance checklist.

Seasonal Home Maintenance Checklist: SPRING

Spring is a busy time, staying diligent with the home maintenance schedule during this time is important.  It’s easy to overlook some of the recommended spring maintenance tasks when busy completing spring cleaning.  Use this SPRING home maintenance checklist to make sure no maintenance task is forgotten or overlooked.

• Press button for a minimum of five seconds on smoke alarm/carbon dioxide detectors to test. Replace 9 volt battery (if device uses one)

• Inspect fire extinguishers. Verify gauge is pointing in or to the green (depending on make of fire extinguisher).  Verify pin is in place.   Check for dents, punctures or corrosion, replace if any damage present.  Make sure instructions are clear and legible.

• Clean and lubricate tracks of garage door. Check your manual for specific directions or use and online resource such as this one on how to lubricate a garage door.

• Clean and lubricate window and siding door tracks to keep them riding smooth. Here’s a quick video to show you how

• Inspect deck for raised nails or screws, power wash and reseal

• Check basement and foundation for leaks and cracks

• Inspect basement crawl space for moisture

• Wash and install window screens, repair and replace as needed

• Uncover exterior A/C condenser unit

• Inspect attic for leaks

• Inspect interior and exterior for activity by ants, termites, bees and other pests

• Power wash siding and windows

• Clean dryer vent

• Inspect grading around home, correct issues

Seasonal Home Maintenance Checklist:  SUMMER

 Summertime is time for fun and vacations, most of us don’t want to be bothered by an overload of chores.  However, there are a few that really should be done to keep up.  So, schedule these early in the season before the temperatures reach 90^o.

• Test all exterior and interior outlets, GVCI outlets and switches are working

• Inspect interior and exterior of windows and doors, check for leakage, replace caulking and weather stripping and flashing as needed. Here’s  a video on how to properly apply caulk.

• *Inspect and repair roofing for loose, missing or damaged shingles or leaks and check flashing and vents for leaks

• *Inspect siding, repair or replace as needed

• * Have professional inspect and pump septic tank

• Vacuum refrigerator & freezer coils, and clean kick-plate

• Inspect exterior paint, touch-up where needed

• Inspect and repair exterior masonry for cracks and missing sections of mortar

• *Mend cracks and gaps in driveway and walkway, have driveway sealed

• Inspect interior paint, touch-up where needed

• *Check fireplace for damage or hazards, clean flues. Have clean/repair as needed

• Clean and seal tile grout

Seasonal Home Maintenance Checklist:  FALL

 Fall is a busy time in the yards, with many landscape chores.  It’s important to prepare for winter, especially if you live in the north.

• Test smoke alarm/carbon dioxide detectors by pressing the button for a minimum of 5 seconds, replace 9 volt battery (if device uses one)

• *Have HVAC professionally serviced and cleaned. HINT: Schedule early as the busiest time for HVAC companies.

• *Clean gutters and downspouts

• Drain and winterize exterior plumbing, drain and store hoses

• Clean exterior A/C condenser unit. Cover for winter.

• Insulate exposed pipes as needed

Seasonal Home Maintenance Checklist:  WINTER

Winter in the north can be harsh.  Proper maintenance is important in avoiding costly repairs.

• Regularly check roof for ice damns. It’s not recommended to climb up on ladder during freezing temps due to the danger of ice.  Therefore, hire a professional to remove ice damns and address the underlying issue during warmer months.

• Inspect basement for leaks during thaws

• Check basement sump pump and battery back-up are working properly

• Vacuum refrigerator & freezer coils, and clean kick-plate

• Inspect fire extinguishers. Verify gauge is pointing in or to the green (depending on make of fire extinguisher).  Verify pin is in place.   Check for dents, punctures or corrosion, replace if any damage present.  Make sure instructions are clear and legible.

Don’t forget to download your copy of the Home Maintenance Checklist and bookmark this page for easy reference.

Annual Home Maintenance Checklist

Below is a list of home maintenance tasks that should be performed annually.  Keeping track or these home maintenance tasks is easier if date completed is noted on your checklist, left of the task.

• Check garage door’s safety reverse function is working properly

• Examine interior drains, clear any blockages

• Inspect bathrooms and kitchen areas for leaks, make necessary repairs

• Look closely at doorknobs and handles, tighten as needed

• Inspect and repair caulk in bathroom and kitchen areas

• Check water heater for leaks

Continue Using the Home Maintenance Checklist Homeowners Need

Continuing to check up on the home exterior, interior, appliances, heating and cooling, plumbing and electrical systems will help prevent and avoid breakdowns, save money and keep the home looking its best.  Using the Home Maintenance Checklist will make sure maintenance tasks are properly scheduled, done and not overlooked or forgotten.

Let us know what you think. Did you find this home maintenance checklist helpful?

   Please leave a comment below.