How to Make an Annual Home Maintenance Calendar

Part of being a homeowner is staying on top of the various upkeep that comes with any home. Owning a home is a major investment, and just like anything else, it needs to be properly maintained year-round to ensure that it keeps its value. There are a number of things you can do to protect the integrity and value of your home. By creating an annual home maintenance calendar based on different seasons, you can stay on top of the tasks that will help ensure your home is being properly taken care of.

Spring

There are a lot of things to keep in check to ensure your home is in tip top shape, so it's best to divide the workload throughout the year. With that in mind, spring is a great time to head outdoors and make sure your home is prepared for those severe spring storms. Make sure the gutters around the house are clean from winter debris, and while you are up there take the time to inspect the roof for any damage. Additionally, wash all windows, both inside and out, and make sure any lawn care equipment is properly serviced. Lastly, make sure the air conditioning unit is fully functioning and all HVAC filters are clean and replaced if needed. This will help ensure your home is ready for those hot summer months ahead.

Summer

With summer comes heat, but also more daylight. Take advantage of the longer days and finish any outdoor projects you were not able to get completed over the spring. These could include checking and repairing your deck as needed, cleaning out the garage, and making sure exterior vents are clean of debris. After the outside work is finished, turn your attention indoors and take advantage of that air conditioning. The summer is a great time to do a little cleaning indoors, and that includes kitchen appliances. If your fridge operates with coils in the back, then you’ll want to make sure they are thoroughly cleaned. Not only will clean coils help the fridge last longer, they will also improve its efficiency and help lower your energy costs. Additionally, now is the time to make sure all the plumbing in your house is well cared for. Check around the sinks in your bathrooms and kitchen, taking notes of any leaks. You can even clean out your pipes with a mixture of baking soda, white vinegar, and boiling water.

Fall

The long winter months are just around the corner and fall is an ideal time to prepare your home for those colder days. For the outside of the home, make sure any fallen leaves are cleared from gutters, disconnect hoses and let them drain before storing indoors, and remove any outdoor furniture that isn’t weatherproof. For indoors, test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries as needed. Check windows and make sure they are able to keep out those cold temperatures, adding weather stripping wherever needed. Further, your furnace is going to be getting plenty of use in the coming months, so make sure those filters are properly changed and everything is running correctly.

Winter

All the preparation you did over the spring, summer, and fall should pay off in the winter months. During the winter, keep outdoor tasks to a minimum, but before the cold weather arrives walk around your home and make sure everything on the outside is in order. Don’t close any crawl space vents, as they are important in controlling condensation. Instead, insulate any pipes if the space under the floor is likely to get very cold. As far as the interior of the home is concerned, now is a good time to concentrate on indoor appliances. Take a good look at all of your kitchen appliances and clean them thoroughly. Check any warranty manuals and make sure you follow the recommended service requirements for each unit. Keep in mind that if your refrigerator has coils, then its due for another vacuum session. While you are likely going to be spending a lot of time indoors during the winter months, take the time to go around your home and look for any defects, such as loose door handles or chipped paint, and repair them as needed. By staying on top of even the smallest of tasks, you will help ensure your home keeps its integrity and value throughout its long lifespan.