Maintenance Checklist

You guessed it, it’s that time again. Just kidding. As a homeowner, it is always time to maintain your home. If not you, then who? Don’t worry we understand, having to constantly check and pay for problems can be irksome. Which is why we have created this comprehensive checklist that not only helps you remember what you should be looking for and when, but allows you to be proactive and take the offense against whatever your home may throw at you.

Summer

 If the house or garage doesn’t need paint, wash exterior off at least once.

 Look for visible signs of carpenter ants, termites, or any other destructive insects.

 Check all flat roofs, and re-coat or seal as needed, especially flashing.

 Check for mortar that needs repair.

 Check concrete drive, sidewalks, patios, and landings for condition and level; patch cracks, level, and/or replace, as needed.

 Clean carpets and wax tile and hardwood floors.

 Drain off sediment from hot water tank and steam heating system.

 Add copper sulfate to basement floor drain and downspout drains to control tree roots in main sewer.

 Inspect plumbing for leaks, clean aerators on faucets.

 Clean and repair deck/patio as needed.

 Check and clean dryer vent, other exhaust vents to exterior of home.

Fall

 Winterize air conditioning systems.

 Patch and seal driveway (asphalt or concrete), and concrete steps/ landings.

 Check tuck pointing on all brick areas, then seal masonry with a silicone sealant.

 Check weatherstripping on all doors and windows, and repair as needed.

 Check all areas that need to be caulked, and repair as needed.

 Make sure all garage floor or driveway drains are flowing properly.

 Clear gutters of leaves, check for leaks, and repair as needed.

 Oil garage door tracks.

 Prune bushes, trees, and shrubs (except spring-flowering shrubs.)

 Have furnace checked or tuned up, and change filter; have boiler checked every few years (every year if boiler is more than 20 years old.

Spring

 Clean gutters; make sure they are flowing properly.

 Inspect roof for damaged shingles.

 Check flashing, and re-seal as needed.

 Re-nail any loose siding or trim boards.

 Check house and garage for any rotting wood, and repair as needed.

 Check porch flooring, and repair as needed.

 Check and replace any bad caulking around windows, doors, siding joints, or anywhere else needed.

 Scrape loose window glazing, and replace as needed.

 Clean windows and their frames when installing screens. Wash and repair screens at this time.

 Check caulk or seal between house and drive, and repair as needed.

 Oil garage door tracks.

 Trim trees, bushes, and shrubs. (Wait until spring-flowering shrubs have finished blooming.)

 Clean flower beds out.

Winter

 At beginning of winter, shut off interior valves supplying outdoor water pipes to prevent them from freezing.

 Change furnace filters monthly.

 Repair any interior wall damage; touch up or repaint as needed.

 Check and re-grout tile in all bath and kitchen areas, as needed, and apply a silicone sealer.

 Add copper sulfate to basement floor drain and downspout drains to control tree roots in main sewer.

 Develop plan for next summer’s home improvements.

 At winter’s end, re-open interior valves supplying outdoor water pipes.

 Remove shower heads and clean sediment.