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Even if you never perform renovations, you can help your home retain its value and appreciate over the long term by keeping it properly maintained.
You can save a lot of money, too. When you give your home and its systems regular check-ups, you can find problems and fix them before they become bigger and more costly.
Recommended Home Maintenance Schedule
When you move in, know the location of your home's:
- Main electrical box
- Main water shutoff valve
- Furnace emergency switch
Check Monthly
- Plumbing: Check for evidence of any leaks around faucets, toilets, dishwashers and under sinks.
- Tile: Check grout on any ceramic tile to make sure it isn’t lifting up.
- Heating System/Furnace: Clean or change filter. Check coils for build-up.
- Water Heater: Check for signs of leaks.
- Smoke Detectors: Test to make sure they are operational.
Check Every 3 Months
- Attic: Examine for evidence of any leaks.
- Kitchen: Clean dust from refrigerator condenser (located at the rear of unit). Clean the filter on the range hood.
- Lawn and Garden: Watch for accumulation of tree limbs, branches, or debris that can attract wood-eating insects.
- Heating and Cooling: Make sure outside unit is unobstructed. Clean unit with garden hose.
- Heating System/Furnace: Check your heat recovery ventilator; if necessary wash or replace the filter.
Check Every 6 Months
- Roof: From the ground level, check to see if shingles are missing or broken.
- Gutters and Downspouts: Remove debris so water can continue to flow away from the foundation.
- Exterior: See if any bricks or masonry are deteriorating. If you have siding, check for warping or rot. Look for areas that require repainting. Examine fencing to see if any repairs are needed.
- Windows and Doors: Ensure caulking around doors and windows is still intact. Examine the weather stripping around window panes as well. Check screens for rips. Clean as necessary.
- Asphalt Driveways: Check for cracks or deterioration; reseal if required.
- Smoke Detectors: Change batteries.
- Basement or Crawl Space: Look for cracks or any sign of dampness, seepage or leaks. If necessary, use a de-humidifier to dry excess moisture.
- Humidifier: Clean if necessary.
Check Annually
- Outside: Before the first snowfall is expected, check to make sure the air intakes, exhausts, and meters are clean and free from debris. Also turn off water to outside taps. Check after major snowfalls to ensure that they are still clear from any snow build-up. In the spring, check lawn to see if it needs to be reseeded. Fertilize lawn and trees.
- Fireplace: Every year before you turn it on, clean it and have it serviced if necessary.
- Septic System: Have it pumped out if necessary.
In all cases, if you are unsure whether or not additional work is required, always consult with a professional.
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