Maintenance Guide

Seasonal Checklists

Viewing these tedious chores can be daunting, especially if you are a new homeowner. This is a long list – it cannot be denied. The good news is that you can perform most maintenance yourself without much experience. Google is your best friend. If you run into any difficulty please contact a professional to help you.

We have listed tasks that should be done seasonally. Not every expert agrees which tasks need to be done in which season, so it is not necessarily a black and white list. Do things that are effective for you and your schedule. As long as all of these things are done, your home will be in good condition for years to come.

Spring

Spring is an important month for family support. Pay special attention to the exterior of the house as the house has just weathered the winter and is preparing for the high summer temperatures.

  • Check the external drainage device. The puddle should not be in your home for more than 24 hours. If the water doesn’t spread or flow to your foundation. Check the drain. It could be a bad nozzle or a loose connection. They may just need cleaning.
  • Clean drains. You may have accumulated leaves from autumn and dirt/sediment from snow and/or rain in winter.
  • Check the appearance of the house. Is there any color peeling? Is there any damage to the siding in winter? Are there holes in the bricks? Check the entire house carefully and make repairs if necessary. Also, check the foundation for cracks.
  • Prepare and repair the air conditioner for summer.
  • Repair / replace damaged window pane.
  • Remove dead plants/shrubs from the house. This can serve as a gardening technique, but if trees or shrubs aren’t pruned in the fall, do it now.
  • Check if trees are interfering with power lines. If necessary, perform a professional trim.
  • Check the roof for damage, leaks, etc. You may need professionals.

Summer

Summer is a great time to focus on the exterior of the house, lawns, and gardens.

  • Check cement paste in bathrooms, kitchens, etc; repair them as needed. This will extend the life of the tile surface and make it look better.
  • Check the pipeline for leaks and clean the aerator on the tap. Go around all of the faucets and toilets and check for any small leaks.
  • Watch out for any insect problems. Summer is their playground. You may not need to pay too much attention to insect problems. Ants, spiders, moths, etc. are common and easy to care for. Keep cobwebs clear, carry ant poison, make sure all doors are tightly closed, etc.
  • Clean and repair the deck/patio as needed. The deck may also need to be repainted. At the same time, check for a loose board or terminal and repair if necessary.
  • Remove dirt from the windows. If you have a basement, you have windows too. From leaves to trash to animals, everything will fall there.
  • Check and clean the dryer vents and other exhaust vents outside the house. With the dryer running, check for exhaust gas leaks. It should smell fresh. If there is not much exhaust, please check if there is a possibility that it is clogged. You may need professionals. Also, vacuum the lint from the dryer hose.
  • Clean the garage. Cleaning the garage should be everyone’s summer etiquette. Keeping it clean and tidy will help it last longer.

Autumn

Autumn is a season between two seasons. This is the time of the year to do the maintenance for the summer house and prepare for winter. Cold, snow, and rain have a huge impact on the house, so you don’t want to neglect your winter preparations.

  • Rinse the water heater and remove any debris. This can extend the life of the heater and help improve its efficiency.
  • Antifreeze for air conditioning. Remove and store the window assembly. If you have central air, cover the external device with a tarpaulin or plastic wrap and secure it with a rubber band.
  • Prepare the heating system for the winter. Check windows or doors for leaks. These cost an arm and a leg. Make sure the heater opening is open and not blocked by furniture. Repair / inspect the oven at least every two years (preferably once a year). As with AC, this is not a huge expense. If there is a fireplace, don’t forget the fireplace.
  • Switch off the outside tap and rinse it out. Also, rinse and store the hose. If there is, prevent the spray system as well.
  • Clean the chimney (if present). Some people say it happens in spring, others say it is autumn. In any case, make sure it gets completed once a year.
  • Test the sewage pump. You don’t want to wait until you need a sewage pump to find out it’s not working.
  • Check the driveway/sidewalk for cracks. Make sure you reseal before winter. The water freezes and expands in the cracks, causing further damage.
  • Buy winter equipment. In winter, prepare the salt on the sidewalk, a good shovel, etc. You never know when the first snow will come!

Winter

In winter, it’s time to walk around the house checking out the little things you may have overlooked. If you have an interior decorating project, be it painting, building shelves, etc., now is a good time to start resolving these issues too.

  • Check ice dams and icicles regularly.
  • Test the current as often as possible. Always be particularly careful when switching on.
  • Tighten all handles, knobs, frames, etc. Check the room and look for any loose screws.
  • Check all locks and fastening screws on doors and windows. If it doesn’t work properly, replace it.
  • Check to see if the shower and tub are sketchy and fix them as needed.
  • Remove the showerhead and clean the debris. This can extend the life span and also help increase the water pressure.
  • Thoroughly clean and inspect the basement. As we all know, basements are ignored, especially if they are primarily storage areas. Remove dust, clean all windows, and make sure there is no mold anywhere.