Stay Ahead of Home Repairs with This Year-Round Checklist

Owning a home is one of life’s most rewarding investments. But as rewarding as it is, it also comes with its fair share of responsibilities. Keeping a house in top condition requires consistent effort throughout the year. By staying on top of maintenance tasks, you can prevent minor issues from snowballing into costly repairs.

Spring Maintenance Checklist

Winter weather can be harsh on your home, leaving a trail of damage that isn’t immediately visible. Spring is the perfect time to assess your home’s exterior and address any issues caused by the colder months.

1. Inspect Your Roof

Look for loose, missing, or damaged shingles that need replacing. Winter snow and ice can seriously impact your roof’s integrity. Catching these issues early prevents leaks and water damage. Consider seeking professional help if you notice significant damage.

2. Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Winter debris and leaves can clog your gutters, causing water to pool and overflow. Clean them out and ensure that water is effectively draining away from your home’s foundation.

3. Examine Your Foundation

Cracks in the foundation can worsen over time, potentially leading to structural issues. Walk around your home’s base and look for cracks, uneven surfaces, or pooling water, and repair them as needed.

4. Test Outdoor Faucets

Freezing temperatures may have caused underground pipes to burst. Turn on outdoor faucets and check for leaks or reduced water pressure.

Quick Tip: Spring is also a great time to start prepping your lawn and garden. Fertilizing plants and clearing debris can give your outdoor spaces a fresh start for the year.

Summer Maintenance Checklist

Summer’s warmer weather makes it the perfect time to tackle projects that require both time and sunshine. It’s also a time for focusing on areas of your home that see heavy use during the warmer months.

1. Maintain Your Air Conditioner

Ensure your air conditioning system is operating efficiently by cleaning or replacing filters. Schedule a professional inspection to check refrigerant levels, clean the coils, and address potential repairs.

2. Repair or Seal Your Deck

If you have a wooden deck, summer is ideal for inspecting it for rot, wear, or loose boards. Reseal or stain the deck to protect it from moisture and UV damage, extending its lifespan.

3. Paint or Touch Up Exterior Surfaces

Painting in the summer ensures proper drying and bonding due to warm weather. This is a preventive measure that protects your home’s siding from moisture, cracking, or peeling.

4. Check for Pests

Termites, ants, and other pests are more active in summer. Inspect wooden structures for evidence of infestation, and address pest problems before they escalate.

Quick Tip: Summer is also the time to check your windows and doors for screens that may need repair. You’ll want to enjoy those summer breezes without letting bugs in.

Autumn Maintenance Checklist

Autumn is all about preparation. Winter will test your home’s resilience, so use this season to weatherproof and secure it against the elements.

1. Seal Windows and Doors

Drafty windows and doors can lead to high heating costs in the colder months. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal gaps and prevent heat loss.

2. Clean Gutters Again

Falling leaves can quickly clog your gutters. Clear them out again and confirm that water is draining properly to prevent ice buildup later in the season.

3. Inspect Your Heating System

Heating repairs, like those offered in Sandy, are crucial before temperatures take a nosedive. Schedule an HVAC technician to check for issues, replace filters, and ensure your system is running efficiently.

4. Winterize Exterior Faucets

Drain and shut off outdoor faucets to prevent your pipes from freezing. Consider using insulated covers for hose bibs for additional protection.

Quick Tip: Autumn is the perfect time to tune up your home’s insulation. Double-check attics, basements, and crawl spaces to ensure they’re well-insulated.

Winter Maintenance Checklist

Winter demands extra attention to your home’s indoor systems. This is the time to focus on safety, efficiency, and mitigating damage caused by extreme temperatures.

1. Inspect Plumbing

Frozen pipes are a common winter hazard. Check for any leaks or damage and insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing. If you discover slow drains or clogged pipes, address them immediately to avoid emergencies.

2. Ensure Heating System Efficiency

Check thermostats and heating systems to confirm they’re maintaining a consistent temperature. Also, don’t forget to replace filters. If your furnace or boiler shows signs of wear, get repairs done promptly to avoid breakdowns in the middle of winter.

3. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

With higher usage of heating systems and fireplaces in winter, your risk of fire or carbon monoxide exposure increases. Make sure detectors are in working condition by testing them monthly and replacing batteries when needed.

4. Inspect for Ice Dams on the Roof

Heavy snow and fluctuating temperatures can result in ice dams, which block melting snow from draining off your roof. Prevent damage by clearing snow off your roof or hiring professionals to address ice buildup.

Quick Tip: Keep de-icing materials like salt and sand on hand for your driveway and walkways to prevent slips and falls.

Conclusion

Regular home maintenance not only saves you money by preventing costly repairs but also helps maintain your home’s value and comfort. By following this year-round checklist, you can ensure a safer, more efficient home that stands the test of time.