Keeping your home in good working order is essential for comfort, safety, and preserving your investment. Performing regular maintenance can prevent costly repairs down the road. This comprehensive checklist covers all areas of home maintenance to help you keep your house in tip-top shape.
Kitchen Maintenance
The kitchen sees heavy daily use, so keeping up with maintenance here is critical.
Appliances
- Clean oven and stove drip pans every 6 months. Built up grease can cause fires.
- Replace refrigerator water filter every 6 months for clean water and ice.
- Descale coffee maker and kettle every 3-6 months to remove mineral deposits.
- Vacuum refrigerator coils every 6 months for energy efficiency.
- Clean range hood filter monthly to improve ventilation.
- Inspect dishwasher spray arms and filter monthly and clean as needed.
- Clean microwave vent and filter monthly to remove splatter.
Sink and Garbage Disposal
- Run garbage disposal with hot water monthly to clear grease.
- Clean sink drain screens and garbage disposal blades every 3-6 months.
- Pour 1/2 cup baking soda followed by 1/2 cup vinegar down drains monthly to keep pipes clear.
- Seal sink leaks immediately to prevent water damage.
Surfaces
- Clean countertops daily using soap and water to prevent stains.
- Reseal tile grout every 1-2 years to prevent mildew and cracks.
- Oil butcher block 2-3 times per year to prevent drying and splintering.
- Polish stainless steel appliances weekly to maintain luster.
- Scrub backsplash grout lines every 1-2 months to avoid grease buildup.
Bathroom Maintenance
Neglecting bathroom maintenance can lead to mold, mildew, and water damage.
Sink and Tub
- Clean sink, shower, and tub drains monthly to remove hair and gunk.
- Reapply caulk and grout in wet areas annually to prevent leaks.
- Use a squeegee after showering to keep glass doors spotless.
- Scrub tile and grout lines weekly with an antibacterial cleaner.
Toilet
- Add 2 cups of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar to the tank, let sit, then scrub inside tank monthly.
- Replace toilet flappers every 2-4 years when they no longer seal well.
- Check for toilet leaks annually and repair immediately to prevent wasted water.
Ventilation
- Dust bathroom fan grille and replace filter every 6 months to improve air quality.
- Run bathroom fan for 30 minutes after showering to reduce humidity.
- Check exhaust vent damper opens when fan runs annually. Lubricate if needed.
Electrical, HVAC and Appliances
Routine maintenance helps electrical, HVAC and appliances run safely and efficiently.
Electrical
- Test ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) monthly by pressing test button.
- Check for loose wall plates, exposed wires and tripped breakers monthly.
- Replace surge protector strips every 2-3 years for full protection.
- Check smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries twice per year. Replace detectors every 8-10 years.
HVAC and Water Heater
- Replace HVAC filters monthly during high usage seasons.
- Have HVAC system serviced annually to keep it running efficiently.
- Drain 1-2 gallons from water heater tank annually to prevent sediment buildup.
- Check water heater anode rod after 3 years. Replace if corroded.
Large Appliances
- Clean dryer exhaust vent annually to increase air flow and prevent fires.
- Vacuum washer drain pump filter every 6 months.
- Have refrigerator, dishwasher and other appliances serviced if problems arise.
Home Exterior
Protect your home’s exterior from damage by performing routine maintenance.
Roof and Gutters
- Inspect roof annually for damaged shingles, flashing and vents. Repair as needed.
- Clear gutters and downspouts seasonally to allow proper drainage.
- Check chimney cap and flashing annually and reseal as needed.
Siding and Paint
- Clean siding annually with pressure washer to remove dirt and mildew.
- Repaint exterior trim every 3-5 years to protect from elements.
- Check for damaged siding and bricks. Repair or replace immediately.
Windows and Doors
- Lubricate window tracks and tighten locks annually.
- Weatherstrip doors and windows as needed to prevent drafts and leaks.
- Check door and window seals and replace if worn.
- Inspect exterior caulking and recaulk as needed to prevent water intrusion.
Deck/Porch
- Clean deck and porch at least twice per year. Seal, stain or paint as needed.
- Check railings for loose spindles and fasteners. Tighten or replace immediately.
- Inspect deck joists, posts, stairs and boards. Repair or replace rotten areas.
Plumbing
Proactive plumbing maintenance helps avoid leaks, floods and damage.
Pipes and Fixtures
- Locate main water shutoff valve and ensure all family members know location.
- Inspect exposed pipes under sinks for leaks and corrosion. Repair as needed.
- Ensure overflow pans exist under hot water heater and HVAC units in case of leaks.
- Check for toilet leaks annually and repair immediately to prevent wasted water.
Drains
- Run water through seldom used drains monthly to fill piping and prevent drying out.
- Pour 1/2 cup baking soda followed by 1/2 cup vinegar down drains monthly to keep them clear.
- Clean sink, shower and tub drains thoroughly every 3-6 months.
Water Heater
- Drain 1-2 gallons from tank annually to remove sediment and prevent corrosion.
- Check anode rod every 2-3 years. Replace if corroded.
- Flush hot water lines at least twice per year by running all hot taps for 5 minutes.
Outdoor Faucets
- Disconnect and drain garden hoses in winter to avoid freezing pipes.
- Replace worn washers in outdoor faucets to stop drips.
- Insulate outdoor faucets to prevent freezing.
Interior Areas
Regular cleaning and inspection of interior areas helps avoid deterioration.
Floors
- Sweep tile, wood and linoleum floors weekly to remove gritty debris that can scratch.
- Mop floors monthly using proper cleaners for the floor type.
- Professionally clean carpets every 12-18 months to remove embedded dirt and stains.
- Refinish hardwood floors every 3-5 years to maintain protective coatings.
Walls and Ceilings
- Wash walls annually and spot clean as needed. Repaint every 4-6 years.
- Check ceilings below bathrooms and kitchen for water stains indicating leaks. Repair immediately.
- Look for cracks in ceilings and foundations annually. Repair to prevent future structural issues.
Windows
- Clean interior windows 2-3 times per year using proper glass cleaners.
- Lubricate window tracks annually to ensure smooth operation.
- Check screens seasonally for holes and tears. Mend or replace as needed.
Doors
- Check weather stripping around exterior doors annually and replace if worn.
- Lubricate door hinges and tighten screws yearly to avoid squeaks.
- Tighten loose doorknobs and deadbolts as needed.
Closets
- Vacuum closets annually to remove dust and lint buildup.
- Check shelves for sagging and reinforce as needed.
- Organize contents seasonally to maintain neatness and purge unused items.
Garage, Attic and Basement
Neglected areas like garages, attics and basements need maintenance too.
Garage
- Keep garage floor clean by sweeping monthly or more often if needed.
- Check garage door sensors and auto-reverse function 6 months to ensure they work properly.
- Inspect garage door opener chain, track and springs annually. Lubricate and replace worn parts.
Attic
- Inspect attic for leaks after major storms. Repair damaged roofing immediately.
- Check attic insulation levels every 2-3 years and add more as needed.
- Install ridge vents if lacking and clear any blocked soffit vents.
Basement or Crawl Space
- Use dehumidifier to maintain 40%-50% relative humidity to deter mold growth.
- Check crawl space for standing water and improper grading. Install a sump pump if needed.
- Seal any cracks or entry points for pests in foundation. Install window well covers if lacking.
Safety and Security
Keep your family safe with proper safety and security maintenance.
Fire Safety
- Test smoke alarms monthly. Replace batteries twice per year. Replace alarms every 8-10 years.
- Review fire escape plan with family. Ensure egress routes are clear.
- Ensure fire extinguishers are properly charged. Replace expired ones.
Home Security
- Check exterior lighting and replace bulbs as needed.
- Trim back shrubs obscuring doors or windows. Don’t provide “hiding” places.
- Secure ladders and tools in locked area to prevent burglary use.
- Ensure all locks in working order. Add deadbolts if lacking.
Pest Control
- Seal cracks in foundation and openings for utilities to deter pests.
- Trim tree branches and shrubs away from home.
- Treat actively infested areas. Call pest control if DIY methods fail.
Seasonal Outdoor Maintenance
Some maintenance tasks should be done seasonally.
Spring
- Schedule annual HVAC tune-up for peak efficiency.
- Hire gutter cleaning service to remove debris after winter.
- Assess exterior walls, roofs, windows, and doors for any damage after harsh weather.
- Examine foundation and walkways for settling or cracks. Repair and relevel.
- Open pool and perform necessary start-up maintenance.
Summer
- Monitor humidity levels. Run dehumidifier to deter mold growth if needed.
- Clean debris from window wells, drains and gutters after storms.
- Check exterior paint and caulk. Touch up or recaulk as needed.
- Drain and refill hot water heater per manufacturer instructions.
Fall
- Schedule furnace inspection and replace filter.
- Winterize windows and doors with caulk, weatherstripping and plastic film.
- Remove window AC units or cover if leaving in place.
- Winterize sprinkler system and drain exterior faucets.
- Clean gutters thoroughly and check downspout alignment.
Winter
- Check attic insulation levels and add if needed.
- Prune dead branches from trees near home that could fall in storms.
- Check snow removal tools are in working order.
- Monitor home for excess moisture and condensation. Run dehumidifier as needed.
Conclusion
Preventing problems through routine maintenance saves you money, time, and hassle down the road. Following this comprehensive checklist will help you keep your house in peak condition and protect your investment. Be proactive, keep records, and don’t let small issues go unaddressed. With proper maintenance, your home will provide comfort and enjoyment for many years to come.