ensure that everything in your home is in excellent working condition.
You will find below for your convenience, a Home Maintenance Checklist that I developed for my
own use some time ago. It lists all the home maintenance tasks that require regular
attention, but which can be easy to forget. Over the years, using this list has helped me to
preserve the value of my home and save money on utilities and servicing. I hope you find it
useful.
If I can ever help you or your family and friends with any mortgage needs or future buying
plans, please feel free to call or email me. I look forward to hearing from you.
Home
Maintenance Schedule
Quarterly
Plumbing:
Faucets and shower
heads: Check interior and exterior faucets for leaks. Clean aerators.
Replace washers if necessary
Drains: Clean with baking soda. Pour water down unused
drains.
Pipes: Inspect visible pipes for leaks.
Kitchen and bathroom
cabinets: Check under and around for leaks.
Toilets: Check for stability and leaks.
Water heater: Check area around water heater for leaks. If
you have hard water, drain 1-2 gallons water.
Interior:
Wood cabinets and
trim: Apply a wood protectant.
Interior doors: Lubricate hinges.
Garage door: Lubricate
hardware. Inspect mechanism for free travel.
Window and door
tracks: Check to see if weep holes are open. Clean out dirt and dust.
Lubricate rollers and latches.
Basement or crawl
space: Check for cracks or any sign of dampness or leaks. Check for any
evidence of termites or wood-eating insects.
Ceramic tile: Check
and clean grout.
Electrical and
appliances:
Heating and cooling
systems: Clean and replace filters if necessary.
Kitchen exhaust fan:
Remove and clean the filter. Clean accumulated grease deposits from the fan
housing.
Refrigerator: Clean
dust from top. Clean refrigerator drain pan. Clean and defrost freezer if
necessary.
Dishwasher: Check
for leaks.
Wiring, electrical
cords, and plugs: Check for wear or damage. Replace if necessary.
Smoke detector: Test
for proper operation and replace batteries if necessary.
GFI outlets: Test
for proper operation.
Exterior:
Foundation: Inspect
visible areas, vents, and ducts for cracks, leaks, or blockages.
Landscaping: Check
for proper drainage.
Concrete and asphalt:
Clean oil and grease.
Fall
Plumbing:
Plumbing shut-off
valves: Inspect for proper operation.
Outside faucets : Drain.
Water heater: Flush out hot water to remove accumulated
sediment.
Faucet aerators : Check for proper flow of water. If the flow
is reduced, clean the aerator screens. During the first two months, the faucet
aerators could require more frequent cleaning.
Interior:
Attic: Examine
for evidence of any leaks. Check insulation and remove or add if necessary.
Check for evidence of birds, squirrels, raccoons, etc. Check for proper
ventilation.
Counter tops: Inspect
for separations at sinks and back-splash. Re-caulk where required.
Tiled areas: Inspect
for loose or missing grout or caulking. Re-grout or re-caulk if necessary.
Shower doors/tub
enclosures: Inspect for proper fit. Adjust if necessary. Inspect caulking
and re-caulk if necessary.
Weather stripping: Check
caulking around windows and doors. Check window and door screens. Adjust or
replace if necessary.
Sectional garage
doors: Adjust the travel
and tension.
Fireplace: Inspect
flues. Clean if necessary. Inspect fireplace brick and mortar for cracks or
damage.
Electrical and
appliances:
Heating system: Service
heating system and heat pump.
Cooling system: Remove debris from around units and
clean with garden hose. Remove window air conditioner or protect with
weatherproof cover. Clean and replace filters if necessary.
Combustible
appliances: Inspect and service if necessary.
Exterior:
Roof: Check for
leaks. Check for damaged, loose, or missing shingles. Check vents and louvers
for birds, nests, squirrels, and insects. Check flashing around roof stacks,
vents, and skylights for leaks.
Chimney: Clean
and check for deteriorating bricks and mortar. Check for leaks. Check for
birds, nests, squirrels, and insects.
Gutters and
downspouts: Clean and check for leaks, misalignment, or damage.
Exterior walls: Check for deteriorating bricks and mortar.
Check siding for damage or rot. Check painted surfaces for flaking.
Landscaping: Trim
shrubbery around walls. Remove tree limbs, branches, or debris that can attract
insects (no wood or shrubbery should be closer than 3 inches to your house).
Maintain grading.
Concrete and asphalt:
Check for cracks or deterioration. Reseal or repair if necessary.
Septic system: Examine septic system drain field for
flooding and odour. Have tank pumped yearly.
Lawn and patio
furniture: Clean and store or cover with weatherproof material.
Spring
Plumbing:
Water heater: Flush
out hot water to remove accumulated sediment.
Interior:
Attic: Examine
for evidence of any leaks. Check insulation and remove or add if necessary.
Check for evidence of birds, squirrels, raccoons, etc. Check for proper
ventilation.
Counter tops: Inspect
for separations at sinks and back-splash. Re-caulk where required.
Tiled areas: Inspect
for loose or missing grout or caulking. Re-grout or re-caulk if necessary.
Shower doors/tub
enclosures: Inspect for proper fit. Adjust if necessary. Inspect caulking
and re-caulk if necessary.
Weather stripping:
Check caulking around windows and doors. Check window and door screens. Adjust
or replace if necessary.
Electrical and
appliances:
Heating and cooling
system: General furnace inspection: Look for rust, scaling on heat
exchanger, and proper flame color; note odd sounds or smells; and check
condition of venting. Remove debris around units.
Exterior:
Decks: Scrub mildewed areas and treat for water
stains, mildew, and fungus.
Roof: Clean.
Check for leaks. Check for damaged, loose or missing shingles. Check vents and
louvers for birds, nests, squirrels, and insects. Check flashing around roof
stacks, vents, and skylights for leaks.
Chimney: Clean
and check for deteriorating bricks and mortar. Check for leaks. Check for
birds, nests, squirrels, and insects.
Gutters and
downspouts: Clean and check for leaks, misalignment, or damage.
Windows: Clean.
Exterior walls: Check
for deteriorating bricks and mortar. Check siding for damage or rot. Check
painted surfaces for flaking.
Landscaping: Trim
shrubbery around walls. Remove tree limbs, branches, or debris that can attract
insects (no wood or shrubbery should be closer than 3 inches to your house).
Maintain grading.
Concrete and asphalt:
Check for cracks or deterioration. Reseal or repair if necessary.
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