Many home maintenance items can easily get overlooked. The things that make a house stand out as a result of regular maintenance may seem mundane, but they do a lot to keep up the function and appearance of your home

 

These little jobs, when performed periodically, can help you avoid paying costly replacement or repair fees in the months leading up to putting your home on the market. Unless you’re planning on selling your home for a bargain to buyers searching for a fixer-upper, keeping up with the little things is worth the effort.

 

A skilled home inspector can tell when a homeowner has not been keeping up with regular home maintenance items which can lead to a negative report and then de-valuing from the Buyer. Neglected items may be perceived as a larger problem waiting to happen that a Buyer may not feel like taking on or risk at the price they are paying and that’s when negotiation or cancellation of contracts begin to take place.

 

We’ve prepared a Home Maintenance Checklist in seasonal format to help you stay on top of the maintenance and condition of your home. Whether you’re selling now or not, use this maintenance checklist to keep your home running like a well-oiled machine!
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SPRING
Exterior Envelope - Check roofing, siding, gutters, and downspouts for any damage or missing components.
Grading and Drainage - Make sure all rainwater and downspout discharge flows away from the house.
Air Conditioning - Arrange servicing to make sure your system is ready to handle the coming warm days of summer.

Safety and Security System - Test all systems for operating alarms monthly; change batteries with the bi-annual time change.

Walks and Driveways - Repair or replace any damaged, settled, heaved, or uneven surfaces that present a safety hazard. 

Plumbing - De-winterize sprinklers and faucets, check for leaks inside and out.

SUMMER
Exterior Surfaces - Clean siding, trim, windows, and other components to prevent dirt buildup.
Porches and Decks - Check for and repair loose/damaged railings and weathering of the structure; paint or stain surfaces as needed.

Chimneys / Vents - Check for any signs of damage or leakage into the attic; repair/seal roof penetrations as needed.
Air Conditioner/Heat Pump - Check filters at least monthly, change as needed.
Insects and Pests - Check house from top to bottom, inside and out for signs of insect infestation and uninvited rodents.

Landscaping - Inspect all trees, shrubs, and other vegetation; remove trim or treat as needed.

FALL
Heating System - Arrange servicing to make sure your system is ready for the cold winter.
Winterize - Clean furniture/grills and drain exterior faucets, hoses, and sprinklers subject to damage.
Gutters and Downspouts - Make sure all are clear of debris and are free-flowing.
Interiors - Dust and clean throughout; touch up the paint where needed so you’re ready for the holidays.
Fireplaces - Be safe; arrange for the cleaning of fireplaces/chimneys before the heavy usage of winter.
Safety and Security System - Test all systems for operating alarms monthly; change batteries with the bi-annual time change.

WINTER
Exhaust Vents - Make sure all weather-resistant covers are in place and vents are clear of birds and other obstructions.

Appliances - Check all, including kitchen and laundry appliances, sump pumps, and emergency generators.
Heating Systems - Look for any evidence of corrosion, or leakage. Check filters at least monthly, change as needed.

Electric - Test all Ground-Fault Circuit Interruptions (GFCIs) monthly; have checked if they do not trip and reset.

Plumbing and Water Heaters - Check for any signs of corrosion, leakage, or sluggish drains.
Insulation - Assess insulation and air sealing adequacy; add insulation, caulk, and weatherstripping as needed.

Have questions? Give us a call. We love hearing from you! We’ve spent years establishing relationships with excellent service providers that will take care of your home the way you expect.