Develop a home maintenance checklist

Utilizing a home maintenance checklist can help you avoid costly home repairs. As a homeowner, your home is a tremendous investment, and regular maintenance helps to ensure that there won’t be significant damage down the road that can potentially cost you a lot of money.

I would recommend preforming these simple tasks every 3 months. The list may look overwhelming but it van easily be accomplished in a few weekend afternoons and you will be glad you took the time in the long run!

• Check for squeaky doors and oil them as needed
• Check and clean range hood filters
• Check and replace furnace filters
• Check and replace other ventilation system filters
• Check and replace humidifier filters
• Remove grills on forced air system ducts and vacuum inside the ducts
• Examine the foundation for any cracks
• Examine exposed wood for insect damage or rot and do any insect preventative maintenance needed
• Check all vents (inside and outside) and make sure there are no obstructions
• Remove screens, clean window wells, and dry them
• Examine all outdoor items and see whether any seasonal maintenance needs to be done
• Drain off a pan full of water from the clean-out valve at the bottom of your hot water tank (removes sediment and maintains efficiency)
• Check your sump pump for any issues
• Test all fire/smoke/carbon monoxide detectors in the house
• Check all faucets for dripping water and change washers if needed
• Check the gauge on all fire extinguishers and replace if needed
• Check all gutters for blockage and clean as needed (bird’s nests, leaves, etc.)
• Check all caulking (interior and exterior) and repair as needed