Buying a home is one of the most significant life investments you can make for yourself and future generations. Even though your home is a haven of safety and precious memories, it also needs a lot of upkeep throughout the year.
Glasgow Design Build has put together a complete home maintenance checklist to help you keep your Raleigh house in excellent condition year-round.
Monthly Checklist
Monthly home maintenance is essential for the longevity of your Raleigh house as well as your own comfort, so check as many tasks off this list as possible. You can prioritize tasks or assign them to family members so that everyone contributes to the overall well-being of the home.
- Clean and organize the kitchen and bathroom(s)
- Check the kitchen sink, bathtub, toilet, and floor drain for clogs. Unclog as necessary.
- Remove mineral deposits and mold from faucets and showerheads.
- Check the salt level in your water softener.
- Check the wiring for signs of damage.
- Clean HVAC air ducts and vents.
- Clean the garbage disposal.
- Vacuum the entire house, including all carpeted areas and underneath the furniture.
- Inspect your gutters to ensure they are free of dirt and debris.
- If you have a pool, remove dirt and fallen leaves.
Quarterly Checklist
You should also perform quarterly home maintenance and complete any bigger tasks that need to be completed every 3-4 months. Some of these tasks may overlap with monthly or seasonal maintenance tasks, but they are still necessary.
- Test your smoke detectors and fire alarms.
- Inspect your fire extinguisher(s) — especially the pressure gauge — for signs of damage.
- Calibrate your thermostat(s) for greater accuracy.
- Test your temperature and pressure relief valve.
- Test all electrical outlets to ensure they work properly.
- If you have pets, clean their food bowls, toys, and beds.
- Make sure the water chemicals in your pool are balanced.
Seasonal Checklist
Each season brings with it its own set of weather conditions that can damage your home. During the chilly winter months, for example, the wind and snow can wreak havoc on your roofing, plumbing, and even windows and doors. Likewise, the summer months can lead to a pest infestation in the basement or other common spaces. This is why it is crucial to understand which home maintenance tasks to complete each season to keep your home clean and damage-free throughout the year.
Spring Checklist (March 1 to May 31)
After a long winter, the trees, grass, and flowers in your backyard start to bloom in the spring. The weather is beautiful, and the soft wind tempts you to go outside and soak up the sun. However, before you pull out the sun loungers, make sure your house and yard are ready for the warmer weather.
- Deep clean your house.
- Refresh the interior of your home with a paint job.
- Change batteries in your CO/smoke detectors.
- Inspect the roof thoroughly for signs of water damage and water leaks.
- Inspect your gutters to ensure they are free of debris, melting snow, and fallen leaves.
- Check the caulking around your house for air leaks.
- Change the filters in your HVAC system.
- Clean all windows, take out the storm windows and install window screens where needed.
- Take care of the landscaping (aerate your lawn, get rid of weeds, clear overgrown flower beds, plant grass seeds, mow the lawn, prune trees and shrubs, etc.)
To avoid last-minute projects, schedule all major home renovations ahead of time during the winter. This way, you can hire a reputable general contractor in Wake County, NC, earmark funds, and consider the changes you want to make.
Summer Checklist (June 1 to August 31)
Summer is a season for relaxation, and there is not much to do around the house except a few simple maintenance tasks.
- Check your air conditioner, clean the vents, and check the air ducts for leaks.
- Keep your ceiling fans dust-free.
- Clean refrigerator coils.
- Clean your flooring.
- Clean wood furniture with wax.
- Check the siding for loose, bent, cracked, or broken pieces.
- Check the condition of your drainage system.
- Test your basement for mold — mold is a big health risk — and pest infestation.
- Repair/paint fences and gates.
- Clean out your garage.
- Repair cracks in your driveway.
It is important to do any major repairs or improvements to your house while the weather is pleasant in the summer. Come fall and winter, and even the most minor issues may lead to significant problems that you will not be able to fix in time.
Fall Checklist (September 1 to November 30)
Fall is a gorgeous season when the leaves begin to change colors, and the weather cools down. Fall is great for long walks and gardening, and it is also an excellent time to prepare your garden for the colder months.
- Change batteries in your CO/smoke detectors.
- Flush sediment out of your water heater.
- Inspect the roof thoroughly for signs of water damage and water leaks.
- Insulate exposed pipes.
- Inspect your furnace or heating system.
- Clean your chimney.
- Take out window screens and install storm windows.
- Inspect your gutters to ensure they are free of dirt and debris.
- Test your sump pump.
- Check the caulking around your house for air leaks.
Winter Checklist (December 1 to February 28/29)
Winters can be a magical time of year, but only if you prepare your home for the bitter cold. Before the first snowfall or frost, you should do everything you can to prepare your home for indoor comfort.
- Test your sump pump.
- Turn off the main water supply to avoid frozen pipes.
- Inspect your appliances for damage or leaks.
- Seal air leaks in your home with weather stripping.
- Repair or replace outdoor lighting.
- Inspect your furnace or heating system.
Annual Checklist
Aside from seasonal care, your home and garden require yearly upkeep.
- Remove dead tree branches.
- Declutter your garage.
- Lubricate the garage door springs.
- Clean out your septic tank.
- Get a pest inspection.
- Clean your range hood and degrease the exhaust fan filter.
- Replace old furniture and update old flooring.
- Replace the roof if it is more than 15 years old
Schedule Your Home Renovation!
Glasgow Design Build is a licensed general contracting firm based in Raleigh, NC. From building a porch or deck to keeping your home in good form and function throughout the year, we are the ones you need to handle all your home renovations in Raleigh, NC. We would be happy to visit your home, discuss your home renovation plan, and provide you with an estimated cost. Feel free to call (919) 244-2979 or fill out an online form to schedule an appointment.