Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

Preserve your property! 

Spring

Date last completed

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.

Countertops

Inspect for separations at sinks and backsplash. Recall where required.

Tiled areas

Inspect for loose or missing grout or caulking. Regrout or recaulk if necessary.

Shower doors/tub enclosures

Inspect for proper fit. Adjust if necessary. Inspect caulking and recaulk 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.

Circuit breakers

Exercise.

Refrigerator

Clean coils.

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.

Quarterly

Date last completed

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 protecting.

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.