Well maintained homes make life easier and increase the value of your home. Following these tips will help you keep your new home in top shape!
Monthly (or Follow Manufacturer’s Recommendations)
● Clean and test smoke alarms.
● Test and reset breakers for ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI).
● Change or clean furnace filter.
● Drain sediment from water heater per manufacturer’s instructions (local water quality determines needed frequency).
Spring
● Check and operate air-conditioning system.
● Adjust registers and confirm that cold air returns are clear of furniture or draperies.
● Make certain the air-conditioner compressor is level and clear of debris.
● Turn the humidifier off.
● If your home has a private well, have the water tested.
● Start and adjust sprinkler system. Test exterior faucets for broken pipes.
● Check garage overhead door, tighten bolts as needed, and lubricate springs with motor oil. Have other repairs done by professionals.
● Clean gutters and confirm that downspouts or splash blocks drain away from the house.
● Look for settling of backfill soils and fill in where needed.
● Check exterior caulking and touch up.
● Check exterior paint and stain surfaces (especially stained doors) and refinish as needed.
● Inspect grout around tile (floor or wall) and touch up.
● Wash windows and screens, clean weep holes, and lubricate tracks.
● Inspect for shrinkage damage such as minor drywall cracks and separations of wood trim. Repair as needed.
● Plan your first barbecue.
Summer
● Regularly check sprinkler head adjustments.
● Check interior caulking and touch up.
● Inspect grout around tile (floor or wall) and touch up.
● Pour a quart of water down the basement floor drain. As water in this drain evaporates, sewer odor can seep into the house.
Fall
● Operate (test) the heating system.
● Adjust registers and confirm that cold air returns are clear of furniture or draperies.
● Clean the humidifier per manufacturer’s instructions.
● Adjust or replace weather stripping on exterior doors as needed.
● Check the fit of exterior doors at their thresholds. Many designs are adjustable. Use a quarter to turn the large screws along the top edge.
● Drain the sprinkler system.
● Remove hoses from exterior faucets. Even “freeze proof” faucets end up with a broken water line if the water in the hose freezes and expands into the pipe.
● Inspect chimney for nests.
● Review safe fireplace operation. Chimneys for fireplaces and wood-burning stoves need professional cleaning at regular intervals.
● Check overhead door of garage, tighten bolts as needed, and lubricate springs with motor oil. Have other repairs done by professionals.
● Clean gutters, check downspouts, and confirm that splash blocks drain away from the house.
● Check foundation, concrete slabs, and yard for settling of backfill soils, fill in as needed to maintain positive drainage.
● Check exterior caulking and touch up.
● Wash windows and screens; lubricate tracks.
Winter
● Follow all instructions for safe operation of any fireplace or wood-burning stove.
● Brush snow off gutters and away from downspouts.
● Remove ice and snow from concrete surfaces as soon as possible.
● Avoid using de-icing agents with damaging salts.
● Pour a quart of water down the basement floor drain. As water in the drain evaporates, sewer odor can seep into the house.
● On pleasant days, open windows to allow the house to breathe.
● Decorate safely for the holidays. Do not overload circuits or use worn extension cords.
