When you become a homeowner, you quickly learn that maintaining your home is a year-round project. From inspecting your roof to ensuring your basement is protected against rodents, another pops up as soon as you finish one project. While you may be able to manage some home maintenance projects independently, odds are you will need to hire contractors or other workers to help you along the way.

Check out The National Center for Healthy Housing checklist to help you keep a healthy home. 

Annually

• Check interior walls, ceilings, and windows for signs of water damage. If anything is damaged and needs repairing, a water-damage restoration company can help
• Call a plumber for leaks in your washer or dishwasher hoses or issues with your toilet’s supply/shut-off valve.

Spring

• Make sure the fence around your pool is intact. You don’t want uninvited animals or people entering your pool when you aren’t looking. This is also a crucial safety consideration, particularly if children are around.
• Confirm that water drains away from your house.
• Check for evidence of rodents and pests. This may include droppings near food packages, in cupboards, or under your sink. You can also look for signs of chewing on boxes or packaging and nesting material like shredded paper.
• Clean your gutters of any built-up leaves or other debris. You can also consider installing gutter guards or covers to make this job easier.
• Check the operation of your windows and doors. Leaks can strain your air conditioner and cause higher electric bills.
• Check that the fans in your bathrooms and kitchen are working correctly.
• Replace the filters in your air conditioner and dehumidifier.
• Check electrical equipment for damaged cords.
• Check your smoke and CO detectors. You’ll want to check the batteries and press the test button to ensure the siren sounds.

Fall

• Check your hot water heater and boiler for leaks.
• Check for evidence of rodents and pests. This may include droppings near food packages, in cupboards, or under your sink. You can also look for signs of chewing on boxes or packaging and nesting material like shredded paper.
• Check the insulation in your attic.
• Clean your gutters of any built-up leaves or other debris. You can also consider installing gutter guards or covers to make this job easier.
• Check that the fans in your bathrooms and kitchen are working correctly.
• Replace the filters in your furnace.
• Check electrical equipment for damaged cords.
• Check your smoke and CO detectors. You’ll want to check the batteries and press the test button to ensure the siren sounds.

Winter

• Check your exterior for icicles and ice dams.
• Maintain and inspect your chimney by hiring a chimney sweeper.
• Prepare for winter weather and potential winter weather damage.

As needed

• Clean your kitchen range hood screens.
• Oil and fix windows and doors.

In addition to keeping safe and making sure things work, some projects are more focused on how things look and are organized:

• Checking your paint for cracks, peeling, or general dinginess.
• Maintaining your lawn, flowers, and trees.
• Steam cleaning your rugs and sofas.
• Organizing your closet.

When you hire a contractor to help, follow BBB’s tips to ensure your project is in good hands.

 

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