Owner Checklist

When You First Move In

There are a few things that I recommend taking care of when you move in.

1. Emergency Shut Off – Make sure you and all family members know where these shut off valves are, in case of an emergency:
   Natural Gas Shut Off
   Water Shut Off
   Electrical Main Circuit Breaker
2. Kitchen and Bathroom Tile – If you have a ceramic tile back splash and or tile in your bathroom, make sure the grout has been sealed.
3. Sump Pump Battery Backup and Alarm – I can tell you from experience that this can be quite costly. The small investment of the backup and alarm are well worth preventing water damage in your basement. This is also a good time to make sure your downspout splash blocks are directing rain water away from your house.
4. Deck – Pressure washing and sealing your deck can help protect the wood from sunlight and water. This should be repeated every year or two, depending on the type of sealant you use and the manufacturer’s recommendations.
5. Floors – It is important to make sure that hardwood and ceramic tile floors are protected. Checking the furniture protectors under your furniture can prevent your floors being damaged.
6. Gutters – Check to make sure gutters are not clogged or filled with debris. Gutter guards can help prevent this from becoming an issue in the future.
7. Safety – Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.

Monthly Home Maintenance Checklist

Here is a list of the home maintenance items that you should mark off your checklist each month.

1. Air Conditioning/Furnace – Check filter (change as needed) and condensation drain.
2. Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors – Test alarms
3. Clothes Dryer – Clean filter and check duct for lint
4. GFI Outlets – Test and reset all outlets
5. Plumbing – Check under all sinks for any possible leaks, check water heater for possible leaks.
6. Sink/Shower/Tub Drains – Check and clean
7. Water Softener – Check salt levels
8. Drainage – Make sure splash blocks are positioned correctly to drain water away from the home

Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

Here is a list of the home maintenance items that you should take care of each year as it starts to warm up.

1. Air Conditioner – Schedule yearly service call
2. Bathroom – Check for mold and mildew, clean fans, check toilet stability and for leaks
3. Basement – Check for leaks, mold, and or mildew
4. Attic – Check vents to make sure they are uncovered. Check for possible leaks
5. Water Heater – Drain and clean to remove sediment as recommended by manufacturer
6. Dehumidifier – Start as needed in basement, clean if needed 7. Sump Pump – Be sure it is working properly before the rain begins
7. Crawl Space – Check insulation and vapor barrier, check for rodents or insects
8. Deck – Pressure wash and seal as recommended by manufacturer (usually every year or every two years)
   Landscaping – Begin pruning, planting, mulching, per landscaping plan. Link to our Yard Work Section has useful Information
9. Garage Door – Lubricate moving parts with spray lubricant as recommended by manufacturer

Summer Home Maintenance

Here is a list of the home maintenance items that you should mark off your checklist every six months.

1. Doors- Adjust exterior door thresholds so no light is visible below. Lubricate sliding doors and apply paraffin to sliding tracks as needed. Oil moving parts of your garage door with some sort of spray lubricant.
2. Electric – Test and reset GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets. Check caulking around exterior lights and electrical outlets.
3. Exterior – Check for cracks in exterior caulking and reapply caulk as needed. Check exterior paint for potential issues.
4. Plumbing – Perform water heater residue removal procedures as recommended by manufacturer.
5. Air Conditioner – Check around exterior unit, make sure all debris is removed from around the unit and filter.
6. Windows – Check for cracks in caulking and reapply as needed. Lubricate and clean window tracks. Inspect screens for damage and repair or replace as needed.
7. Landscaping – Begin summer landscaping plan
8. Bathrooms – Check fans for mold/mildew and clean as needed.
9. Refrigerator – Clean coils

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

Here is a list of the home maintenance items that you should take care of each year as it starts to cool down in the fall or winter.

1. Furnace – Schedule annual furnace inspection and cleaning
2. Duct Dampers – Adjust as needed for heating your home
3. Landscaping – Fall landscaping plan
4. Exterior Hoses – Drain, detach, and store hoses/hose bibs to prevent freezing and bursting. Drain sprinkler system if applicable
5. Roof – Inspect for damaged shingles, trim trees and inspect vents.
6. Plumbing – Check toilets for stability and leaks, clean drains with baking soda
7. Garage Door – Lubricate moving parts with spray lubricant
8. Septic System – Have septic tank pumped annually, check drain field for flooding or odor

Winter Home Maintenance Checklist

Here is a list of the home maintenance items that you should mark off your checklist every year.

1. Doors- Adjust exterior door thresholds so no light is visible below. Lubricate sliding doors and apply paraffin to sliding tracks as needed. Oil moving parts of your garage door with some sort of spray lubricant.
2. Electric – Test and reset GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets. Check caulking around exterior lights and electrical outlets.
3. Exterior – Check for cracks in exterior caulking and reapply caulk as needed. Check exterior paint for potential issues.
4. Plumbing – Perform water heater residue removal procedures as recommended by manufacturer.
5. Basement – Check basement and foundation for moisture. Be sure exterior splash blocks are still draining away from the foundation.Make sure that mulch and dirt levels are sloping away from the foundation.
6. Windows – Check for cracks in caulking and reapply as needed. Lubricate and clean window tracks. Inspect screens for damage and repair or replace as needed.
7. Washing Machine – Check hose for any damage and replace as needed
8. Refrigerator – Clean coils
9. Faucets – Clean aerators as needed. If you have hard water buildup on shower heads, you can remove those and soak them in a combination of water and vinegar to restore water flow