Home Maintenance Checklist: Seasonal and Monthly To-Dos

Julie Wyss, one of San Jose’s top 1% of real estate agents, shared an instance where she had two similar listings: one that was well-maintained (although not updated) and another that was not. The first listing sold above the asking price within five days. The second home sat on the market for several months and was only sold after several price reductions.

“Buyers do appreciate when a home has been maintained,” Wyss points out. If the functional features (water heater, furnace, roof, windows, and plumbing) of the house are well-maintained, the outdated countertops and vinyl flooring can be overlooked.

Home maintenance checklist: Where to begin?

Sometimes, it can be hard to decide where to start making repairs, especially if you’re planning to sell within the next year or two. While that sounds like a long way away, and you have plenty of time to get started, if you set aside a little time throughout the year to tackle these simple tasks, you’ll see that it’s worth the effort. Not just while you’re living in the house, but when you put it up for sale, too!

Are you ready to get started? We’ve organized our home maintenance schedule and checklist so you know how often a task should be done and the right time of year to do it.

Monthly maintenance tasks

The following maintenance tasks should be done each month, regardless of the season. They’re quick to do, but they’re also easy to forget.

Clean and replace HVAC filters

Replacing the air filters on your HVAC system can extend the life of your unit, improve air quality throughout the home, and make the unit work more efficiently. Replace the filters every one to three months, depending on how often your system runs and the filter type.

Check the water softener

Hard water is horrible for your pipes and appliances and makes cleaning difficult due to mineral buildup. Look inside your brine tank once a month to make sure it’s half full. Refill if needed.

Clean and descale faucets and shower heads

Over time, your faucets and shower heads will get grimy and may even have scale buildup. They can be cleaned by filling a ziplock bag with white vinegar, tying it to the shower head or faucet using zip ties, and letting them soak for an hour or two. Remove the bag and use a cloth to remove any sediment. You’ll then want to run hot water to flush out the holes.

Inspect drains for clogs

This is pretty straightforward. If your drains aren’t working properly, you can use a drain cleaner like Liquid-Plumr. For home remedies, you can also try mixing baking soda and vinegar or simply pour boiling water down the drain. For more stubborn clogs, you may have to contact a plumber for help.

Test alarms

The US Fire Administration recommends changing the smoke alarm batteries once a year, but it doesn’t hurt to check them every month. You will also want to make sure your fire extinguisher is easily accessible, has enough pressure in it, and has no visible signs of damage.

If you need to update your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, Consumer Reports has a list of the best models on the market right now.

Inspect electric cords

Walk around your home and check the electric cords to make sure they aren’t frayed or damaged. Damaged cords can lead to an electrical fire. If you frequently run into electrical problems, consider rewiring your home to ensure safety.

Clean the garbage disposal

A garbage disposal can get pretty gross if it’s not cleaned regularly. Throw a couple of ice cubes and citrus peels into the disposal and turn it on. It’ll break down any food build-up, and the citrus peels will make the kitchen smell nice and clean!

Seasonal maintenance

Most of these seasonal maintenance tasks can be done on your own, but if you don’t feel confident in your skills, don’t hesitate to contact a professional for assistance.

Winter maintenance tasks

Check for signs of ice dams

Ice dams (thick ridges of solid ice) and icicles can cause a lot of problems if left hanging on the roof eaves. If you see any forming, use a roof rake to safely remove the snow without damaging the roof or the siding. For larger dams, pantyhose filled with a de-icing agent is an effective remedy. If ice dams are a persistent problem, your roof may benefit from more significant remodeling.

Winterize pipes

If traveling during the coldest months, you will want to winterize your pipes to prevent them from exploding because the water froze inside them. To do this, turn the water off at the source and turn all the faucets on in the house so there is a slow and steady drip.

Spring maintenance tasks

Inspect and protect your plants

You’ll want to rake up any leaves you missed in the fall and then lay mulch in your flowerbeds. The mulch will protect your plants from cold snaps, block the weeds, and shield your plants from drought. Walk around and check the trees for signs of broken limbs, damage caused by bugs or animals, or if a tree is dead or dying.

Prep the lawn

If you’ve dreamed of having a luscious green yard, now’s the time to get started. Reseed the lawn and fill in any bald patches. You won’t have to fertilize it right away, but make sure you have some on hand for when you do.

Maintaining a great landscape isn’t just nicer to look at. It can also help increase the value of your home. A properly cared-for lawn can boost your home’s value by 5% or more, with landscaping upgrades often delivering a full return on investment (ROI) or better.

Inspect the exterior of your home

On your tour around the exterior of your home, you’ll want to check the roof to make sure there aren’t any missing shingles, any gaps where water can leak through, and no sign of wood rot. On the ground, if you notice any cracks in the patio, walkways, or driveway, fill them in with concrete.

Clean and repair the gutters

Neglected gutters filled with leaves and debris can wreak havoc on your siding and cause water damage. To prevent this, you’ll need to roll up your sleeves, grab the ladder, and start scooping out the muck.

You can make this task easier by installing gutter guards after you’ve cleaned the gutters. The guards will keep your gutters clear and clog-free.

Clean the exterior

The exterior of the home is going to get dirty, and springtime is a good time to break out the power washer (or rent one). Before you begin to powerwash the house, walk around and make sure the siding is in good repair. If you notice any signs of damage, you’ll want to address it right away to prevent wood rot.

Repair and clean the deck or patio

While you have the power washer out, you don’t want to forget to power wash the deck and patio! Check to make sure there aren’t any loose boards, screws, or nails. If there are, repair them.

Check the entire HVAC system

If you have an HVAC system, you’ll want to call an HVAC professional to have them come up for a good cleaning and a checkup. They will look for signs of damage to the ductwork, service the HVAC unit, and clean the vents in the bathroom as well.

Check the plumbing

Check the pipes, water heater, and supply line for signs of leaking or corrosion. Sometimes you can catch these things early enough that there’s no damage done. However, if you have a big problem like corroded pipes or a leaking water heater, you’ll need to hire a plumber.

Test the sump pump

You don’t want to be ankle-deep in water because your sump pump stopped working. You can test to make sure that it is working properly by pouring water into the pit and waiting for the pump to turn on. If the pump doesn’t get triggered, then you’ll need to have it repaired.

Summer maintenance tasks

Tidy up the yard

By now, your flowers are in bloom, the grass is growing, and all’s right with the world! During the summer, you should set your lawnmower to the highest setting so you’re not cutting the grass too short. You’ll want to dig up any weeds (or you can use a weed killer) and water your plants. If you don’t want to do this yourself, hiring a professional landscaper may be a good choice.

Check sthe prinkler system

If you have a sprinkler system, you’ll want to make sure it’s working properly. You’ll have to check each section of the system to make sure the sprinkler heads are upright, there aren’t any clogs in the line, and the spray is unobstructed by plants.

Clean the pool and monitor chemical levels

If you have a pool, ensure it’s clean and safe to swim in. Skim the surface for leaves, bugs, and other debris. Check the filter basket and remove any debris. You’ll also have to keep a close eye on the chemical levels.

Reverse ceiling fans

You can keep your rooms cooler in the summer by switching the ceiling fans so they rotate counterclockwise. This forces cool air downward, creating a cool breeze.

Check for bugs, rodents, and other pests

Summertime is the perfect time for bugs, rodents, and other pests to cause some trouble. Usually, minor problems like a trail of ants or a couple of mice in the cupboard are easy enough to get rid of and clean up after. However, if you have a raccoon problem or a termite infestation, that’s when you’ll need to call in the pros. A pest inspection is especially important when you’re planning to sell your home and attract more buyers.

Inspect the foundation

Foundation issues can lower your home’s value by up to 15%, so it’s best to catch problems early. Inspect your foundation carefully for cracks in walls or floors, doors and windows that stick, uneven or sloping floors, and gaps between walls and ceilings, as these can all signal a potential problem.

Tune up the garage door

A garage door that isn’t functioning properly isn’t just a nuisance. It’s a safety hazard for you, your guests, and potential buyers, too. You can do the tune-up yourself in as little as 10 minutes.

Start by cleaning and lubricating the rollers, hinges, and tracks, then check that the door is balanced by disconnecting the opener and manually lifting it halfway. If it stays put, it’s balanced. Test the safety features, like the auto-reverse function, to make sure everything operates smoothly and safely. While you’re at it, don’t forget to clean the garage door.

Autumn maintenance tasks

Touch-up paint where needed

The summer sun can be brutal, and the paint on the exterior (and even in rooms that get a lot of direct sunlight) can start to fade. In some areas where there’s a lot of rain, the abundant moisture can cause paint to chip and peel.

Now’s the perfect time to remove debris from surfaces and do touch-ups, or completely repaint the exterior of your home. Enhance its curb appeal by choosing these colors.

Powerwash exterior and walkways

Now that the weather is cooler, it’s a good time to break out the power washer again and get rid of any cobwebs, dirt, and grime before winter sets in. Take this time to check the exterior of your home for any signs of potential damage, such as peeling paint, cracks in siding or brick, and damaged caulking around windows and doors.

Rake up the fallen leaves

Autumn is beautiful with its colorful leaves, but it can also quickly gather clutter. As the leaves wither and fall, they can make quite the mess, and if the leaves pile up, it could ruin that luscious lawn that you worked so hard for in the spring. Large piles of leaves are also the perfect breeding ground for insects and nesting material for small rodents.

If raking isn’t your thing, here’s some good news: leaves act as natural mulch, and as they decompose, they return valuable nutrients to the soil. Instead of using a rake, you could also use a lawn mower to shred the leaves, which helps the leaves break down faster, and they aren’t such an eyesore.

Turn off your sprinkler system

If winter hits your area pretty hard and you have a sprinkler system, you do not want to skip this task. If you don’t turn off your sprinkler system, you run the risk of the irrigation lines cracking or, worse, bursting due to water expansion during the bitterly cold months.

Close the pool

Now that the weather is chillier, it’s safe to say no one will be swimming anymore. That means it’s time to close the pool down before winter sets in. You’ll need to remove pool accessories and deep clean the pool. Alter the water chemistry and lower the water level to at least a foot below the skimmer.

Inspect the HVAC system

You’ve checked it in the spring, but it’s smart to do another inspection in the fall before the cold sets in. Look for clogged filters, clean vents, check for unusual noises, and make sure the thermostat is working properly. This helps prolong the system’s life, improves energy efficiency, and reduces potential health risks.

Check and clean exhaust fans

An exhaust fan plays a critical role in home maintenance because it pulls excess moisture out of a room, thus preventing the risk of mold and mildew — both of which are deterrents for buyers. Bathroom fans are pretty easy to clean, as they’re just dust and cobwebs, but the exhaust fan in the kitchen will require more effort because you’re going to be cleaning grease buildup, not just dust.

Start by turning off the power and removing the cover, then use a vacuum or brush to clean the blades and housing. For kitchen fans, follow up with a degreasing cleaner or warm soapy water to tackle the stubborn grease.

Check and repair and replace caulk and weather stripping if needed

You’d be amazed by how fresh caulk and weather stripping can improve your home’s value and help with energy efficiency. Go around your house and look for any caulking that is cracked, brittle, or separating from the wall. Dig out the old caulk and apply a fresh layer.

Clean gutters

Here’s another task that you’ve done in the spring. We recommend cleaning the gutters twice a year just to make sure everything is clear and draining properly before the winter weather sets in. Replace gutters if you see cracks, holes, rust, or water damage. High-quality gutters attract buyers when it’s time to sell.

Inspect and clean the chimney

Your chimney should be inspected annually to make sure there aren’t any cracks or issues that could prevent dangerous gases from going up and out. Then, depending on how often you use the chimney, you’ll want to get it cleaned every now and then.

Prep Your Home with Agent Advice

Want to know which maintenance or repair tasks will maximize your home’s value before selling? Find a trusted agent quickly with HomeLight’s Agent Match tool and get expert guidance tailored to your home.

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A home maintenance checklist is a lifesaver!

There is a lot that goes into home maintenance, and it’s easy to forget to do some things every now and then. This home maintenance checklist is a great reference guide to help you make sure your home is in tip-top shape, not just while you’re living there, but when the time comes to sell.

When you stay on top of the tasks on this list, you’ll have a lot less to worry about when you start having potential buyers come to view your home. But if you’re interested in selling soon, look for a top agent who can help you prioritize which tasks need to be addressed first for an easy transaction.

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