Ultimate Home Maintenance Checklist 2026

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How to use this checklist:

? Check off each task as you complete it

? Add notes about costs, service providers, or issues found

? Keep this handy year-round as your maintenance guide

? Budget 1-4% of your home's value annually for maintenance

January 2026 Month 1

Winter Protection Month

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Check heating system

Ensure furnace is running efficiently
20 min Free (DIY)
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Test carbon monoxide detectors

Replace batteries if needed
10 min $10-20 (batteries)
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Inspect attic for ice dams

Look for icicles and ice buildup on roof edges
15 min Free (DIY)
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Check humidity levels

Keep between 30-50% to prevent mold
5 min $15-30 (hygrometer)

Notes:

February 2026 Month 2

Deep Clean & Inspect

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Clean range hood filter

Remove grease buildup (fire hazard!)
15 min Free (DIY)
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Inspect windows for drafts

Use a candle to find air leaks
30 min Free (DIY)
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Check garage door auto-reverse

Place object under door to test safety feature
5 min Free (DIY)
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Test GFCI outlets

Press "test" and "reset" buttons in bathrooms/kitchen
10 min Free (DIY)

Notes:

March 2026 Month 3

Spring Preparation

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Service HVAC system (AC tune-up)

Schedule professional AC service before summer
1-2 hrs $100-150 (Pro)
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Check sump pump

Pour bucket of water to test operation
5 min Free (DIY)
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Inspect roof from ground

Look for missing/damaged shingles
15 min Free (DIY)
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Clean gutters

Remove winter debris before spring rains
2-3 hrs Free (DIY) or $100-250 (Pro)

Notes:

April 2026 Month 4

Exterior Focus

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Clean gutters again

After trees bloom and drop debris
2-3 hrs Free (DIY) or $100-250 (Pro)
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Inspect exterior paint

Look for peeling or cracks that need touch-up
30 min Free (DIY)
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Check grading around foundation

Soil should slope away from house (6" drop over 10 feet)
20 min Free (DIY)
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Service lawn mower

Sharpen blades, change oil, replace spark plug
1 hr $30-50 (DIY) or $75-150 (Pro)

Notes:

May 2026 Month 5

Pre-Summer Prep

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Service air conditioning

Clean coils, check refrigerant (if not done in March)
1-2 hrs $100-150 (Pro)
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Check deck/patio

Look for loose boards, rot, splinters
30 min Free (DIY)
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Inspect windows and doors

Check screens, weatherstripping
45 min Free (DIY)
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Clean refrigerator coils

Improves efficiency by 30%!
15 min Free (DIY)

Notes:

June 2026 Month 6

Summer Systems Check

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Monitor AC performance

Should cool home efficiently without running constantly
Ongoing Free (DIY)
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Check attic temperature

Should be well-ventilated
10 min Free (DIY)
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Inspect plumbing

Look under sinks for leaks
20 min Free (DIY)
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Test sprinkler system

Adjust zones, check for leaks
30 min Free (DIY)

Notes:

July 2026 Month 7

Mid-Summer Maintenance

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Deep clean dryer vent

Fire hazard if neglected! (15,000 fires/year)
30 min Free (DIY) or $100-200 (Pro)
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Inspect deck/patio

Heavy use may reveal issues
20 min Free (DIY)
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Check for carpenter bee damage

Look for perfectly round holes in wood
15 min Free (DIY)
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Trim trees away from house

Keep branches 6-10 feet from roof/siding
2-4 hrs Free (DIY) or $300-1,000 (Pro)

Notes:

August 2026 Month 8

Back-to-School Prep

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Test garage door safety

Ensure auto-reverse works properly
5 min Free (DIY)
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Check smoke and CO detectors

Replace batteries (every 6 months)
15 min $10-20 (batteries)
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Inspect washing machine hoses

Replace if 5+ years old (prevents flooding)
20 min $20-40 (new hoses)
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Deep clean AC filter

Or replace if disposable
10 min $15-30 (filter)

Notes:

September 2026 Month 9

Fall Preparation

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Service furnace

Schedule professional tune-up BEFORE first cold snap
1-2 hrs $100-150 (Pro)
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Check weatherstripping

Seal gaps before winter
1 hr $20-50 (materials)
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Inspect chimney

Hire professional if you use fireplace
1-2 hrs $150-300 (Pro)
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Reverse ceiling fans

Clockwise for winter (pushes warm air down)
10 min Free (DIY)

Notes:

October 2026 Month 10

Winterization Month

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Clean gutters (final time)

After all leaves have fallen
2-4 hrs Free (DIY) or $100-250 (Pro)
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Winterize outdoor faucets

Drain and shut off to prevent freezing ($5K+ damage!)
30 min Free (DIY)
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Store garden hoses

Prevents freezing damage
15 min Free (DIY)
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Check attic insulation

Should be R-30 to R-60 depending on climate
30 min Free (DIY)

Notes:

November 2026 Month 11

Pre-Winter Final Check

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Test heating system fully

Run for 24 hours to ensure proper operation
24 hrs Free (DIY)
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Seal windows with plastic

If in cold climate (major energy savings)
2-3 hrs $20-40 (kits)
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Check roof for damage

Ice dams form at weak points
20 min Free (DIY)
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Stock up on winter supplies

Salt, shovel, emergency kit
1 hr $50-100

Notes:

December 2026 Month 12

Holiday & Safety

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Inspect holiday lights

Replace damaged strands (fire hazard)
30 min Varies
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Test smoke detectors

Extra cooking = extra risk during holidays
10 min Free (DIY)
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Check attic ventilation

Prevent ice dams during coldest months
15 min Free (DIY)
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Review emergency plan

Update contact info, check supplies
30 min Free (DIY)

Notes:

Twice Per Year Tasks Every 6 Months

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Clean dryer vent

January & July (fire prevention)
30 min Free (DIY) or $100-200 (Pro)
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Clean refrigerator coils

May & November (30% efficiency gain)
15 min Free (DIY)
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Check foundation for cracks

April & October (early detection saves $$$)
30 min Free (DIY)
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Inspect attic for pests

April & October
20 min Free (DIY)

Once Per Year Tasks Annual

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Flush water heater

Recommended month: April
30 min Free (DIY) or $100-150 (Pro)
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Professional roof inspection

Recommended month: October
1 hr $100-300 (Pro)
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Deep clean HVAC vents

Recommended month: February
2 hrs Free (DIY) or $300-500 (Pro)
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Seal air leaks (windows/doors)

Recommended month: September
2-3 hrs $20-50 (materials)

Recommended annual budget: 1-4% of home value

My home value: $____________

My 2026 maintenance budget: $____________

Month	Budgeted	Actual	Difference
January	$_______	$_______	$_______
February	$_______	$_______	$_______
March	$_______	$_______	$_______
April	$_______	$_______	$_______
May	$_______	$_______	$_______
June	$_______	$_______	$_______
July	$_______	$_______	$_______
August	$_______	$_______	$_______
September	$_______	$_______	$_______
October	$_______	$_______	$_______
November	$_______	$_______	$_______
December	$_______	$_______	$_______
TOTAL	$_______	$_______	$_______