Ultimate Home Maintenance Checklist

Winter Protection Month

• Check heating system

  Ensure furnace is running efficiently

  20 min Free (DIY)
• Test carbon monoxide detectors

  Replace batteries if needed

  10 min $10-20 (batteries)
• Inspect attic for ice dams

  Look for icicles and ice buildup on roof edges

  15 min Free (DIY)
• Check humidity levels

  Keep between 30-50% to prevent mold

  5 min $15-30 (hygrometer)

Deep Clean & Inspect

• Clean range hood filter

  Remove grease buildup (fire hazard!)

  15 min Free (DIY)
• Inspect windows for drafts

  Use a candle to find air leaks

  30 min Free (DIY)
• Check garage door auto-reverse

  Place object under door to test safety feature

  5 min Free (DIY)
• Test GFCI outlets

  Press "test" and "reset" buttons in bathrooms/kitchen

  10 min Free (DIY)

Spring Preparation

• Service HVAC system (AC tune-up)

  Schedule professional AC service before summer

  1-2 hrs $100-150 (Pro)
• Check sump pump

  Pour bucket of water to test operation

  5 min Free (DIY)
• Inspect roof from ground

  Look for missing/damaged shingles

  15 min Free (DIY)
• Clean gutters

  Remove winter debris before spring rains

  2-3 hrs Free (DIY) or $100-250 (Pro)

Exterior Focus

• Clean gutters again

  After trees bloom and drop debris

  2-3 hrs Free (DIY) or $100-250 (Pro)
• Inspect exterior paint

  Look for peeling or cracks that need touch-up

  30 min Free (DIY)
• Check grading around foundation

  Soil should slope away from house (6" drop over 10 feet)

  20 min Free (DIY)
• Service lawn mower

  Sharpen blades, change oil, replace spark plug

  1 hr $30-50 (DIY) or $75-150 (Pro)

Pre-Summer Prep

• Service air conditioning

  Clean coils, check refrigerant (if not done in March)

  1-2 hrs $100-150 (Pro)
• Check deck/patio

  Look for loose boards, rot, splinters

  30 min Free (DIY)
• Inspect windows and doors

  Check screens, weatherstripping

  45 min Free (DIY)
• Clean refrigerator coils

  Improves efficiency by 30%!

  15 min Free (DIY)

Summer Systems Check

• Monitor AC performance

  Should cool home efficiently without running constantly

  Ongoing Free (DIY)
• Check attic temperature

  Should be well-ventilated

  10 min Free (DIY)
• Inspect plumbing

  Look under sinks for leaks

  20 min Free (DIY)
• Test sprinkler system

  Adjust zones, check for leaks

  30 min Free (DIY)

Mid-Summer Maintenance

• Deep clean dryer vent

  Fire hazard if neglected! (15,000 fires/year)

  30 min Free (DIY) or $100-200 (Pro)
• Inspect deck/patio

  Heavy use may reveal issues

  20 min Free (DIY)
• Check for carpenter bee damage

  Look for perfectly round holes in wood

  15 min Free (DIY)
• Trim trees away from house

  Keep branches 6-10 feet from roof/siding

  2-4 hrs Free (DIY) or $300-1,000 (Pro)

Back-to-School Prep

• Test garage door safety

  Ensure auto-reverse works properly

  5 min Free (DIY)
• Check smoke and CO detectors

  Replace batteries (every 6 months)

  15 min $10-20 (batteries)
• Inspect washing machine hoses

  Replace if 5+ years old (prevents flooding)

  20 min $20-40 (new hoses)
• Deep clean AC filter

  Or replace if disposable

  10 min $15-30 (filter)

Fall Preparation

• Service furnace

  Schedule professional tune-up BEFORE first cold snap

  1-2 hrs $100-150 (Pro)
• Check weatherstripping

  Seal gaps before winter

  1 hr $20-50 (materials)
• Inspect chimney

  Hire professional if you use fireplace

  1-2 hrs $150-300 (Pro)
• Reverse ceiling fans

  Clockwise for winter (pushes warm air down)

  10 min Free (DIY)

Winterization Month

• Clean gutters (final time)

  After all leaves have fallen

  2-4 hrs Free (DIY) or $100-250 (Pro)
• Winterize outdoor faucets

  Drain and shut off to prevent freezing ($5K+ damage!)

  30 min Free (DIY)
• Store garden hoses

  Prevents freezing damage

  15 min Free (DIY)
• Check attic insulation

  Should be R-30 to R-60 depending on climate

  30 min Free (DIY)

Pre-Winter Final Check

• Test heating system fully

  Run for 24 hours to ensure proper operation

  24 hrs Free (DIY)
• Seal windows with plastic

  If in cold climate (major energy savings)

  2-3 hrs $20-40 (kits)
• Check roof for damage

  Ice dams form at weak points

  20 min Free (DIY)
• Stock up on winter supplies

  Salt, shovel, emergency kit

  1 hr $50-100

Holiday & Safety

• Inspect holiday lights

  Replace damaged strands (fire hazard)

  30 min Varies
• Test smoke detectors

  Extra cooking = extra risk during holidays

  10 min Free (DIY)
• Check attic ventilation

  Prevent ice dams during coldest months

  15 min Free (DIY)
• Review emergency plan

  Update contact info, check supplies

  30 min Free (DIY)

• Clean dryer vent

  January & July (fire prevention)

  30 min Free (DIY) or $100-200 (Pro)
• Clean refrigerator coils

  May & November (30% efficiency gain)

  15 min Free (DIY)
• Check foundation for cracks

  April & October (early detection saves $$$)

  30 min Free (DIY)
• Inspect attic for pests

  April & October

  20 min Free (DIY)

• Flush water heater

  Recommended month: April

  30 min Free (DIY) or $100-150 (Pro)
• Professional roof inspection

  Recommended month: October

  1 hr $100-300 (Pro)
• Deep clean HVAC vents

  Recommended month: February

  2 hrs Free (DIY) or $300-500 (Pro)
• 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: $____________