HOME MAINTENANCE CHECK LIST

Home Maintenance Check List

When buying a home, the majority of people probably first consider the fiscal responsibility. Don't let yourself forget, however, about the time and labor that home ownership also requires. Much like regular oil changes for your car help keep your engine happy and healthy, keeping up with regular home maintenance tasks will keep you from potential problems and wasted money.
It can be intimidating to think about these various tasks, especially if you're a new homeowner. It's a long list-- there's no denying that. The good news is that you can do most of it yourself without much experience. Google is your buddy, and if you really get stuck, call up your local handyman to help you out.

In order to maximize your productivity and effectively get all of these tasks done, you might want to create a home maintenance calendar yourself. Whether online or on paper, you can jot down small, regular tasks for each weekend and not be too overwhelmed. We've provided tasks that need to be done monthly, quarterly, and biannually. We've also given you a list of tasks to be performed seasonally. Not every expert agrees as to which task needs to be done in which season, so this isn't a black and white list, necessarily. Do what works for you and your schedule, and as long as all these things get completed, your home will be happy for years and years to come.Home Inspector

Monthly
Inspect, and possibly change out HVAC filters. Many experts will say to change the filters monthly, but that's not always vital. For smaller families without pets or allergies, you'll likely be okay changing the filters every 2-3 months. If the filter is dirty, change it out, otherwise inspect it again next month. I've also been told by handymen to choose less expensive filters and replace them more often versus going with the expensive filters.
Clean kitchen sink disposal. There are a bunch of ways to do this, but the handiest and best all-around answer seems to be vinegar ice cubes. Put some vinegar in an ice tray and let it freeze, then run the ice cubes through the disposal. It freshens it, but as a bonus, ice sharpens the blades. You're welcome. Clean range hood filters. If you've never considered doing so, you're in for a real "treat" when you get that filter off the hood to clean it for the first time. The Family Handyman suggests simply using a degreaser from an auto parts store mixed with hot water. Let the filter sit for a few minutes, rinse it off, and you're good to go.Home Inspector
Inspect your fire extinguisher(s). We'll assume you have and know how to use an extinguisher. This inspection doesn't need much: ensure it has easy access (not being blocked by a trash bin or anything else), that the gauge shows adequate pressure, and that it has no visible signs of wear and tear.

Quarterly
Test smoke/carbon dioxide detectors. One more simple task; your detectors should have a "test" button. If the alarm sounds, you're good to go. If not, replace batteries immediately and test again. If it still doesn't sound, it's possible there's simply corrosion on the battery terminal, and it won't detect new batteries. Clean it and try again. If it still doesn't work, you'll likely need a new detector.
Test garage door auto-reverse feature. In 1993, federal law required all garage doors to have this feature after multiple child deaths. Test monthly by placing a 2 × 4 on the ground where the door would close. It should reverse after a second or so when the door hits the wood. Also test the photo-electric sensing units if you have them by placing something in front of them (not your body). If the door doesn't immediately go back up, you have a problem.Home Inspector
Run water and flush toilets in unused spaces. This mostly relates to guest bathrooms, or any other sinks/water sources you don't use on a regular basis. The idea is to prevent grime or any other type of build up. Regularly running a little bit of water through will prevent this.
Check water conditioner, add salt if needed. You shouldn't need to add salt every month, but better to check anyway, as it only takes about 5 seconds.

Biannually
Test your water heater's pressure relief valve. This will prevent mineral and corrosion accumulation, which guards against leaks. It will also help your heater run more productively.
Give your house a deep clean. Take one Saturday every six months with your whole family, and give the whole house a proper deep clean. Appliances, windows, cleaning every nook and cranny (including the basement), etc. Keeping things clean and not letting dirt/grime/dust develop over years and years will help keep your home in tip-top shape.Home Inspector
Replace batteries in smoke/carbon dioxide detectors. I 'd never heard this before, actually. I just presumed you changed it out when it started giving you the low battery beeping noise. This tip was in everything we researched, however. With something as important as this, you can't be too careful, and batteries won't break your bank. Change 'em out every six months.
Vacuum your refrigerator coils. I actually uncovered this tip from a refrigerator repairman, and our research confirmed it. The fridge can use up to 15 percent of your home's total power, so you want it running as efficiently as possible. Gradually, the coils get dirty and your fridge requires more juice. You can save up to $100 a year by doing this, and it's not at all a difficult task.Home Inspector

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