Standard Home Maintenance Checklist: 20+ Tips
- May 3, 2021
- By Cody Battershill
20 Standard Home Maintenance Tasks: Checklist
Buying and owning a home is a very exciting ordeal, but it's also a huge responsibility! Part of that is performing ongoing home maintenance tasks to keep your property clean and nurture its resale potential for when the time comes to sell and move on.
In general, home maintenance can be classified as one of two kinds; either initial or standard. We explore some of the ongoing household maintenance tasks everyone should perform on their home throughout the year below.
- New homeowners, also see our Initial Home Maintenance Checklist
▢ - Pipes (winter climates)
During cold weather close the outdoor water faucets and bleed off any remaining water in the pipes. If you leave any water in them the water could freeze, cracking the water lines.
▢ - Attic
Every six months inspect the attic for leaks and pests. If there is a leak in the attic the water could be causing mould growth that poses a serious health risk. Extensive damage to the infrastructure of the home could also be caused by water and pest intrusion.
▢ - Caulking
Caulking discrepancies need to be repaired! Caulking prevents fluids such as water and air from getting into those nooks and crannies. Your bathroom, kitchen and windows are some of the places to check.
▢ - Filters
Stock up on filters for your humidifier, ventilation system, vacuum, gas stove hood and furnace. Your house will be cleaner and your appliances will last longer problem-free. Also, your home will be a cleaner place and stay that way for longer!
▢ - Gas detectors
Now that those smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are installed, test them every month. You never know when these devices might save your life! If you have a surge protector check to see if it is on.
▢ - Air-conditioner
When the heatwave hits, you'll want to have your air-conditioning system ready to go. These systems range from built-in to mobile, therefore, the appropriate manual should be consulted for set-up and maintenance tasks.
▢ - Water heater
Maintain your water heater by draining the sediment that collects in the bottom of the tank once every year. If you aren't sure as to how to do this, refer to your water heater manual.
▢ - Garburator
Cleaning the kitchen sink disposal/garburator prevents your pipes from clogging and gross smells from rising up into the kitchen. Make sure to check the system's manual for proper cleaning instructions!
▢ - Furnace
Check your furnace or boiler for proper functioning every six months. If you don’t know about the systems, hire a serviceman or ask one of your handyman friends to check them for you. Another option would be to read the system manually to familiarize yourself with standard furnace maintenance. Remember to always keep the surrounding area clear of objects!
▢ - Foundation
If your home has an undeveloped basement, it's wise to check the foundation walls for cracks through which water and pests could enter from.
▢ - Vegetation
Trim any vegetation that gets too close to your house. Damage to your home can occur on a windy day if shrubs and branches are too close.
▢ - Sliding doors & windows
Clear the sliding mechanism on your windows of any crud that might damage the window sill and block the draining aperture.
▢ - Garage-door
Pay attention to the condition of your garage door as it can be expensive to replace. If the door isn’t closing properly, unwanted pests can enter your home. Also, keep an eye on the condition of the weatherstrip on the bottom of the garage door. If it's worn, you may want to replace it.
▢ - Exterior siding & brick
A thorough inspection of the exterior of your home will identify weathering and repairs that need to be performed. For example, a few things to look for are paint chips, damage in siding and holes in brick (if applicable) to name a few things.
▢ - Deck(s)
Inspect your deck for damage and weathering. Typically, your deck will just need a good wash, but every so often you'll need to restain it to maintain its longevity. Many home department store staff will recommend you do this once every two to five years depending on the weather and type of stain used. Once a deck becomes damaged, it's much more costly to repair!
▢ - Roof exterior
An inspection of your roof once every twelve months is important in preventing future leaks. Look for loose and/or parts of your roofing shingles that have fallen out of place and replace them.
▢ - Eaves-trough
Clear out the eaves troughs during the spring and fall months. Blocked eaves troughs can cause flooding via your downspouts which usually happens through cracks in the foundation of your home.
▢ - Chimney
Getting your chimney inspected and cleaned once per year is standard when it comes to home maintenance. This will make sure the air in your home stays relatively clean and no flow back from the chimney occurs, which could prevent a major health hazard if exposed to such toxins.
▢ - Trees
Make sure to trim your trees and avoid having them contact any power lines connected to your house. This is a huge fire hazard! Older homes typically have a line running to the back end of the home from the alleyway, while newer developments have it strung underground.
▢ - Walkways (winter)
Make sure your walkways are clear of ice and snow in the winter, including the sidewalks in front of your home. This presents a major slip-and-trip hazard and in some municipalities an infringement on bylaws set forth by the government, resulting in a fine!
Your Home, Your Money!
Setting aside the time to perform these standard home maintenance tasks will help keep your home in tip-top shape. When the time comes to sell, chances are that the wear-and-tear on the 'bones' of your property will be much less than without and you'll get more value for your home on the market!
If you're planning on selling and/or buying a home, make sure to get a professional home inspection done so that you know what needs repairs and/or maintenance! Why is a home inspection important anyways?