Seasonal Maintenance Checklist.

Buying a new home is an exciting milestone. After the excitement and honeymoon stage starts to settle, the list of responsibilities sets in. Owning your own home is work and regular maintenance. I have written up a small list of seasonal things you can do to keep your home running efficiently and reduce future issues and costs that can accumulate with neglect.

SPRING

1. turn outside faucets on and check for damage.

2. do a walk around your home, looking grading issues and cracks in concrete walkways.

3. check roof for broken, loose and missing shingles.

4. check gutters and downspouts for damage and debris buildup.clean gutters at least three times a year, or more frequently if required.

5. look at the siding for damage, cracks, or peeling and chipping paint.

6. give your exterior a yearly wash to prevent deterioration of paint or masonry.( recommend garden hose and brush, not pressure washer)

7. inspect your deck for loose nails and cracking. Clean and re-stain if needed.

8. for homes with central air, have an HVAC technician clean and service furnace, A/C compressor, vents and ducts. For steam heat, drain your boiler and clear out any sediment.

9. clean or change furnace filter every three months, more if required.

10. check faucets and under sinks for any signs of dripping or leakage.

11. check sump pump to ensure its draining properly.

12. your chimney should be inspected annually and cleaned periodically depending on use.

13. check and change batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors once a year.

SUMMER

1. check sprinkler systems

2. scrape, paint and caulk around doors and windows if needed.

3. clean clean A/C unit filters once a month or more if required.

4. check weather stripping around doors and windows.

5. inspect for bug and pest infestations And seal holes as a preventative.

FALL

1. Keep leaves and heavy debris raked clean from around the structure.

2. have gutters cleaned and inspected.

3. inspect your roof for any damage.

4. check outside faucets and hoses, drain and shut off before first freeze.

5. shut off sprinkler system if in a cold climate.

6. have dryer vent cleaned and inspected annually.

WINTER

1. throughout winter, walk around the exterior of the house regularly looking for signs of ice dams.

2. insulate pipes where you can.

3. then bunker down, keep warm and enjoy the holiday season.