Making time for home maintenance tasks can be hard, especially when everyone is so busy. And spending an afternoon on the mountain or relaxing is a lot more fun than doing maintenance!

But, as a homeowner, the consistent upkeep of your home helps to preserve its value and prevent some avoidable and costly damage.  All of which can translate to more money in your pocket!

Maintenance throughout the year is essential since Utah weather is known for both the hot days of summer and winter’s harsh freezing weather.  Many homeowners are hit with expensive damage that could have been prevented in the first place. Don’t let that happen to you!

Now is a good time to look at your calendar and schedule some must-do projects over the next few months.

Let’s take it season by season!

Spring

• Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks.
• Clean window and door screens.
• Dust light fixtures.
• Polish wood furniture/ decks.
• Power-wash windows and siding.
• Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.
• Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Have a professional inspect and pump any septic tank.
• Inspect sink, shower, and bath caulking for deterioration.
• Vacuum lint from dryer vent.
• Change air filter
• Inspect chimney for damage.
• Repair or replace caulking and weather stripping around windows, doors, and mechanicals.
• Remove insulation from outdoor faucets and check sprinkler heads.
• Drain or flush water heater.
• Fertilize your lawn

Summer

• Oil garage-door opener and chain, garage door and door hinges.
• Remove lint from inside and outside washer hoses and dryer vents.
• Clean kitchen exhaust fan filter.
• Clean refrigerator and freezer and empty and clean drip trays.
• Check around kitchen and bathroom cabinets and around toilets for leaks.
• Replace interior and exterior faucet and shower head washers if needed.
• Seal tile grout.
• Prune trees and shrubs.

Fall

• Rake leaves.
• Aerate the lawn.
• Have forced-air heating system inspected. Schedule an inspection in late summer or early fall before the heating season begins.
• Clean fireplace.
• Seal cracks and gaps in windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping; replace if necessary.
• Swap old, drafty windows for energy-efficient models.
• Touch up exterior siding and trim with paint.
• Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks.
• Wash windows and siding
• Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.
• Mend cracks and gaps in the driveway and walkway.
• Drain and winterize exterior plumbing. 
• Repair or replace siding.
• Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Install a smoke detector on every floor of your home, including the basement.
• Clean the carpets.
• Clean window and door screens.
• Vacuum lint from the dryer vent.
• Inspect exterior door hardware; fix squeaky handles and loose locks.
• Check for frayed cords and wires.
• Drain and store hoses, and drain sprinkler systems.
• Insulate outdoor faucets.
• Check water heater for leaks.

Winter

• Cover your air-conditioning unit.
• Check basement for leaks during thaws.
• Inspect the roof, gutters, and downspouts for damage after storms.
• Vacuum bathroom exhaust fan grill.
• Clean drains in tubs, showers, sinks, and dishwashers.

Monthly

• Check and possible change the furnace filter to remove dust build-ups, make it easier to regulate your home’s temperature.
• Check the water softener and replenish salt if necessary.
• Inspect tub and sink drains for debris; unclog if necessary.
• Test smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and all ground-fault circuit interrupters.
• Inspect electrical cords for wear.
• Check that indoor and outdoor air vents are not blocked.
• Flush out hot water from the water heater to remove accumulated sediment.
• Clean the garbage disposal by grinding ice cubes, then flushing with hot water and baking soda.

You’ve got this!

Print out this handy checklist so you can check things off as you go or make notes to remind yourself to do some of these items next year instead.  Just don’t let them go too long!

Let me know if you have any questions and if you need any suggestions for contractors that could help get your list of to-do’s done.