Don’t let home maintenance overwhelm you
Maintaining your home’s upkeep can be stressful, especially when looking at a long list of to-dos. But it doesn’t have to be if you break it up into manageable monthly tasks. We’ve put together a home maintenance calendar that lists and provides guidance for one focus per month.
First things first! At Zoom, safety is paramount. Before starting your home maintenance each month, please refer to the checklist below.
- Always wear protective gear like safety glasses, ventilation masks, and gloves
- Be aware of your surroundings including adverse weather conditions, overhead power lines, and fall hazards
- Hire a professional when appropriate
Now we’re ready. Let’s get into it!
The home maintenance tips calendar
January – crawlspace and attic
A new year calls for a crawlspace and attic inspection. When inspecting your crawlspace, your biggest concerns are checking for water damage, fallen insulation, and rodent activity. Another big ticket item in your crawlspace is the vapor barrier that needs to completely cover the soil. If no one is brave enough to face the crawlspace, you can hire a general contractor to assess these items for you.
February – hot water heater
Moving on to the next month in our home maintenance tips calendar, let’s talk water heaters. February is a great time to schedule your water heater to be serviced. If you’re looking for things to do on your own, you can easily inspect the hot water tank for signs of leaking and check the water’s temperature to ensure it hasn’t increased above 120° Fahrenheit. To guarantee optimal performance and prevent any issues with mineral build-up in the piping and system, we highly recommend hiring a plumber to service your water heater annually.
March – landscape clean-up
March is a great time to clean up your yard and home’s exterior as the weather warms up. Start by removing overhanging tree branches above the roof and look for broken branches that may have gotten stuck up there. We can’t stress this enough – take all the necessary safety precautions when working on your roof and using ladders. Next, ensure all soil around the home isn’t in contact with wood products, such as siding or decking material. Finally, check for any peeling exterior paint or areas around your windows that may need re-caulking or re-painting.
April – HVAC cleaning
HVAC servicing is the easiest part of spring cleaning! Schedule a licensed technician to service your HVAC systems. This professional should service your furnace, change filters, service your AC condenser, and ensure your HVAC system is working safely and efficiently.
May – home appliances
It’s time to head to the kitchen and laundry room! Start by checking around your washing machine for leaks. Then look inside and under your refrigerator for water leaks and damaged flooring, and clean the condenser coils. The last area to clean is the dryer vent. Cleaning the lint screen after every dryer load is important. But beyond the lint screen, dust and lint build-up inside the dryer vent line can be a fire risk and prevent the effective drying of your clothes. Here are some instructions for how to clean your vent.
June – pest control
Summertime means more visits from unwanted tenants. Suppose you have a recurring pest problem, such as ants, termites, or other wood-destroying organisms. We recommend contacting pest control to properly correct what might be attracting the insects and spray the perimeter of your home. Another way you can be proactive in preventing pests, such as rodents or birds, from entering the home is by looking for damaged vent screens around your house. For more home maintenance tips on pest control, click here to read our blog on the subject.
July – deck repairs
Before you host a 4th of July party, make sure your deck is in full working order. Start by checking if the ledger board is properly attached to the home and in good condition. Then, check the sturdiness of the stairs and handrails and look for any damaged or rotting deck boards. The last step is to clean and treat the surface of your deck to eliminate mildew and prolong the deck’s life. Now, how about those burgers?
August – floor to ceiling deep clean
Every house needs a good deep cleaning day at least once or twice a year. While you’re cleaning, it’s a good time to check for signs of any current or previous water damage on the ceilings and walls. Have the appropriate professional (usually either a plumber or roofer) evaluate any moisture staining that is found. Click here to learn how to spot the signs of water damage. Then, move on to the windows and doors by clearing them of debris and lubricating any stuck or squeaky areas.
September – chimney and roof
Fall already?! Before you light up a cozy fire, you should have a chimney sweep come out and clean your chimneys, wood-burning stoves, and fireplaces. Have a gas fireplace insert? Call a technician to clean and service this appliance to make sure it works all winter long. Debris or even little critters can make themselves at home in your chimney, so regular maintenance is key. If you’re looking to get a head start, you can clean out any leftover ashes from your fireplace. Just prepare to get dusty!
October – roof, gutters, and drainage
Don’t let those falling leaves fill up and clog your gutters! Have your contractor look for moisture staining under the eaves, and especially at the soffit, as they clean your gutters and clear the roof. It’s important to check at the downspouts that all water drains away from the home.
While your contractor is on the roof, it would be a good time to have it cleaned. Asphalt composite shingles should be cleaned with a zinc or a bleach powder product. For the most effective application, this powder can be applied to the ridge of the roof on a dry calm day just before a good rain. Metal, clay, rubber membrane, and wood shingle roofs are cleaned and maintained differently, and most become very slippery when wet. Be sure the manufacturer’s guidelines are followed, and a professional is hired to clean and maintain these roofs.
November – routine plumbing
To prepare for family visiting during the holiday season, it’s worth it to inspect your plumbing. Start by cleaning out your sinks and shower drains using a simple solution of a cup of baking soda, followed by a cup of distilled white vinegar to loosen soap scum buildup. After a few minutes, chase this solution down the drain with boiling water. For more difficult clogs, using a drain snake might be needed (it’s best to avoid chemical drain cleaners like Drano, as it can damage your pipes). Then, check your water supply hose connection under sinks and toilets for any leaks or staining.
December – winter-ready attic, windows, and doors
The beginning of winter is a great time to do an energy assessment of your home. Begin by finding any drafty windows, doors, or other locations of cold airflow. You can contact a professional to perform an energy audit of your home to find where your home may be losing heat. These professionals will pressurize the home to identify the location of each air leak. This is commonly referred to as a blower door test. December is also an excellent time for an insulation check around the home to optimize your heating bill.
Last important reminder! Contrary to what most think, December is a common month for house fires, so always be cautious with outlets, space heaters, extension cords, candles, and real Christmas trees in your home. Be sure to check the batteries on your smoke and CO detectors at least twice a year and replace them regularly.
Zoom’s home maintenance tips calendar takeaways
Congratulations on making it through our home maintenance calendar! We hope this helps you tackle tasks in an easy and manageable way. If you are looking for a more in-depth guide on home maintenance, follow along with our fall and spring maintenance blogs. If you’re in need of quick and complete home inspection services, click to schedule your appointment with Zoom today.
