Your Annual Home Maintenance Checklist

Taking care of your home is easier when you keep up with the work. A steady routine, spread across months, seasons, and a few long-term to-dos will prevent most of the expensive surprises that can come with home ownership. Below, we’ll cover monthly, seasonal, and every-few-years tasks so your home stays in great shape.

Is Maintenance Actually Important?

Yes, it is. Caring for your home on a regular basis makes it safer and more comfortable to live in. Even better, it saves you money in the long run. Skipping basic care can lead to water leaks, pest problems, or even fire hazards. On the flip side, routinely checking in on your home can prevent a wide array of problems (and save you from those surprise repair bills). According to HomeAdvisor, homeowners who follow a maintenance plan save thousands over time. That’s money that stays in your pocket instead of being used for emergency fixes.

What are the 3 P's of maintenance? The 3 P’s are prevent, preserve, and protect. Prevent includes simple tasks like checking for leaks, changing filters, or cleaning gutters. Prevention saves time and money in the long run. Protect refers to things like sealing cracks and testing alarms. These tasks help guard against weather damage and health concerns. Finally, preserve means repainting siding or servicing appliances. Preservation helps maintain comfort and value over time.

Monthly Home Maintenance Tasks

Person reaching up to check on a smoke detector on a white ceiling

Some tasks are quicker, but make a difference when done every month.

Begin by checking your HVAC filters. They keep your home’s air clean, and ensure your A/C system runs as it should.
Check under sinks and around toilets for any leaks.
Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they’re working correctly.

Other helpful checks include vacuum refrigerator coils to keep it running more efficiently. You’ll also want to press the “test” button on your Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets. You can also test your water pressure using a gauge. According to RD Plumbing, the ideal range is 40-60 psi. These small steps keep things running like they should and give a chance to catch potential issues early.

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Quarterly and Seasonal Home Maintenance Tasks

Every few months, inspect your home inside and out.

Walk the exterior and look for cracks, worn caulking, or spots where air or water may get in.
Clean exhaust fans and check vents.
Adjust sprinkler systems as needed.
Keep a lookout for any trees or shrubs that are too close to the house.

Other quarterly tasks can be split up by season.

Spring: Schedule a roof inspection and clean your gutters. It’s also a great time to have your HVAC system serviced before summer heat arrives.
Summer: Inspect your deck for loose boards or nails. Reverse ceiling fans to push air downward and check your grill before outdoor cooking starts.
Fall: Drain your sprinkler system and clean the chimney. It’s also a good time to prep windows and add weather stripping where needed.
Winter: Look for ice buildup on the roof, test attic insulation, and check that holiday lights are safe to use.

Long-Term Maintenance (Every 3-5 Years)

Woman talking to a repairman standing on a ladder to look at an AC unit

Some home projects only need attention every few years. However, you can’t let them fall through the cracks.

Exterior staining or painting protects siding and trim, especially in areas with harsh weather.
Septic tanks should be pumped every 3-5 years to keep them working properly.
Schedule a full HVAC checkup or replacement as systems age.

These bigger tasks catch people off guard if they’re not on the calendar, so it’s important to map them out ahead of time.

Budgeting for Home Maintenance

Setting aside money for home upkeep doesn’t have to be difficult. Plan to budget 1% to 4% of your home’s value each year for any maintenance costs. Older homes might need more attention, especially with plumbing, wiring, or roof repairs. Keeping a small fund makes unexpected fixes less stressful.

It also helps to shop sales and stock up on supplies during the off-season. Fleet Farm often has seasonal deals that are worth checking out.

DIY

Woman using large shears to trim a hedge outside

Some jobs are simple enough to handle yourself. Switching out air filters, sealing up cracks with caulk, and keeping the lawn trimmed are all solid DIY tasks. When you’re doing it yourself, you want to make sure that you have the right equipment. Fleet Farm carries lots of home maintenance kits and everyday tools so you can get started.

What makes a house low maintenance? A low-maintenance house uses durable materials like brick, vinyl siding, and metal roofing that hold up over time with minimal care. Simple landscaping and updated systems also help reduce everyday tasks. Features like easy-to-clean flooring and reliable heating or plumbing make upkeep more manageable and less frequent.

Keep Maintenance Records Handy

Make sure to keep track of what’s been done around your home. Write down dates for roof repairs, HVAC checkups, or appliance replacements. This makes it easier to stay on schedule, and it comes in handy for insurance claims or when you want to sell. A simple binder, spreadsheet, or maintenance app will help keep you organized.

Essential Tools and Supplies for Every Homeowner

Every home should have a few basics on hand. A plunger, wrench set, caulk gun, flashlight, and air filters all come in handy more often than you might think. A fire extinguisher is another must, especially in the kitchen or garage.

Depending on the season, you may also want things like pipe insulation, ice melt, or a snow shovel. Having the right supplies nearby saves you a trip to the store when something comes up.

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