Seasonal Home Maintenance Guide

KEEP YOUR HOME WORKING FOR YOU

Owning a home means more than making the mortgage payment. Regular maintenance can help you catch small problems before they become expensive ones.

You don't have to be a contractor to take good care of your home. A simple seasonal routine can help you stay ahead of maintenance, protect your investment, and know when a problem deserves professional attention.

SPRING MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST

• Roof & Gutters: Check the roof and gutters for winter damage.

• Gutter Cleaning: Clean gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage.

• Exterior Seals: Check exterior caulking around windows and doors.

• Foundation: Inspect the foundation and look for new cracks or water intrusion.

• HVAC Service: Service your air-conditioning system before hot weather arrives.

• Plumbing: Check outdoor faucets for leaks.

• Structures: Look over your deck, porch, and exterior stairs.

SUMMER MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST

Summer is a good time to catch up on exterior maintenance and make sure your home's cooling systems are working properly.

• HVAC Filter: Change or check your HVAC filter according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

• Perimeter Maintenance: Keep grass, plants, and mulch away from the foundation.

• Storm Checks: Check gutters and downspouts after heavy storms.

• Water Monitoring: Look for signs of water intrusion in basements, crawl spaces, and around windows.

• Exterior Shell: Inspect exterior paint, siding, and trim for deterioration.

• Decks & Structures: Check decks, porches, and railings for loose or damaged components.

• Efficiency Watch: Watch your utility bills for unusual increases that could indicate a problem.

FALL MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST

Fall is the time to prepare your home for colder weather and get ahead of problems that can become expensive once winter arrives.

• Gutters & Drainage: Clean gutters and make sure downspouts direct water away from the foundation.

• Heating System: Have your heating system checked before you need it.

• HVAC Filter: Replace or check HVAC filters as recommended.

• Weatherstripping: Inspect weatherstripping around exterior doors and windows.

• Exterior Plumbing: Check exterior pipes and hose bibs for leaks.

• Hose Disconnection: Disconnect garden hoses before freezing temperatures arrive.

• Roof Inspection: Inspect the roof for damaged or missing shingles.

• Tree Trimming: Trim tree branches that could threaten the roof or power lines.

• Safety Detectors: Test smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors.

• Insulation & Ventilation: Make sure your home has adequate insulation and ventilation where appropriate.

WINTER MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST

Winter is a good time to pay attention to the systems that keep your home safe, warm, and protected from the weather.

• Pipe Protection: Keep an eye on pipes in unheated areas, especially during extended periods of freezing temperatures.

• Heating System: Make sure your heating system is operating properly.

• Safety Detectors: Check that smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors are working.

• Foundation Drainage: Keep snow and ice from creating drainage problems around the foundation.

• Roof & Ice Watch: Watch for ice dams or excessive snow accumulation where applicable.

• Draft Inspection: Check for drafts around doors and windows.

• Vents & Clearance: Keep exterior vents clear of snow, ice, and debris.

• Emergency Preparedness: Know where your main water shutoff is located in case of a plumbing emergency.

KNOW WHEN TO CALL A PROFESSIONAL

Some home maintenance can be handled by a homeowner. Other problems shouldn't be guessed at or put off.

If you're dealing with electrical problems, gas appliances, structural concerns, significant water intrusion, foundation issues, roofing problems, or anything you're not comfortable evaluating, bring in the appropriate qualified professional.

Knowing when to call for help is part of being a responsible homeowner.