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Cleaning

• Task: Clean and wax hardwood floors Instructions: Depends on the finish Reference: 1

• Task: Clean blinds, curtains, fans, lights Frequency: Winter Reference: 8

• Task: Clean carpets Frequency: Summer Reference: 8

• Task: Clean garage Frequency: Summer Reference: 8,10

• Task: Clean painted doors Instructions: Clean doors with polyurethane finish with a damp cloth. Other varnishes, clean as you would high quality furniture Reference: 1

• Task: Deep clean and inspect basement Frequency: Winter Instructions: Dust them up, clean any windows, make sure there isn’t mold anywhere, etc. Give your basement a good inspection at least once a year. Reference: 10

• Task: Deep clean house Frequency: Twice a year Reference: 10

• Task: Wash windows, clean sills Frequency: Spring, fall Reference: 8

Deck

• Task: Clean and stain/paint decks Frequency: Summer (7,6,10) Periodically (1) Instructions: It generally just needs a good washing. A deck may also need re-staining. Also check for any loose boards or posts and repair as needed. For pressure treated wood decks, apply coat of water repellent and preservative Reference: 1,7,8,10

Door Hardware

• Task: Check all locks and deadbolts on your doors and windows Frequency: Winter Twice a year Reference: 8,10

• Task: Paint wood exterior doors Frequency: Every 4-6 years Instructions: Don't paint aluminum, vinyl clad wood, or solid vinyl doors Reference: 1

• Task: Tighten any handles, knobs, racks, racks, locks, cabinet hinges and screws, door hinge screws Frequency: Winter Instructions: Go through the house and inspect anything that could have a loose screw. Reference: 1,7,8,10

Driveway/walkways

• Task: Check rock salt, shovels Frequency: Fall Reference: 12

• Task: Driveway: check for cracks Frequency: Fall Instructions: Make sure to have re-sealed before winter; water can freeze and expand in the cracks, causing more damage. Reference: 10

• Task: Winter gear stockup Frequency: Fall Instructions: Have sidewalk salt, good shovels, etc. ready for winter. Reference: 10

Electrical

• Task: Check GFCI outlets and breakers Frequency: Monthly (1,7) Winter (10) January (8) Reference: 1,7,8,10

• Task: Clean electrical panel (breaker box) Frequency: Annually (8) Instructions: ????? Reference: 8

• Task: Test all outlets and switches (including GFCI/AFCI Frequency: Annually (8) Reference: 8

• Task: Test appliances, HVAC, switches Frequency: Quarterly to Annually depending Instructions: Shortly before summer, test AC Shortly before winter, test furnace light switches and outlets not used often any appliances you don't use often Reference: 5

Exterior

• Task: Deep clean siding /wash outside of home Frequency: Fall (3) Spring (7) Reference: 3,7

• Task: Exterior paint: Repaint weathered or cracked areas repaint them. Frequency: Annually Instructions: The paint on windows, doors and facias tends to wear sooner than on siding. The South and West sides of the home take the brunt of the weather and will require more care and maintenance. Reference: 6,8

• Task: Home Perimeter Walk Frequency: Spring (10) Instructions: check for cracks, gaps, and draining issues around home's exterior

Is any paint chipping? Is any siding damaged from winter? Are there any holes in your brick? Take a close look all around your house, and make any repairs as needed. Also be sure to check the foundation for any cracks. A good silicone/caulk can fix a lot of your problems. Reference: 7,10

• Task: Regularly check for ice dams and icicles on roof Frequency: Winter Instructions: They’re not only a danger to people standing beneath them, but they’re incredibly heavy and can cause damage to your home. They also can cause water damage to your foundation when they  melt. Reference: 10

Fenestrations

• Task: Check windows and doors for leaks Instructions: Every fall Reference: 10

• Task: Clean out debris from window wells Frequency: Summer Instructions: If you have a basement, you also have window wells. All kinds of things can get down in there from leaves, to trash, to animals. Reference: 10

• Task: Inspect, clean, repair, replace window and door screens Frequency: Spring Instructions: replace/repair damaged ones as necessary Reference: 3,7,8

• Task: Replace blind cords and tapes Frequency: Periodically Reference: 1

Fire Safety

• Task: Change batteries in smoke/CO detectors Frequency: Twice a year Instructions: Do it before they run out Reference: 10

• Task: Check fire extinguishers Frequency: Monthly (3,10) Every other month (8) Annually (7) Instructions: Check the seals, pressure, and inspect for damage. Ensure is accessible, no visible signs of wear and tear Reference: 3,7,8,10

• Task: Dryer exhaust: check flow Frequency: Summer (10) Instructions: While the dryer is running, check that the exhaust is coming out. It should smell nicely of fresh laundry. If there isn’t much exhaust, check for blockages as well as you can. Reference: 10

• Task: Dryer: vacuum lint trap housing and clean vent Frequency: Quarterly (3) Annually (5) Summer (7,8,10) Instructions: To prevent fire hazards. Also, disconnect dryer duct and clean out duct work. vacuum the lint from the hose at the dryer. Reference: 3,5,7,8,10

• Task: Test CO and Smoke detectors Frequency: Monthly (1,3,7) Quarterly (10) Twice a year (8) Reference: 1,3,7,8,10

Foundation

• Task: Inspect crawlspace of water or structural issues Frequency: Annually Reference: 7

• Task: Sump pump/macerator testing Frequency: Once a year when dry (5,7) Fall (10) Spring and Fall (8) Instructions: Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit. If the pump triggers and pumps it out, you’re golden. If it doesn’t, you can get the pump repaired or replaced before the next rain event. Reference: 5,7,8,10

Garage

• Task: Inspect and grease/lubricate garage door moving parts, track, trolley Frequency: Every three months (1) Annually (7) Reference: 1,7

• Task: Test garage door auto-reverse feature Frequency: Quarterly (10) Winter (8) Instructions: Test every month by placing a 2×4 on the ground where the door would close. It should reverse after a second or so when the door hits the wood. Also test the photo-electric sensors if you have them by placing something in front of them (not your body). If the door doesn’t immediately go back up, you have a problem. Reference: 8,10

• Task: Tighten screws fastening garage door hardware to wood Frequency: Annually Instructions: Wood shrinks over time Reference: 1

HVAC

• Task: AC: Clean outdoor condenser unit Frequency: Annually (3) Spring (6) Fall (8) Instructions: Disconnect unit, spray with water hose to remove debris. Use coil cleaner on the outside Reference: 3,6,8

• Task: AC: Routine maintenance by pro Frequency: Spring Instructions: Getting it serviced by a professional should be around $100 or less, and it will save money and headaches down the road Reference: 8, 10

• Task: AC: Vacuum condensate line Frequency: Spring Instructions: shop vac Reference: 8

• Task: AC: Winterize Frequency: Fall Instructions: Cover the outside unit with a tarp or plastic sheeting and secure with bungee cords. Don't need to in pacific northwest? Reference: 10

• Task: Bathroom exhaust vent fan: dust and clean Frequency: Twice a year (5) Winter (7) Reference: 5,7

• Task: Ceiling fan: tighten blade mounting screws Frequency: Summer (7) Reference: 7

• Task: Ceiling fans: reverse the spinning direction Frequency: Summer/Winter Instructions: Reverse your ceiling fans if you use them during the winter to push down hot air instead of pulling it up Reference: 11,12

• Task: Clean air exchange filters Frequency: Quarterly Instructions: Dismantle, vacuum, soak in warm, soapy water, rinse, dry, replace Reference: 3

• Task: Clean wall heater grilles Frequency: Monthly (3) Quarterly (6) Instructions: Turn breaker off before opening up, soak filters in warm soapy water Remove the cover and vacuum or clean the metal screen that should be in front of the fan blower. Reference: 3,6

• Task: Clean/service furnace or boiler attic inspection Frequency: Fall Instructions: look for leaks and other problems Reference: 7,10

• Task: Fireplace and Chimney: inspect and clean Frequency: Annually Fall (8) Instructions: Clean out the chimney and the ash door for the new season. Get the chimney cleaned every few years depending on how much wood you burn Reference: 7,8,10,12

• Task: Furnace: routine maintenance with pro Frequency: Every 2 years (6) Fall (8) Instructions: This will service and check the fans, motors, heat exchangers, gas valves, electronic systems, and the housings. Furnaces are mechanical, just like cars, and so need service Reference: 6,8

• Task: HVAC Air Filter Change Frequency: See manufacturer Monthly (3,6,10) Quarterly (6,7) Annually (5) Every other month (8) Twice a year (11) Instructions: See manufacturer Electronic one work great but only when clean and turned on. Frequency really depends on the type of filter Reference: 1,3,5,6,7,8,10,11

• Task: HVAC Service Frequency: annually Instructions: Have a pro check and clean your HVAC system Reference: 1

• Task: Thermostat: Clean heat sensor, contact points, and contacts Frequency: Fall Reference: 3

• Task: Vacuum air registers and grilles, vents Frequency: Monthly Reference: 3,8

Kitchen

• Task: Change or clean range hood/stove fan filter Frequency: Periodically (1) Monthly (3,6,8,10) Instructions: Soak in warm sudsy water with baking soda, scrub with soft bristle brush, rinse, air dry Remove metal screens and wash in dishwasher, most manufacturers recommend change every 8 hours of use alternative: degreaser from an auto parts store mixed with hot water. Let the filter sit for a few minutes, rinse it off, and you’re good to go. Reference: 1,3,6,8,10

• Task: Clean oven Frequency: Annually (8) Reference: 1,8

• Task: Clean sink disposal Frequency: Monthly Instructions: run with vinegar ice cubes (10) or water ice and baking soda (8) Reference: 8,10

• Task: Fridge: clean coils, clean drain and pan Frequency: Annually (5,8) Every winter (7) Twice a year (10) Instructions: Back or bottom, vacuum them Reference: 5,7,8,10

• Task: Fridge: clean filter Reference: 5

• Task: Fridge: test door seal Frequency: Summer Instructions: use a dollar bill and pull it out of the fridge after closing the door on it Reference: 8,13

• Task: Microwave: clean filters Reference: 5

Landscaping

• Task: Aerate the lawn, reseed, and apply a winterizing fertilizer to promote deep-root growth come spring Instructions: Fall Reference: 12

• Task: Check grading around house Frequency: Annually Instructions: The grade (the soil/ground level) should be 6 inches below the bottom edge of the siding and 2 inches below the bottom of the foundation vents Reference: 6

• Task: Check trees for interference with powerlines Frequency: Spring Reference: 10

• Task: Clean artificial plants Frequency: Summer Reference: 8

• Task: Clean/store mower and sprinklers Frequency: Fall Instructions: Run your lawnmowers and other power tools you won’t use again this year till the gas is gone. Add sta-bil with ¼ tank of gas left before running empty to protect the carburetor and gas lines during winter Reference: 8,12

• Task: Fertilize and de-thatch lawn Frequency: Spring Reference: 8

• Task: Inspect and repair fencing Frequency: Summer (8) Reference: 8

• Task: Mower tune-up Frequency: Winter Reference: 7

• Task: Prune and trim shrubs and trees, clear out dead plants Frequency: Spring (10) Winter (7) Spring, fall (8) Instructions: Trim tree branches 4 - 6 feet away from the roof, winter storms can drag branches across roofing or drop them and cause tremendous roof damage. Vegetation  trimmed and kept 6” – 12” from the siding. Same with stored items. The vegetation will hold moisture against the house and increase the likelihood of insect infestation. If wildfire region, maintain defensible space and remove brush near house Reference: 6,7,8,10

• Task: Tree inspection by arborist Frequency: Every few years Instructions: Arborists can spot sick trees long before the problem becomes obvious, and either treat the problem or arrange to have the tree removed before it, you know, falls on your house. Reference: 5

Painting

• Task: Clean and paint a coat on window sills, door sills, baseboards, and thresholds that need it Frequency: Spring Reference: 3,8

Pest Control

• Task: Check for and take care of insect problems Frequency: Summer (8,10) Instructions: Keep cobwebs clear, have ant poison handy, make sure all doors are tightly closed, etc. Also check crawlspace vents, etc Reference: 8,10

• Task: Inspect for termites Frequency: Spring Instructions: Look for remains of winged insects Foundation walls and piers for earthen tubes reaching to wood above foundation Use knife blade to examine wood for soundness Reference: 1

• Task: Start putting out mouse traps if you get mice. Instructions: Fall Reference: 12

Plumbing

• Task: Clean faucet aerators, showerheads Frequency: Summer (10) Fall (1,8) Instructions: Cover drain first Reference: 1,8,10

• Task: Winterize outdoor faucets: disconnect outdoor faucets (hose bib) and empty hoses, or cover faucets Frequency: Fall Instructions: Winterize sprinkler systems too Reference: 1,3,8,10

• Task: Drain grease preventive Frequency: Regularly Instructions: Add ordinary household cleaning supplies (not baking soda) to drains, keeps drains clear of grease Reference: 1

• Task: Ensure main water shutoff functions as expected Frequency: Annually Instructions: also clean Reference: 7,8

• Task: Pipe & hose inspection & valve cycling Reference: 11

• Task: Plumbing drips and leaks inspection Frequency: Monthly (6,7) Summer (10) every other month (8) Instructions: Take a few seconds and look under the sinks with the water running and look for any drips from the drain, hoses, faucets, supply lines, and shutoff valves. Gaskets are about 30 cents and new hoses are $4 to $6. Toilets too Reference: 6,7,8,10

• Task: Run water down unused drains and flush toilets in unused places Frequency: Quarterly Reference: 1,10

• Task: Septic tank inspection by professional Frequency: Annually Reference: 3

• Task: Showerheads: remove and clean sediment Frequency: Winter (10) Reference: 10

• Task: Toilet looseness Frequency: Quarterly (6) Instructions: Place your foot against the side of the toilet and push on the rim of the toilet with your leg. If the toilet shifts or moves, the toilet base should be removed, the wax ring replaced, and the toilet re-set and secured. Also check for any drips or leaks from the water supply valve. Reference: 6

• Task: Verify water softener is working and not empty Frequency: Monthly Reference: 3

• Task: Washer: clean inlet filters Frequency: Quarterly Instructions: Turn off water supply before cleaning Reference: 3

• Task: Water heater: check temperature and pressure relief valve Frequency: 3-4 months (1) Twice a year (10) Winter (8) Instructions: Redditor says don't do this if it hasn't been done regularly since installation? Reference: 1,8,10

• Task: Water heater: Drain/flush water heater tank Frequency: Quarterly (3) Annually (5,7) Fall (8,10) Instructions: Removes scale, sediment, corrosive build up, and dirty water. Redditor says don't do this if it hasn't been done regularly since installation? Reference: 1,3,5,7,8,10

• Task: Water heater: Inspection Frequency: Annually (6) Instructions: *Look at the piping connections and around the top of the water heater. The gaskets and threads of the piping connection deteriorate over time. *If the water heater is gas, look at the flue - is it rusted? Are there scorch marks above the burner panel? In either case there is a problem and you should have a professional look at or repair it. A small drip may not cause much of a puddle, but it can short out electric elements, and/or rust your glass-lined water tank from the outside in. Reference: 6

• Task: Water pressure check Instructions: Your water pressure should be between Reference: 5

Roofing

• Task: Apply moss killer to roof Frequency: Summer Reference: 8

• Task: Clean roof Instructions: Leaves and other debris that collect on your roof will rot and promote mols, moss, and algae growth which will accelerate the breakdown of your roofing material. Consider hiring pros. Reference: 5

• Task: Clear out and clean gutters, downspouts, and splash blocks, ensure they are draining Frequency: Twice a year, in spring and fall (3) Quarterly (6) Fall (7) Spring (8,10) Instructions: If the downspouts are tied into a storm drainage system, the downspouts should be turned out of the storm drainage system while cleaning the gutters to prevent debris from clogging the drainage system. Reference: 3,6,7,8,10

• Task: Inspect roof surface, flashing, eaves, and soffits Frequency: Twice a year, in spring and fall (3) Spring (10) Summer (8) Instructions: Are there tree limbs or debris on the roof? Is there moss growing on the roof? Keep debris off of the roofing and treat moss or have the roof treated. Reference: 3,6,8,10

• Task: Repaint gutters if there is paint Frequency: 4-6 years Reference: 1

• Task: Roofing inspection Frequency: Every 3-5 years Instructions: Flashings can come loose, shingles can blow off, debris can fall and damage roofing - a lot can happen in just 3 years. The roof is the primary weather protection that your house has. Protect your investment! Reference: 6

Sealants

• Task: Check grout in bathrooms, kitchen, etc. and repair and seal as needed. Frequency: Every summer Annually Reference: 8,10,13

• Task: Check weatherstripping on windows and doors Frequency: Every fall Instructions: also may need to add clear plastic for drafts in windows etc. Reference: 3,7,12

• Task: Inspect and recaulk any gaps, splits, or loose and peeling sections in sinks, tub, shower caulking, and other indoor caulking Frequency: Quarterly (3) Monthly (6) Spring (7) Annually (8) Instructions: . Reference: 3,6,7,8,10

• Task: Inspect exterior caulking and fill and gaps and edges Frequency: Twice a year, in spring and fall (3) Annually (6,8) Instructions: Examine especially doors, windows, corner trims, and siding butt joints. Reference: 3,6,8

• Task: Seal countertops