Regular Home Maintenance To-Do Checklist

Jun 16, 2020

A good well-kept home can increase its resale value. Owning a home is a big responsibility. Making sure that the home is properly maintained with general upkeep can help prevent breakdowns, damage caused by long-term neglect, and ultimately make it easier to prepare the home for staging and selling (should you choose to sell some time in the future). Having a regular home maintenance checklist can save money down the road, and make it more enjoyable and healthier to live in (such as breathing in the absence of accumulated dust and toxic mould).

The below home maintenance checklist, which is broken down by tasks that should be done monthly and by season, can help you schedule regular check-ups, cleaning, updates, and repairs. This checklist should help keep your home in prime working condition. Certain tasks might require calling professional help such as general labourers and landscapers.

Monthly (or at least every 2-3 months)

Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure that they are working properly. Replace the batteries if needed. Make sure that a smoke detector is installed on every floor of your home, including the basement.
Clean the furnace filter to remove dust build-ups (this can regulate home temperature and decrease energy bills).
Check and make sure that indoor and outdoor air vents are not blocked.
Clean faucet aerators and showerheads to remove mineral deposits.
Check the water softener, and replenish salt if required.
Check bathroom tub and sink drains for debris; unclog if necessary.
Flush out hot water from the water heater to remove any accumulated sediment.
Vacuum heat registers and heat vents.

Seasonal – Spring

Clean the windows and door screens.
Clean out leaves and other debris from downspouts or downpipes.
Change the air conditioner filter.
Inspect roofing for loose, missing, or damaged shingles and leaks. Replace or fix missing / damaged shingles if required.
Inspect the chimney for damage.
Inspect the sink, shower, and bath caulking for deterioration.
Polish wood furniture.
Dust light fixtures.
Refinish the deck.
Fertilize the lawn.
Power-wash windows and siding.
Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.
Remove insulation from outdoor faucets and check sprinkler heads.
Drain or flush water heater.
Schedule a professional to come in to inspect and pump the septic tank.
Schedule a professional to come in to service the air conditioning system.

Seasonal – Summer

Clean the kitchen exhaust fan filter.
Clean refrigerator and freezer coils. Empty and clean the drip trays.
Check dishwasher for leaks.
Check around kitchen and bathroom cabinets and around toilets for leaks.
Remove lint from inside and outside washer hoses and dryer vents.
Oil the garage door opener and chain, garage door, and all door hinges.
Seal tile grout.
Prune shrubs and trees.
Replace interior and exterior faucet and showerhead washer if required.

Seasonal – Fall

Rake leaves and aerate the lawn.
Before winter starts, schedule a professional to come in and inspect the forced-air heating system.
Replace old, drafty windows with more energy-efficient models (this can save on heating costs and lower energy bills).
Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.
Mend cracks and gaps in the driveway and walkway.
Drain and winterize exterior plumbing.
Inspect roofing for loose, missing, or damaged shingles and leaks. Replace or fix missing / damaged shingles if required.
Inspect the fireplace for any damage or hazards. Clean the fireplace flues.
Schedule to have the fireplace professionally inspected.
Seal cracks and gaps in doors and windows with caulk; replace if required.
Touch up exterior siding and trim with paint.
Power-wash windows and siding.
Clean the carpets (deep-cleaning).
Clean the door screens and windows.
Vacuum lint from the dryer vent.
Inspect exterior door hardware.
Fix squeaky door handles and loose locks (if any).
Check for frayed cords and wires.
Check the water heater for leaks.
Drain and store hoses.
Drain in-ground sprinkler systems.
Wrap insulation around outdoor faucets and pipes if the garage is unheated.

Seasonal – Winter

Tune up major home appliances before the holidays.
Cover the air conditioning unit.
Inspect the roof, gutters, and downspouts for damage after winter storms.
Vacuum bathroom exhaust fan grill.
Vacuum refrigerator and freezer coils. Empty and clean drip trays.
Check the drains in sinks, dishwashers, tubs, and showers.
Check inner window sides for water condensation; wipe them dry to prevent mould buildup in nearby wall structural areas.
Check the basement for leaks during thaws.

Other General Home Maintenance Information and Tips

To maintain a good plumbing system, avoid flushing the following items down the drain: oil, grease, fats, Q-tips, dental floss, and personal care products (such as disposable wipes). These items can clog your pipes and drains. Consult your municipality’s disposal guidelines for these items.

Checking and sealing cracks or leaks in the walls, floors, windows, and foundations can help regulate home temperature and prevent water damage. Well sealed walls, floors, windows, and foundations can keep the house cooler in the summer, and warmer in the winter. This can ultimately lower energy bills by saving cooling / heating energy. Small cracks can occur due the house shifting or settling over time. Larger cracks usually indicate more serious problems. If in doubt, consult a licensed contractor.

Clearing the downspouts or downpipes (which carry rainwater to the gutter) of leaves and other debris should be done annually. Accumulated leaves and debris can prevent the downspouts from draining properly. In Ontario, this is best done in the spring when there is more rainfall.

Monitoring your roof and shingles should be done on a regular basis. Roofs generally need replacing every 20 years. This is because the shingles are not as effective after 20 years, which can cause water to leak into your home, resulting in damage to the home’s foundation and possessions inside.