Complete Home Maintenance Guide

Keep your home in peak condition with seasonal checklists and expert maintenance tips

Maintenance Progress

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Spring Climate Considerations: Time for post-winter damage assessment. Watch for freeze-thaw damage to foundations, pipes, and roofing. Perfect weather for exterior maintenance projects.

Roof & Gutters

Comprehensive Roof Inspection
Check for winter damage: loose/missing shingles, damaged flashing, ice dam damage, and signs of leaks
CRITICAL $0-200 (DIY) / $300-500 (Professional) Moderate DIY

Mid-Century Modern Alert

Flat or low-slope roofs require special attention. Check for ponding water, membrane damage, and ensure drains are clear. Consider professional inspection for built-up roofing systems.

Clean and Inspect Gutters
Remove debris, check for damage, ensure proper drainage and secure mounting
IMPORTANT $0-50 (DIY) / $150-300 (Professional) Easy DIY
Chimney and Flue Inspection
Check for damage, ensure cap and screen are secure, inspect for animal nests
IMPORTANT $100-300 (Professional) Professional

HVAC Systems

Professional HVAC Tune-Up
Service air conditioning before summer, check refrigerant levels, clean coils, inspect ductwork
CRITICAL $150-300 (Professional) Professional
Replace HVAC Filters
Install fresh filters for optimal air quality and system efficiency
ROUTINE $10-50 (DIY) Easy DIY
Clean Air Vents and Registers
Remove dust buildup, ensure vents open freely, check for obstructions
ROUTINE $0-20 (DIY) Easy DIY

Exterior Maintenance

Power Wash Exterior Surfaces
Clean siding, decks, patios, and walkways. Remove winter grime and mildew
ROUTINE $50-100 (DIY) / $200-400 (Professional) Moderate DIY
Window and Door Inspection
Check caulking, weatherstripping, screen condition, and window operation
IMPORTANT $20-100 (DIY) / $100-300 (Professional) Easy DIY

Large Window Maintenance

Inspect large plate glass windows for cracks or seal failure. Check window hardware and consider upgrading to safety glass if original single-pane windows remain.

Landscape and Drainage Prep
Clear debris from drainage areas, prune trees away from house, inspect foundation for proper grading
IMPORTANT $0-200 (DIY) / $300-800 (Professional) Moderate DIY
Summer Climate Considerations: High UV exposure and dry conditions. Focus on cooling system efficiency, exterior protection, and water conservation. Ideal time for major exterior projects.

Cooling & Ventilation

Air Conditioning Deep Clean
Clean outdoor unit coils, check refrigerant lines, ensure proper airflow around unit
CRITICAL $50-100 (DIY) / $150-300 (Professional) Moderate DIY
Attic Ventilation Check
Ensure soffit and ridge vents are clear, check attic fan operation, inspect insulation
IMPORTANT $0-50 (DIY) Moderate DIY

Post-and-Beam Cooling

Open beam ceilings with minimal insulation can create cooling challenges. Consider adding ceiling fans and ensuring windows have proper shading to manage solar heat gain.

Exterior Protection

Exterior Paint and Stain Inspection
Check for peeling, fading, or damaged areas. Plan touch-ups or major painting projects
ROUTINE $100-500 (DIY) / $2000-8000 (Professional) Moderate DIY
Deck and Patio Care
Clean, inspect for damage, apply stain or sealant as needed, check railing stability
IMPORTANT $50-200 (DIY) / $300-800 (Professional) Easy DIY
Deep Window Cleaning
Clean interior and exterior windows, screens, and tracks for maximum natural light
ROUTINE $20-80 (DIY) / $150-400 (Professional) Easy DIY

Plumbing & Water Systems

Irrigation System Inspection
Test sprinkler zones, check for leaks, adjust timers for water conservation
IMPORTANT $0-100 (DIY) / $100-300 (Professional) Easy DIY
Water Heater Maintenance
Flush tank to remove sediment, check temperature settings, inspect for leaks
IMPORTANT $0-50 (DIY) / $150-300 (Professional) Moderate DIY

Vintage Plumbing Systems

If your home still has galvanized pipes, summer is ideal for planning replacement projects. Check for signs of corrosion and reduced water pressure that indicate pipe deterioration.

Fall Climate Considerations: Prepare for freeze-thaw cycles and winter storms. Critical time for winterization to prevent costly freeze damage. Focus on heating system prep and weatherproofing.

Winterization Essentials

Insulate Exposed Pipes
Wrap pipes in unheated areas, disconnect and drain outdoor hoses, shut off exterior water valves
CRITICAL $20-100 (DIY) Easy DIY
Heating System Professional Service
Clean and inspect furnace, check safety systems, test thermostat operation
CRITICAL $150-300 (Professional) Professional
Seal Air Leaks
Replace weatherstripping, caulk gaps around windows and doors, check for drafts
IMPORTANT $30-150 (DIY) Easy DIY

Mid-Century Heating Challenges

Post-and-beam construction with minimal insulation requires extra attention to air sealing. Consider upgrading from gravity furnaces to modern forced-air systems for better efficiency.

Roof & Gutter Prep

Final Gutter Cleaning
Remove all leaves and debris, check downspout flow, install gutter guards if needed
CRITICAL $0-50 (DIY) / $150-300 (Professional) Moderate DIY
Roof Winter Preparation
Check for loose shingles, clean roof surfaces, ensure proper attic ventilation for ice dam prevention
IMPORTANT $0-200 (DIY) / $300-600 (Professional) Moderate DIY
Chimney Cleaning and Inspection
Professional cleaning, check for creosote buildup, inspect damper operation
CRITICAL $200-400 (Professional) Professional

Landscape & Drainage

Tree and Shrub Maintenance
Trim branches away from house and power lines, remove dead limbs that could fall in storms
IMPORTANT $100-500 (DIY) / $300-1500 (Professional) Moderate DIY
Drainage System Inspection
Clear storm drains, check foundation grading, inspect French drains for proper function
CRITICAL $0-100 (DIY) / $200-500 (Professional) Easy DIY
Winter Climate Considerations: Monitor for ice dams, frozen pipes, and heating system efficiency. Focus on indoor air quality and emergency preparedness. Watch for signs of freeze-thaw foundation movement.

Winter Monitoring & Safety

Ice Dam Prevention & Monitoring
Keep gutters clear of ice, ensure attic ventilation, safely remove excess roof snow
CRITICAL $50-200 (DIY) / $300-800 (Professional) Moderate DIY
Frozen Pipe Prevention
Let faucets drip during extreme cold, keep cabinet doors open, monitor basement temperatures
CRITICAL $0-50 (DIY) Easy DIY
Heating System Monitoring
Change filters monthly, keep vents unobstructed, monitor for unusual noises or performance
IMPORTANT $10-30 (DIY) Easy DIY

Minimal Insulation Challenges

Post-and-beam homes with exposed ceilings lose heat rapidly. Use space heaters safely, ensure adequate humidity (30-50%), and consider upgrading insulation in accessible areas.

Indoor Air Quality & Comfort

Humidity Management
Maintain 30-50% humidity, use humidifiers as needed, ensure proper ventilation
IMPORTANT $50-200 (Equipment) Easy DIY
Carbon Monoxide Safety Check
Test CO detectors, ensure proper appliance ventilation, never use outdoor equipment indoors
CRITICAL $0-100 (DIY) Easy DIY
HVAC Filter Maintenance
Check and replace filters monthly during heating season, consider higher-grade filters for better air quality
ROUTINE $15-50 (DIY) Easy DIY

Emergency Preparedness & Quick Fixes

Essential knowledge for handling common home emergencies and temporary solutions until professional help arrives.

Water Emergencies

Know Your Water Shutoff Locations
Main shutoff at meter, individual fixture shutoffs, emergency contact numbers
CRITICAL $0 (Knowledge) Easy DIY
Burst Pipe Emergency Protocol
1. Shut off water 2. Turn off electricity to affected area 3. Remove water 4. Call professional
CRITICAL Emergency supplies $50-100 Moderate DIY
Frozen Pipe Thawing
Use hair dryer or warm towels, never use open flame, open faucets to relieve pressure
IMPORTANT $0-50 (DIY) Easy DIY

Electrical Emergencies

Circuit Breaker Panel Knowledge
Label all breakers, know main shutoff, keep flashlight near panel
CRITICAL $10-30 (Labels/flashlight) Easy DIY
Power Outage Preparedness
Backup lighting, battery radio, generator safety, preserve refrigerated food
IMPORTANT $100-500 (Emergency supplies) Easy DIY

Vintage Electrical Systems

1950s homes may have outdated wiring. Never attempt electrical work on old systems. Know signs of electrical problems: frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, warm outlets.

Heating Emergencies

Heating System Failure Protocol
Check thermostat, circuit breakers, pilot light; use safe backup heating methods
CRITICAL $0-100 (Emergency heat) Easy DIY
Emergency Heating Safety
Proper space heater use, carbon monoxide awareness, never use outdoor equipment indoors
CRITICAL $50-200 (Safe equipment) Easy DIY