Every homeowner knows that it’s important to maintain their home but most don’t know what needs to be done or when it should be done. We found this article that should help you out.
From the article:
Home maintenance is one of those things that’s easy to forget or put off, because many tasks only need to be done once in a while or a few times a year. If you’re not careful, though, you can end up being that house in the neighborhood with the overgrown yard, peeling paint, and a list of expensive, but possibly could-have-been-prevented repairs.
So the problem is knowing what you need to do to maintain your home and when. Our solution: A one-click-to-subscribe Home Maintenance Calendar that lays out all the most common, necessary home maintenance tasks so you won’t forget.
What to do in the fall
Outdoors:
-Take down window screens to store (label them for quickly putting up in the spring, and repair or replace now, if needed). After you wash your windows, replace with storm windows.
-Seal windows and doors with weatherstripping and also check caulking (you can save as much as 15% on your heating bill, according to This Old House). Replace seals as necessary.
-Check roof for leaks, damaged or missing shingles, and pests hiding in vents.
-While you’re up there, check chimney for leaks, bricks and mortar falling apart, and, again, pests.
-Yard cleanup! Trim trees and shrubs closer than 3 inches from your house.
-Check your outdoor faucet for leaks, then drain and turn them off. Store hoses.
-Clean gutters and downspouts. Bob Vila will tell you how. Gutter covers of some kind can also help keep debris out of your gutters.
-Clean, oil, and store garden tools. (You could also store them in a bucket of sand to prevent rust.)
-Clean and store patio furniture (or cover with weatherproof material).Indoors:
-Check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace batteries, if needed. Also check fire extinguishers. This is a good time to do fire drills and review your emergency documents.
-Remove air conditioners or protect with weatherproof cover (if applicable).
-Check attic for insulation, leaks, hiding squirrels, etc. A simple attic inspection is easy to do when you know what to look for.
-Flush out water heater to get rid of the sediment.
-Bleed radiators if you have hot-water heat. Don’t do this when the system is use, because the water will be hot.
-Vacuum and clean refrigerator coils.
-Inspect kitchen and bath fixtures and cabinets for leaks, and prevent water damage by re-caulking or re-grouting counter tops and tiles in the kitchen or bathroom as necessary.What to do in the spring
Outdoors:
-Wash windows and replace storm windows with screens.
-Check gutters and downspouts and clean if necessary.
-Check outside walls for damage or deterioration (e.g., brick work or siding repairs, peeling paint)
-Check your deck for water damage or stains. A pressure washer can help rid your deck of mold and moss.Indoors:
-Check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace batteries, if needed.
-Check basement for cracks or leaks, dampness and mold.
-Inspect kitchen and bath fixtures and prevent water damage by recaulking or regrouting countertops and tiles in the kitchen or bathroom as necessary.
-Check clothes dryer vents and rid them of lint.
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