Stay on top of your home maintenance to-do list with this list of tasks for every season, from spring plumbing checks to winter pruning.
If there's one certainty beyond death and taxes, it's that home maintenance never ends. The to-do list may evolve with the seasons, but it's always there—and for good reason.
In our recent Lifetime of Home Care study, we surveyed just over 1,500 homeowners between the ages of 18 and 80 to gain insights on their experiences in homeownership and improvement project costs. From our analysis, we learned that 75 percent of homeowners experience breakdowns that need to be remedied immediately. Even more, 40 percent of that group has paid over $3,000 per issue; ultimately, the gap between emergency savings and repair costs magnifies the importance of access to financing.
Amid current economic landscape, 33 percent of homeowners have delayed maintenance or home upgrade projects. Another 15 percent of homeowners have cancelled projects altogether because of the cost.
Delaying maintenance repairs can lead to more expensive repair costs, which can affect savings. Regular upkeep helps prevent costly repairs, improve safety and protect your home's value. “By investing in routine maintenance today, you’re protecting your budget tomorrow—reducing risk, protecting your investment and preserving the long-term value of your home,” says Patrice Boone, Synchrony’s Senior Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer of Home and Auto. “The right financing partner can be vital in helping you create a safe space overtime.”
From the study, we also learned that nearly 3 out of 4 homeowners are very anxious about being able to afford repairs, while 1 out of 3 are particularly fearful of repairs that are out of reach financially. The constant concern of finances and home maintenance directly affects their peace of mind.
READ MORE: Get More: Peace of Mind
Not sure what to tackle and when? We've broken down the key maintenance tasks by season to help you stay organized, proactive and stress-free.
Spring Home Maintenance Checklist
Exterior
- Inspect roof and gutters: Look for damaged or missing shingles and cracked or sagging gutters that might need repair.
- Remove debris from gutters and downspouts: Remove leaves and debris to ensure rainwater flows freely from the roof and away from your home.
- Check exterior walls and siding: Look for cracks, holes, peeling paint, moisture issues and other types of damage, and touch up or repair as needed.
- Prep the lawn and garden: Clean up yard debris, prep garden beds and prune shrubs. Wait until warmer temps arrive to avoid disturbing nesting pollinators.
- Reorganize tools and equipment: Store away winter gear like shovels and snowblowers, and make sure lawn mowers and other warm-weather tools are ready to go.
Interior
- Service HVAC system: Replace air filters as needed and schedule a professional AC inspection before summer.
- Adjust ceiling fans: Switch blades to spin counterclockwise to create a cooling breeze.
- Inspect plumbing: Check for leaks or winter damage, test the sump pump and irrigation system, and remove any insulation from outdoor faucets before turning the water back on.
- Maintain washer and dryer: Inspect hoses for cracks, clean the machines thoroughly and clear out the dryer vent to reduce fire risk.
- Clean windows and doors: Wash glass inside and out, and inspect seals and weatherstripping for wear.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Ensure they're working and replace batteries as needed.
READ MORE: Spring Cleaning Tips and Room-by-Room Checklist
Summer Home Maintenance Checklist
Exterior
- Inspect and repair decks and patios: Check for loose boards, cracks or splinters and make repairs as needed. Apply a fresh coat of sealant or stain to protect surfaces from summer sun and rain.
- Inspect driveway and walkways: Look for cracks or uneven areas and repair them before they worsen in the heat.
- Inspect fences: Check for damage, peeling paint or rot. Make repairs and clear away weeds, debris or rocks that can trap moisture and cause deterioration.
- Check plumbing and outdoor faucets: Look for leaks and make sure all outdoor water sources drain properly.
- Maintain HVAC system: Clean the outdoor AC or heat pump unit, removing dirt, debris and overgrown plants around it. Replace air filters as needed to keep things running efficiently.
Interior
- Maintain hot water tank: Drain to remove sediment buildup, then inspect for leaks and other issues.
- Inspect basement and crawl spaces: Look for signs of moisture or mold.
- Check window treatments and screens: Inspect for holes or damage and repair or replace if necessary.
- Check for pest issues: Look inside and out for signs of termites or other harmful pests, and consider professional treatment if necessary.
READ MORE: 6 Tips To Improve Your Home's Air Quality
Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
Exterior
- Inspect and clean gutters and downspouts: Clear out leaves and debris to prepare for winter rain and snow. Check for leaks or drips that could cause structural damage over time.
- Inspect roof and chimney: Check for damage, leaks and missing shingles. Clean the chimney if used frequently and schedule a professional inspection.
- Prepare plumbing for winter: Drain outdoor hoses and blow out irrigation systems. Insulate exposed pipes and turn off the outdoor water supply.
- Clean, protect and store outdoor furniture: Bring indoors if possible, or stack and protect to avoid winter damage.
- Reorganize tools and equipment: Maintain and tuck away lawn mowers, leaf blowers, barbecues, grills and other warm-weather gear, and ensure winter tools such as shovels and snowblowers are in working order.
Interior
- Adjust ceiling fans: Set blades to spin clockwise to help circulate warm air throughout your home.
- Service HVAC system: Replace filters, schedule a furnace inspection and cleaning, and bleed radiators if applicable. Remove and store window AC units for the season.
- Seal windows and doors: Inspect for gaps and cracks that let in drafts. Apply caulk or weatherstripping where needed, and clear debris from basement window wells. For older windows, consider adding plastic heat-shrink coverings or swapping in storm windows for better insulation.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Ensure they're working and replace batteries as needed.
READ MORE: 8 Tips To Prepare Your Home for Hurricanes and Severe Storms
Winter Home Maintenance Checklist
Exterior
- Check for ice dams and snow buildup: Safely remove snow from the roof when possible, and ensure any piled-up snow is kept away from foundations and vents.
- Ensure outdoor safety: Keep salt or ice melt handy to prevent buildup on walkways.
- Inspect and prune shade trees:Trim back branches that are too close to the house and may cause damage.
Interior
- Inspect attic insulation and ventilation: Ensure attic space is properly insulated to prevent heat loss.
- Monitor indoor humidity levels: Use humidifiers or dehumidifiers as needed, and ensure bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans are venting properly.
- Maintain HVAC system: Change filters as needed.
- Inspect and maintain fireplaces: For wood fireplaces, remove ashes and ensure safe operation. For gas ones, clean and check for damage and consider a professional inspection.
- Check for drafts: Use draft stoppers or additional insulation to prevent heat from exiting.
- Be ready for emergencies: Maintain a stock of essential supplies in case of winter storms. Think about sources of light, heat, food and water.
READ MORE: 5 Best Smart Home Devices To Help You Save on Energy Costs
The Satisfaction of a Job Well Done
Home maintenance can be a lot of work, but it's worth it when you look around at all the valuable effort you've invested in protecting and improving the place where you live. Thanks to this checklist, you can be confident you've done what you can to take care of your home.
“Caring for your home is one of the most practical investments you can make—every small task adds up to greater comfort, fewer surprises and lasting value,” says Boone.
Ready to take on bigger upgrades? Use our handy Home Improvement Locator at SYFPROS.com to find the right contractor for you and enjoy special financing to pay for the project over time. Bring your dream to life today!