Check out our checklists!
Keep your home in tip-top shape year-round – and help yourself prepare for any incoming problems – by utilizing these handy home maintenance tips! Just like a checkup or a physical is suggested in order to keep our bodies healthy, houses need a little bit of upkeep from time to time in order to look and be its very best.
Having a checklist on hand that can be used monthly, quarterly, and annually will help make it easier to stay on top of what needs fixing, as well as when to fix it. We’ve offered a few tips below, but creating a list based on your own home’s specific needs is recommended. After all, nobody knows your home as well as you do!
A little bit of TLC each month could save you a headache (not to mention a lot of money) in the long run.
Monthly Maintenance Checklist
It will also give you a good idea of when it’s time to replace items in your home, without them breaking down on you first.
- Clean furnace filters to remove build up of dust and debris, and change as necessary
- Clean shower heads and faucet (or tap) aerators
- Check sink and tub drains for clogs or other debris
- Be aware of leaky faucets in the kitchen or bathrooms, as well as any often-used outdoor water sources
- Check caulk around tubs and sinks
- Replace or clean filters at least once a month
- Check gutters and downspouts for any damaged or broken areas
- Inspect your roof visually: make a note of missing or broken shingles, as well as other obvious damage
- Check around chimneys, vents, and skylights for any leaks or damage
- Clean the dryer vent, as well as room fans, air conditioners, and the stove hood
- Flush garbage disposals with hot water and baking soda
- Be aware of drafty doors and windows, and seal any air leaks
- Be sure that heating and cooling vents aren’t covered, and are away from furniture and cloth (blankets, drapes, etc)
- Check your safety equipment: smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide detectors, etc. Keep fresh batteries on hand, as well as in the detectors, and be sure that the fire extinguisher is fully charged. Keep a smoke detector in every room of your home – even in the basement.
Spring Checklist
This checklist can help you survey areas around your home each spring that may have become damaged during the winter months.
- Service air conditioner unit
- Remove foliage and debris from around air conditioner unit and clean with hose
- Check window glazing for cracking or peeling
- Check screens and exterior paint for damage or failure
- Investigate for damaged or warped wood
- Investigate nooks and crannies for any penetration of the home by squirrels, raccoons, or birds over the winter
- Prune any tree limbs within 2’ of the house
- Inspect roofing for damaged, broken, or missing shingles
- Check all extension cords and wires for fraying or damage
- Be aware of interior drywall or plaster cracks
- Clean refrigerator coils
- Check for masonry cracks or siding separation
- Inspect sinks, showers, and bath caulking for deterioration
- Inspect exterior grade for positive slope away from house
- Check sidewalks and the driveway for debris, cracks, or damage
- Schedule a professional to check the septic tank
Fall Checklist
Refer to this checklist each fall and get a good idea of where you should check for damages, repairs, or general maintenance on your home.
- Prune any tree limbs within 2’ of the house
- Service furnace
- Clean and sweep out fireplace, and check it for any damage or possible hazards
- Thoroughly inspect roofing for any damage or obvious signs of wear and tear
- Perform a detailed inspection around all plumbing fixtures for possible leaks, especially around each toilet
- Operate all water and gas shut offs to be sure they’re kept in working order
- Drain water heater to remove sediment
- Check for insect or animal penetration
- Check extension cords and wires for fraying or damage
- Swap out any old, drafty windows for newer, energy-efficient models
- Wash windows and siding of the home with a power-washer
- Remove debris and leaves from downspouts and gutters
- Survey walkways and the driveway for large cracks or gaps that need to be mended
- Carefully check exterior door handles and locks for any damage or wear
Tools of the Trade
Tools are lifelong investments – don’t waste money on something cheap just because it’s cheap. Cheap tools will need to be replaced numerous times, and will ultimately cost much more time and money than if you had just gone with the best choice in the beginning.
Here are just a few of the tools and equipment that homeowners will find helpful for their own home maintenance. Feel free to incorporate this list with your own items as well!
- Screwdrivers – different sizes of both Phillips and slotted-head screwdrivers will always come in handy
- Vise-Grip Locking Pliers
- Needle nose pliers
- 16 oz. hammer
- Stud finder
- Quality tape measure
- Utility knife
- Hacksaw
- Six foot step ladder
- A basic assortment of screws, nails, sand paper, and paint brushes
- Good quality drop cloth
- Duct tape, electrical tape and painter’s tape
- Keep all good paints from freezing, and be sure they’re sealed tightly
Keep these tips in mind:
- Hand tools are more comfortable and safer with rubber handles.
- Always use sharp blades when cutting.
- Always wear eye protection.
Did you know that we also offer handyman services? Because of BACK Construction’s reputation of being the highest quality remodeler in Lexington, Kentucky, many people think we only do large projects.
We offer the same quality for small projects as with a large project, because we have the same skilled craftsmen on each and every one. In fact, BACK’s handyman service is an Angie’s List Super Service Award winner.
Contact us today, no matter what size project you have, and we will provide our quality workmanship to handle your project with care. Our team of skilled, professional craftsmen will make sure your project is done BACK better!
