Follow Aldar’s Essential Home Maintenance Checklist

If you are a homeowner eager to preserve your home's "just like new" feeling and avoid unwelcome maintenance surprises, this seasonal home maintenance checklist is your ultimate guide. Incorporating DIY home maintenance practices into your routine can save you time and money while ensuring your home stays in top condition. 

Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

This season is perfect for addressing the aftermath of winter and preparing for the summer heat. Let's break down the essential tasks you need to do:

Interior Spring Maintenance

• Windows
  
  Clean your windows inside and out, then inspect and repair damaged screens.

• Refrigerator Coils
  
  Vacuum the refrigerator coils to remove dust accumulation.

• Chimney Inspection
  
  If you have a chimney, hire a professional inspector to clean it to avoid any hazards. 

• Air Conditioning
  
  Schedule a servicing for your AC unit before the summer temperatures arrive.

• Plumbing Check
  
  Examine your home's plumbing for any leaks that need addressing.

Exterior Spring Maintenance

• Roof Inspection
  
  Check your roof for loose or damaged shingles and address repairs promptly.

• Foundation
  
  Examine your foundation for any cracks or damage caused during winter.
  We recommend that you pay attention to the foundation strength when purchasing a new house to minimise the damages that could be caused due to nature disasters; you can get such information when contacting the real estate company

• General Upkeep
  
  This includes re-nailing loose siding, repairing rotting wood, and ensuring intact caulking around windows and doors.

• Caulking
  
  Check and repair the seal between your house and driveway.

• Water Systems
  
  Drain sediment from your hot water tank and steam heating system.

• Painting
  
  Apply fresh paint to shutters, siding, or outbuildings as needed.

Garden and Garage Maintenance

• Tree and Shrub Care
  
  Trim trees, bushes, and shrubs post-blooming and consult a professional arborist for tree inspections.
  
  
• Flower Beds
  
  Clean out flower beds around the house.
  
  
• Concrete Surfaces
  
  Check for cracks in concrete surfaces and structures.
  
  
• Garage Door 
  
  Oil the tracks of your garage door for smooth functioning.
  
  
• Pool Maintenance
  
  Begin treating the water in your pool, if applicable.

Summer Home Maintenance Checklist

Having diligently followed the spring household maintenance checklist, you're well-prepared to enjoy the summer months. However, some house upkeep tasks remain to keep it in top shape during summer.

Summer Indoor Maintenance

• Ceiling Fans
  
  Check your ceiling fans and ensure they are dust-free and stable.
  
  
• AC Maintenance
  
  Clean your AC air filters monthly for optimal performance.
  
  
• Weather Stripping
  
  Replace weather stripping around doors and windows to maintain indoor temperature.
  
  
• Pest Control
  
  Look for any indications of carpenter ants, termites, or other destructive pests. If necessary, contact an exterminator to manage bugs and household pests.
  
  
• Indoor Cleaning
  
  Clean carpets and apply wax to tile and hardwood floors.
  
  
• Bathroom Exhaust Fans
  
  Inspect and clean to ensure they are working efficiently.
  
  
• Attic and Basement
  
  Regularly check these areas for signs of pests or mould, focusing on dark, damp corners.

Summer Outdoor Maintenance

• Lawn Care
  
  Regularly cut the grass, using the highest blade setting to protect against drought and weeds. Diligently dig up and spray for weeds.
  
  
• Sprinkler System
  
  Inspect your sprinkler system for any signs of dirt accumulation or damage.
  
  
• Pool Maintenance
  
  If you have a pool, regularly remove leaves and debris.
  
  
• Exterior Repairs
  
  Summer is the perfect time to complete any pending exterior home repair projects.
  
  
• Flat Roof Maintenance
  
  Check all flat roofs, recoating or sealing as needed.
  
  
• Masonry Care
  
  Inspect and repair any deteriorating mortar, including the chimney and fireplace.
  
  
• Concrete Surfaces
  
  Check the condition and level of concrete drives, sidewalks, patios, and landings, repairing or replacing them as necessary.
  
  
• Drain Maintenance
  
  To control tree roots in the main sewer, add copper sulfate to the basement floor; it is also recommended that drain and downspout drains be installed.

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

As the warmth of summer transitions to the crisp air of fall, you should prepare your home or apartment for the coming winter.

Fall Indoor Maintenance

• Chimney Cleaning
  
  If not done in spring, clean your chimney to ensure safety and efficiency.
  
  
• Dryer Vent
  
  Lint buildup from the dryer vent regularly to avoid the risk of fire hazards.
  
  
• Draft Check
  
  Inspect windows and doors for drafts and seal any leaks.
  
  
• Heating System
  
  Ensure your heating system, including boilers, is serviced and functioning efficiently.

Exterior Home Maintenance

• Gutters
  
  After the leaves fall, clean your gutters again to prevent blockages.
  
  
• Plumbing
  
  Winterise external plumbing to prevent frozen pipes.
  
  
• Roof Inspection
  
  Conduct another roof inspection to prepare for winter snow loads.
  
  
• Leaf Management
  
  Regularly rake leaves and keep your yard tidy.
  
  
• Pool Maintenance
  
  Clean and close your pool for the season.
  
  
• Sprinkler System
  
  Shut down and winterise your sprinkler system.
  
  
• Firewood
  
  Accumulate firewood in preparation for colder nights.
  
  
• Driveway and Steps
  
  Patch and seal your driveway and concrete steps/landings.
  
  
• Tuckpointing and Sealing
  
  Check and seal masonry and tuckpointing on brick areas.
  
  
• Weatherstripping
  
  Inspect and repair weatherstripping on doors and windows.

Winter Home Maintenance Checklist

Winter home maintenance focuses on keeping the cold out, maintaining heating efficiency, and preparing for common winter challenges.

Winter Indoor Maintenance

• Draft Prevention
  
  Inspect windows and doors for drafts and seal any gaps to keep the warmth in.
  
  
• Furnace Filters
  
  Replace furnace filters monthly for optimal heating efficiency.
  
  
• Cabinet Doors
  
  Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors periodically to circulate warm air and prevent pipes from freezing.
  
  
• Emergency Supplies
  
  Stock up on essentials like food and firewood in case of a winter storm.
  
  
• Interior Repairs
  
  Use this time to repair any interior wall damage and touch up or repaint as needed.
  
  
• Tile Maintenance
  
  Check and re-grout tiles in bath and kitchen areas, applying a silicone sealer for protection.

Winter Outdoor Maintenance

• Snow Blower Tune-Up
  
  Ensure your snow blower is in good working condition, or contact a professional for a tune-up.
  
  
• Ice Dams Inspection
  
  Inspect your home for ice dams to prevent water damage. You can also purchase ice melt for walkways and driveways.
  
  
• Snow Management
  
  Shovel snow as needed, and watch out for heavy snow loads on your roof.
  
  
• Tree Care
  
  Prune trees and ensure branches are at a safe distance from your home to prevent damage from ice accumulation.
  
  
• Water Pipes
  
  At the beginning of winter, shut off interior valves supplying outdoor water pipes.

Follow our homeowner maintenance tips according to the season and revisit them at the end of each season to prepare for the next one.  And don’t forget to check our expert tips for a successful home makeover.