Owning a house means paying attention to how it feels and behaves. Small changes usually show up first: a slow drip under a sink, a window that starts to stick, peeling caulk, or a gutter that spills over in a storm. When those signs get ignored, they often grow into big, expensive repairs. Skipping simple upkeep can chip away at comfort, safety, and resale value over time. A short, regular home maintenance checklist for homeowners helps catch problems early and keeps the place easier to live in and faster to sell.

Spring: Moisture and Comfort Checks

Use this springtime home maintenance checklist to spot moisture issues and small comfort problems early.

Roof, Gutters, and Surface Drainage

  • After winter, clear gutters and downspouts.
  • Add 4–6 ft extensions (or splash blocks) so runoff lands away from the foundation.
  • After a good rain, walk around the house, look for puddles at downspouts, and add those spots to your repair list.

Indoor Leak Checks

  • Turn off all fixtures and watch the water meter or usage app for movement.
  • Add a little food coloring to toilet tanks to spot silent flappers.
  • Run a dry tissue under sink traps and angle stops; if it comes back damp, a small tightening or fresh seal usually solves it.

Crawl Space Moisture and Pests

  • Seal small gaps outside with copper mesh or stainless steel wool backed by caulk or foam.
  • Trim plants away from siding so pests have fewer paths in.
  • Peek inside for torn vapor barriers, standing water, or droppings, and run a dehumidifier if the air feels damp.

Drafts and Weatherstripping

  • Replace worn door weatherstripping and adjust strike plates so doors close snugly.
  • Add foam gaskets behind outlets and switches on exterior walls.
  • On a breezy day, use an incense stick or a smoke pencil around frames and baseboards, then seal gaps with paintable acrylic-latex caulk (use silicone only on non-painted, wet areas).

Summer: Systems and Appliances

Use this summer home maintenance checklist to keep key systems and appliances running smoothly.

Heating and Cooling System Care

  • Swap filters every 1–3 months and vacuum return grilles.
  • In hotter months, confirm ceiling fans are set to run counterclockwise to push air down.
  • Have a pro look over the furnace or heat pump and clear the condensate drain so clogs do not surprise you later.

Water Pressure and Shutoff Valves

  • Check water pressure at an exterior spigot with a simple gauge; aim for about 45–60 psi.
  • Adjust or replace the Pressure-Reducing Valve (PRV) if readings stay high.
  • Label the main shutoff and fixture valves with bright tags and turn them a couple of times a year so they move freely (then return them to the original position).

Appliance and Dryer Maintenance

  • Clean the dryer duct and confirm the outside flap opens freely. Use smooth, rigid metal duct and avoid plastic or foil flex hose.
  • Vacuum refrigerator coils from time to time.
  • Clean the dishwasher filter and drain 1–3 gallons from the water heater to rinse out sediment (turn power/gas off; leave the cold supply on).

Fall: Prep for Cold Weather

Use this fall home maintenance checklist to get the house ready for colder, windier months.

Attic Air Sealing and Insulation

  • Plug big gaps around can lights, the attic hatch, bath fans, and plumbing or electrical holes using caulk, foam, and a weatherstripped hatch.
  • Aim for an even layer of insulation around R-30 to R-49, based on your climate.
  • Install baffles so insulation does not block soffit vents.

Fireplace and Chimney Safety

  • Burn seasoned wood and keep the damper moving smoothly.
  • Have the chimney swept and inspected before heavy use.
  • Install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms on each sleeping level and smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on each level. Use the dollar bill test at the throat damper: close the damper on a bill; if it slides out easily, warm air is escaping up the flue.

Drafts and Weatherstripping (Second Pass)

  • Use fall winds to spot new drafts around doors and windows.
  • Refresh door seals and touch up caulk where it has pulled away.

Roof, Gutters, and Surface Drainage (Leaf Season)

  • Clean gutters and downspouts again once leaves fall.
  • Check that extensions and splash blocks are still in place and sloping away from the house.

Winter: Water, Backup, and Electrical Safety

Use this winter home maintenance checklist to reduce water risks and strain on your electrical system.

Sump Pumps and Floor Drains

  • Test the sump pump by lifting the float and clearing the pit.
  • Check that the discharge line sends water away from the foundation.
  • Pour a quart of water into rarely used floor drains and the furnace condensate trap to refill P-traps and block sewer smells.
  • In low-lying or flood-prone areas, ask a plumber about a backwater valve to stop sewer surges from backing up into the house.

Electrical Safety and Outlets

  • Skip outlet “octopus” setups, especially with space heaters and holiday lights.
  • Plug space heaters straight into wall outlets and use power strips with built-in breakers for extra gadgets.
  • Test GFCI devices monthly and AFCI breakers per manufacturer guidance (often monthly or quarterly). Replace any that will not reset, and clearly label the breaker panel so anyone can find the right circuit fast.

Winter Leak and Filter Check

  • During cold snaps, do a quick look under sinks for new drips.
  • Swap or check furnace filters mid-season so air keeps moving freely.

Annual and Year-Round Home Checkup

Use this annual home maintenance checklist to track slow changes and long-term wear.

  • Review paint, trim, and caulk on both the interior and exterior for touch-ups.
  • Look for small interior cracks, sticking doors, or other signs of settling.
  • Check high-traffic flooring for early wear.
  • Test all interior and exterior light fixtures and replace bulbs that flicker or hum.
  • Review appliance manuals to confirm service intervals you may not cover in seasonal checks.
  • Keep a simple home log with dates and notes so you can track patterns over time.

Seasonal checklists keep your home running smoothly without a lot of stress. As you use them, you get a better feel for how your place behaves and can step in before small issues get out of hand. Adjust the lists to fit your house and routine, and they turn into a simple habit rather than a big project.

REMAX helps you buy or sell with a clear plan and steady support. Our agents know the local market, handle the details, and keep you updated so you can focus on your move.

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