Keeping up with annual chores can be daunting if you don't have an organized action plan. Since maintenance is ongoing, it's easy to get lost or fall behind schedule. However, regular home maintenance will protect your wallet from costly repairs in the future.

To make life easier, we've created an easy-to-follow monthly task list so you can handle each repair project seamlessly. We'll provide a monthly to-do list along with seasonal sales to look out for to save you money on new appliances.

Keep in mind that your region and climate will play a significant role in ongoing home repairs, but you can use this guide as a reference point when evaluating your home.

Benefits of Routine Home Maintenance and Repairs

Think of your home the same way you think of your body. You need to conduct regular maintenance and repairs to ensure optimal performance all year round.

While some of your home's components need repairs once every decade, others need seasonal maintenance. As your home gets older, maintenance routines become more relevant.

Some of the primary benefits of regular home maintenance include:

  • Increased Home ValueRegular upkeep is an excellent way to boost the value of your home. The work you put in now will pay off if you ever decide to put your house back on the market.
  • Saves MoneyWhen you catch malfunctions early, you can end up saving big on repair costs or insurance premiums.
  • Less Power ConsumptionAn old HVAC system uses far more power than a newer one. By keeping your appliances in top shape, you can consume less energy and save a good dime on your utility costs.
  • Creates a Safer EnvironmentNeglecting home maintenance can make a hazardous environment for your family. Keeping all of your home's components up-to-date will reduce the risk of injuries.

Spring Home Maintenance

Man cleaning glass separation wall with a squeegee.

With the cold winter coming to an end, spring is when most people get excited about cleaning and upgrading their homes. It's also an excellent time to scout around your home to see if there are any damages left from the harsh winter weather.

Here's a breakdown of a solid spring maintenance routine:

March

  1. March is the perfect month to catch up on all the garden and yard work that wasn't possible during winter. This includes trimming hedges, top dressing and reseeding the lawn, edging beds, fertilizing everything, building arbors and trellises, etc.
  2. If you have a garden, now's the time to start preparing and planting cool-season veggies such as carrots, cabbage, lettuce, and broccoli.
  3. Go through all of your documents and recycle anything unnecessary.
  4. Start preparing your taxes so that everything is ready before April 15th.
  5. Thoroughly check your basement for cracks, leaks, mold, and mildew. Get a professional to check out any concerning finds.

April

  1. It's time to whip out the vacuum cleaner and start vacuuming the ceiling lining, furniture, walls, basement, and all other rooms you haven't touched in a while.
  2. Dust and wash all additional surfaces, like ceiling fan blades, lampshades, shelves, blinds, tall furniture, etc.
  3. Use your dishwasher to clean larger items, like garbage cans, broiler pans, or bath caddies.
  4. Wash all of your home's windows, and give all your appliances a good clean.
  5. Do a smoke alarm test and replace batteries if necessary.
  6. Remove tire studs from your car if you have them.
  7. Empty all of your closets, toy chests, and declutter your rooms. Donate any items you don't need anymore.
  8. Wash all of your curtains and drapes.
  9. Check your yard's sprinkler systems to ensure everything is working correctly.

May

  1. Now's a fantastic time to plan a garage sale to sell off any unwanted items and use that cash for your upcoming summer vacation.
  2. Complete all of your other internal spring cleaning projects.
  3. Look through your gutters, downspouts, and roofing to spot any damage or leaks. Spring is an excellent time to schedule roof repair if necessary.
  4. Cut back any trees or branches that are touching the siding or roof.
  5. Call a professional pressure washing service to clean out your home's exterior.
  6. Clean out your fireplace and chimney if you have one.
  7. Remove any trash or debris underneath your deck or porch. Make sure to wash all of your patio furniture as well.
  8. If you notice a pest infestation, contact your local pest control service.

Items on sale in spring: spring clothing, luggage, gardening supplies, lawnmowers

Summer Home Maintenance

Man mowing lawn in his backyard.

Summer is the perfect time to make use of the warm weather. After completing some minor maintenance tasks, you'll be ready to relax on your summer vacation without worrying about your property.

June

  1. Replace all of your home's air filters to ensure optimal indoor air quality.
  2. Clean out all of your home's vents to maximize your air conditioner's performance.
  3. Check hoses on your washer, refrigerator, and dishwasher. If they show signs of deterioration, replace them.
  4. Set up a programmable thermostat to cut back on energy costs.
  5. Check wood decks for signs of wear or deterioration. Repair or replace as needed. If you have nails popping up, consider replacing them with galvanized screws instead. Clean and seal your decks.
  6. Check exterior railings and stairs. Repair if they are loose or showing signs of wear.
  7. Inspect your swimming pool for any cracks or damages if you have one.
  8. Service furnace or heating system.
  9. Make sure attic vents work properly. Consider installing a whole house fan.
  10. Now is the time to order firewood and give it a few extra summer months to season.

July

  1. Clean out any unwanted junk from the garage.
  2. Inspect your fences for any damages and make repairs accordingly.
  3. Organize your tool shed and gardening equipment.
  4. Patch any cracks in your driveway and fill potholes with gravel. You can also have it power washed.
  5. If you have a septic system, have the tank pumped.
  6. If you need to paint your home's interior, July is the month to do it. Crack open those windows and get painting.
  7. Make sure you check with your local government about waste requirements. Don't dump any toxic chemicals down the drain, and ensure all of your waste is disposed of properly.

August

  1. Check that all of your door and window locks are functioning correctly.
  2. If you have an attic, check to see if you need to install new insulation.
  3. Perform garage door maintenance.
  4. If you didn't have time to clean your gutters in the spring, now's the second-best time to do so before the weather gets colder. Want to cut down on gutter cleaning? Consider installing a gutter guard.

Items on sale in August: towels, linens, patio furniture, back-to-school supplies, swimsuits

Fall Home Maintenance

Father and child on a lawn covered in fallen leaves.

Now that summer has come to an end, and school is about to start up again, your home must be in complete working order. Fall is also an excellent time to get any outdoor chores done before the winter comes.

September

  1. Take a look at your home's siding to see if there are any cracks or damages.
  2. Do one final check of your fireplace and chimney to see if it's good to go for winter.
  3. Have your heat recovery vent (HRV) serviced.
  4. Drain hot water heater, flush, and refill.
  5. Change the furnace filter.
  6. If you have a sump pump, test, clean and lubricate.
  7. Make sure your clothes dryer vent is clean and working correctly.
  8. Seed your lawn one last time until next spring.
  9. Add compost, manure, and mulch to garden beds.
  10. Inspect your windows for any leaks.

October

  1. Inspect your roof shingles for any damage.
  2. Clean all of your windows before you install the storm windows.
  3. Clean your yard, remove any debris from the perimeter, and trim trees and shrubs that touch the house.
  4. At the end of the month, check system and fix leaks, then drain and turn off lawn sprinkler system.
  5. Drain and store garden hoses. Wrap insulation around outdoor faucets and pipes in unheated garages.
  6. Schedule an appointment to have the air conditioner serviced.
  7. Replace weatherstripping and caulk around doors and windows.

November

  1. Cut back any plants that didn't survive the frost.
  2. Give your lawnmower a tune-up before the lawn snows over.
  3. Rake your lawn and remove all leaves.
  4. Clean gutters and downspouts.
  5. Clean, oil, store garden tools.
  6. If it's your festivity, decorate your home with Christmas lights.

Items on sale in the fall: winter clothes, space heaters, comforters, blankets

Winter Home Maintenance

Cozy bedroom with Christmas lights on wall.

Without a doubt, winters can be harsh. Property damage is exceptionally prevalent during these months. It's best to be vigilant and ensure your entire home is in the best shape possible.

December

  1. Donate any unwanted winter clothing to charity.
  2. Decorate your home's interior with holiday decorations.
  3. Prepare for the snow if you live in a cold climate.
  4. Make sure your furnace is working correctly.
  5. Check your basement for any air leaks and seal them right away.

January

  1. Start decluttering all of the Christmas decorations.
  2. Clean out your closets and throw away any unwanted items. You can also still donate any unwanted clothes to your local charity.
  3. Replace your drawer liners and shelf papers.
  4. Tighten all of the screws on the locks, doors, windows, or anywhere that seems loose.
  5. Inspect your house for any other damage, make a list, plan the repairs, and shop for supplies.
  6. Check your energy consumption for the last few months. Is it worth improving your home's energy efficiency? Ask your local utility company if they offer an energy audit. Also ask them whether you should have your home tested for radon gas.
  7. Wrap up your annual accounting for the previous year and prepare for the current year.

February

  1. Plan out all of your repair projects for the next few months and create a schedule to follow.
  2. Inspect your flooring and carpet for damages and clean thoroughly.
  3. Start preparing all of the seeds you want to grow during spring/summer.
  4. Organize your laundry area. Throw out any unnecessary items and replace any necessary goods.
  5. Reorganize the pantry. Rotate in fresh stables, make meal plans to use what's about to go bad, and donate what you won't use.
  6. Clean the grout between your tiles in your kitchen/bathroom.

Items on sale in winter: electronics, flooring, furniture, fitness equipment

Time to Get to Work!

Now you know what it takes to keep your home in tip-top shape all year round. While it may seem like an overwhelming amount of work, you should be alright as long as you take it one step at a time.

Remember, your home maintenance task list will vary depending on where you live and the weather. It's always better to be well prepared ahead of time, rather than waiting for the last minute to conduct repairs. You'll save money in the long run.