The key to a healthy and safe home environment is home repair and maintenance. Checking on your exterior and interior on a regular basis will help you avoid problems, save money, and maintain the appearance of your house. Homeowners are usually too busy to tackle all the tasks on their checklists, but the pandemic has left them in a unique position of being home long enough to finally do something about their list.
This is a contributed post and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Meet The Harris Family.
In fact, according to the survey, more than three-quarters of American homeowners (76%) had completed at least one home repair project since the COVID-19 epidemic began. Meanwhile, 78% of people plan to do at least one home repair project in the next 12 months.
If you are one such homeowner, use this guide to plan your seasonal upgrades, repairs, and cleaning, as well as a few monthly tasks. Consider also contacting a professional to assist you if any of the chores are above your ability level or lead to more complicated repairs.
Ultimate Guide to Year-Round Home Repair and Maintenance
Fall Maintenance Checklist
Because the weather is typically dry and temperatures are mild, fall is an excellent time to perform house maintenance projects. Here are our home improvement tips for fall:
- Rake the leaves off the lawn and aerate it. To bag leaves fast, use a lightweight rake, gloves to protect your hands, and portable leaf scoops.
- During rainstorms, clogged gutters can cause water to pool, causing damage to your roof or siding. Clean out gutters and downspouts after most of the leaves have fallen. If you don’t feel comfortable climbing a ladder, seek assistance.
- Fill up any spaces where insects may get in. To keep wildlife outside, patch minor holes and cover any bigger gaps firmly with heavy-duty hardware cloth.
- Weather stripping should also be installed. Weather stripping around window and door frames increases winter comfort while lowering energy expenses. To keep heat in and cold air out, install door sweeps at the bottom of drafty doors.
- Check door hardware for garage door roller replacement. If your rollers are worn, old, or significantly damaged, seek the help of a qualified specialist who will have the necessary tools and knowledge to complete the job.
Winter Maintenance Checklist
The effects of winter weather on your house can be devastating when left unattended. Go through these winter home maintenance checklists to prevent damage and avoid having to hire a professional in the middle of a blizzard:
- Insulate pipes near windows, doorways, and unheated sections of the house. Your garden hose should be disconnected from the outside faucet.
- Make an appointment for an electrical tune-up. Examine the main service panel for any signs of sparking and the breaker wires for any signs of poor insulation or discoloration.
- If you use a fireplace or a wood stove to keep warm, get your chimney cleaned.
- Install or enhance your attic insulation or get an expert to check it if you’re concerned about heat loss through the roof.
Spring Maintenance Checklist
It’s time to get your house ready for spring after the earth has thawed and the trees have started to bloom. Use these spring home maintenance checklists to ensure that everything in your house is in good working condition, from the basements to the roof:
- Check outside irrigation heads for any damage caused by snowplows or the cold. Check the control panel for leaking valves and double-check the watering schedule.
- Replace the furnace filter if necessary. A clogged air filter also makes it difficult for your air conditioner to function properly.
- Pressure wash decks, driveway or walkways, patios, and outdoor furniture.
- Have the septic tank inspected and pumped by a professional.
Summer Maintenance Checklist
When the sun shines brightly and the warm weather finally comes, the last thing on your mind should be home upkeep. To get the heavy labor out of the way at the start of the season, follow these pieces of summer home maintenance advice.
- Make your yard seem new from the grass to the trees. Begin by removing any dead branches and plants, and also weeding.
- Remove the screens from your windows and clean them carefully with hot, soapy water. If your screens are too dirty to clean, they may need to be replaced.
- During the summer, it’s a good idea to change the direction of your ceiling fan so that it rotates counter-clockwise. This forces the air to fall straight down, resulting in a pleasant breeze.
- Cleaning the baseboards is something you should do at least once a year during a thorough clean of your home to prevent dust and grime from accumulating. To clean the trim around your home, all you need is a wet cloth and a little patience.
- Repair rusty old armchairs or replace them with basic furniture from your local home goods store to create a relaxing outdoor environment that you’ll want to spend time in.
