Maintaining a home can feel like a full-time job, but with a little planning, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a checklist, you will be able to stay on top of it all year round without making you feel that you are just playing catch-up. Here’s a month-by-month guide to keeping your home in great shape all year long.
Spring: Fresh Beginnings
March:
As the weather gets warmer and the days longer, give your home that fresh start as spring starts blooming. First, look at cleaning the gutters. Remove the leaves, twigs, and any rubble that may have hoarded up there over the winter. Did you know clogged gutters can cause water damage to your roof and foundation?
April:
The next step is to inspect the roof. Do a detailed inspection for any shingles that may be loose or damaged. The winter weather can be tough on any roof, and picking up that there is a problem early enough could prevent even more damage down the road. Not everyone is as comfortable with heights; hire a professional if needed.
May:
The perfect month to start planting a garden. You could be adding flowers, vegetables, or both, gardening is a great way to boost curb appeal.
Summer: Sunny and Bright
June:
Painting the outside of your home is great in warmer weather and can give it a great new look. This is a project you can consider doing yourself if you are up for it or hire a professional. A new coat of paint protects your home from weather and makes it look brand new.
July:
This is the perfect time to fill up those cracks in the drive-way, because not only will they prevent accidents but you’ll also prevent unwanted weeds that decide to grow there when it gets wet.
August:
Check your air conditioning and make sure it is running efficiently. Clean or replace filters, and if there are any issues, get a professional to have a look. It will make sure you are cooled in summer but also ready for the upcoming winter.
Fall: Preparing for the Chill
September:
As the leaves start to fall, it’s time to seal windows and doors. Do a little inspection to see if there are any drafts and apply weather stripping or caulk where needed. This keeps you warm and reduces energy costs.
October:
Clean the chimney if you have a fireplace. A safe fireplace is a clean fireplace. Not sure how? Rather, call a professional.
November:
Get ready for winter by raking the leaves, trimming back plants, and covering sensitive vegetation. Drain and store your garden hoses and turn off outdoor water faucets to prevent freezing. Consider a final pest inspection to ensure termite control and that pests aren’t finding a cozy spot to settle in for winter.
Winter: Cozy and Secure
December:
This is the best time to insulate pipes and prevent them from freezing and bursting. The pipes in the unheated areas need to be inspected. You can use foam pipe insulation or heating tape to keep them safe.
January:
Check for drafts around the house. Yes, you may have done this earlier in the year, but it’s good to do a final check as the temperature drops. Use draft stoppers, heavy curtains, and additional insulation as needed. Don’t forget to check air conditioners as well.
February:
This is the time to prepare your emergency kits in case of severe winter weather. The best items to add here are things like flashlights, batteries (check the expiration date), bottled water, non-perishable food, blankets, and a first aid kit. This will help and ensure you prepare for any unwanted storms this winter.
Conclusion
So when you have to keep up with home maintenance just know that it doesn’t have to be this endless list of things to do, and it doesn’t have to be done all at once. When you break it down into monthly tasks, you can stay on top of everything without feeling overwhelmed.
