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Home Maintenance Checklist

By Kathy Jenkins, Professional Organizer, Come To Order

Some information provided by: http://www.freddiemac.com

In most cases your home is the single largest investment you have. Therefore, it is very important to implement a regular inspection program to help prevent major repairs and to protect your home’s value.

But where to begin? That is where most of us get stuck. Below is a sample checklist for you to use to get started. Get in the habit of scheduling time on your calendar to take care of these items at the change of the seasons. The more organized proactive work you do now means the less costly and stressful reactive problems to deal with later.

Spring/Summer Maintenance:

ü  Clean gutters and downspouts

ü  Inspect roof

ü  Check foundation, driveway, sidewalks, walkways for cracks and repair as necessary

ü  Inspect exterior for peeling paint, dry-rotted caulk – repaint and caulk

ü  Inspect attic, roof, and eaves for water damage, as well as for proper ventilation, open attic vents

ü  Service heating and air conditioning units and replace filters– replace or clean furnace filter

ü  Clean stove hood, grease traps, dryer vents, room fans – clean stove burners

ü  Replace faulty seals on refrigerator, clean coils

ü  Inspect basement for dampness and seal appropriately

ü  Replace seals and washers on leaky faucets

ü  Change batteries in smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide detectors

ü  Check and replace dry-rotted weather stripping for all doors and windows

ü  Remove and clean storm windows

ü  Clean screens for windows and doors, replace if necessary

 Fall/Winter Maintenance:

ü  Professionally clean chimney and flue

ü  Clean gutters and downspouts, seal leak in gutter seams

ü  Remove window air conditioners

ü  Inspect sump pump

ü  Remove wasp nests, inspect for termites and wood rot

ü  Remove window and door screens – clean before storing

ü  Check storm windows – clean and repair before installing

ü  Drain and turn off outside faucets if in region with very cold winters

ü  Check insulation and replace if necessary

ü  Clean humidifier

ü  Clean fireplace

ü  Service heating and cooling systems

ü  Repair any plumbing leaks

ü  Oil door locks – this is especially important in regions with very cold winters

ü  Change batteries in smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide detectors

Kathy Jenkins is a Residential Professional Organizer, Student Organizer, Certified Family Manager Coach, Writer and Speaker based in Richmond, Virginia. She is a member of NAPO, NSGCD and ABWA and is dedicated to helping her clients simplify their lives by reducing clutter, organizing their homes and offices, and managing their time. Kathy especially enjoys working with kids and their families to help them learn good organizational skills that will benefit them for a lifetime.