A well maintained home will increase in value and give you pleasure for years to come. You can continue to protect the quality of your home through regular home maintenance. The following checklist is a brief summary of maintenance items and tips to prevent minor problems from developing into major ones.

SPRING AND SUMMER

Exterior

• Check foundation and concrete slabs for cracking. Small cracks are not unusual and will appear in your foundation during normal settlement. It is important to understand that concrete is a porous material that will expand, contract and crack as a result of temperature changes, shrinkage, stress and settlement. Hairline cracks that may appear on foundation walls are usually cosmetic and not structural. Periodically inspect for cracks and seal with an appropriate waterproof caulk or cement.
• Check yard for settling of soil and fill in as needed to maintain positive drainage away from foundation.
• Start and adjust sprinkler system. Reprogram system for spring and summer watering.
• Regularly check and adjust sprinkler heads for full coverage and adjust timer as temperatures increase.
• Test any exterior pipes and hose bibs for leakage.
• Prune plants and trees. Apply seasonal fertilizer applications per lawn care plan.
• Clean gutters and check for obstructions and maintain downspouts and splash blocks to assure proper drainage away from the house.
• Check overhead garage door for smooth operation and lubricate tracks as needed. Check for loose bolts and have any repairs needed done by professionals.
• Adjust or replace weather-stripping on exterior doors as needed.
• Check exterior caulking and paint. Touch up as needed. 
• Check exterior stain surfaces (wood doors, decks, etc.), and refinish as needed.
• Wash windows and screens.

Interior

• Check and clean sink faucet aerators.
• Turn off gas supply valve to fireplace. Clean fireplace and have serviced as needed.
• Inspect for minor drywall cracks and separations of wood trim. Repair as needed.
• Open and close windows and lubricate tracks by wiping with small amount of silicone if needed.
• Inspect floor coverings and maintain per manufactures specifications. Deep clean carpets.
• Lubricate door hinges and tighten screws as needed.
• Vacuum cold air returns and bathroom fan grills.

Mechanical Systems

• Clean and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Change batteries if needed.
• Test and reset ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) breakers.
• Change or clean furnace filter.
• Check and operate air conditioning system. Have it serviced every two to three years.
• Adjust registers and confirm they are clear of furniture or draperies.
• Check drain pans and drain lines for furnace and water heaters and clean off any debris.

FALL AND WINTER

Exterior

• Remove hoses and drain hose bibs to protect from freezing during winter months.
• Have the sprinkler system winterized.
• Protect plants, sod and trees from winter freezes. Apply seasonal applications per lawn care plan.
• Clean gutters and check for obstructions and maintain downspouts and splash blocks to assure proper drainage away from the house.
• Adjust or replace weather-stripping on exterior doors as needed.
• Remove any plants that contact the siding.
• Check the overall condition of your roof.  Look for missing or damaged shingles and examine all roof flashing, such as chimney and roof joints for any signs of cracking or leakage.

Interior

• Follow all instructions for safe operation of any fireplace.
• Decorate safely for the holidays. Do not overload circuits or use worn extension cords.
• Note: If your holiday lights are not working, always reset the GFCI outlet located in your garage.
• Check and clean sink faucet aerators.
• Inspect for shrinkage damage such as minor drywall cracks and separations of wood trim. Repair as needed.
• Open and close windows regularly to help lubricate the tracks.
• Inspect floor coverings and maintain per manufactures specifications.

Mechanical Systems

• Maintain mechanical, plumbing, electrical equipment and appliances per manufacturers’ instructions.
• Have your furnace serviced every two years. Clean filters as needed.
• Clean and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Test and reset ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) breakers.
• Change or clean air conditioner / furnace filter.
• Drain sediment from water heater per manufacturer’s instructions (local water quality determines needed frequency).
• Check and operate heating system. Have a professional maintain the system if necessary.
• Note: Sometimes the first time the heater or fireplace is run during the winter it can set off the smoke alarms. If this occurs, open the windows to allow the house to air out and the alarms should stop sounding.
• Adjust registers and confirm they are clear of furniture or draperies.
• Check drain pans and drain lines for furnace and water heaters, clean off any debris.