The Best Top Ten House Maintenance Checklist

Our independent research projects and impartial reviews are funded in part by affiliate commissions, at no extra cost to our readers. The opinions are our own. 

House maintenance is essential to keep your home in good condition and prevent costly repairs in the future. Here are the best top 10 things to know for effective house maintenance:

Regular inspections

When buying a home, the rule of thumb is to always obtain a home inspection prior to the end of the due diligence period. The inspection may reveal underlying issues that you may not notice when walking through the home. It is also a wise decision to conduct routine inspections of your home’s interior and exterior. Look for signs of damage, leaks, cracks, or wear and tear. Addressing issues early can prevent them from escalating or decrease issues when attempting to sell in the future.

HVAC system maintenance

Schedule regular maintenance for your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

• Clean or replace filters. Air filters trap dust and debris, so it’s essential to replace or clean them regularly. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the filter replacement schedule, and use high-quality filters for better air filtration. My favorites are the Filtrete filters.
• Check for leaks
• Many HVAC companies offer a maintenance contract that allows a professional inspection and service the system annually.
• Clean the condensate drain line. Mix equal parts of water and distilled white vinegar in a container and pour down the condensation line, followed by warm water. The drain line can get clogged with algae, mold, and dirt, causing water leakage. You can also use a wet/dry vacuum or a pipe cleaner to clear the drain line and ensure it is draining properly.

Plumbing checks

Inspect plumbing fixtures, pipes, and drains for leaks or clogs. Promptly fix any leaks with a licensed plumber to avoid water damage and wasted water.

Roof care

Regularly inspect your roof for damaged shingles, cracks, or signs of wear. Addressing roof issues promptly can prevent water leaks and protect your home’s structure. Pro tip- check your roof after recent severe storms, and remove any potential trees or large branches that could create potential if knocked over during a storm.

Gutter cleaning

Clean your gutters and downspouts at least twice a year to prevent the following-

• Prevent water damage: Gutters are designed to channel rainwater away from your home’s foundation and prevent water from pooling around the house. Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow and seep into the foundation, leading to water damage and potential structural issues.
• Avoid basement flooding: If water is not properly directed away from your home, it can seep into the basement, leading to flooding and damage to your belongings and property.
• Protect the roof: Clogged gutters can cause water to back up onto the roof, leading to rotting of the roof’s fascia and wooden components. This can result in costly roof repairs or replacements.
• Prevent mold and mildew growth: Standing water in clogged gutters creates a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and pests. Mold and mildew can spread to your home’s exterior and interior, affecting indoor air quality and potentially causing health issues.
• Preserve landscaping: Overflowing gutters can lead to water pouring over the sides and damaging plants, shrubs, and flowers located near the foundation.
• Prevent ice dams in winter: Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams during winter. When water freezes in the gutters, it creates a barrier that prevents melting snow from draining, potentially causing water to seep into your home and damage the roof and walls.
• Avoid insect infestations: Stagnant water in gutters can attract mosquitoes and other insects, increasing the risk of infestations around your home.
• Maintain gutter system longevity: Regular cleaning and maintenance can help extend the life of your gutter system, saving you money on premature replacements.

To ensure your gutters function correctly and protect your home from water damage, it is advisable to clean them at least twice a year, especially during the fall when leaves and debris are more likely to accumulate. If you’re uncomfortable or unable to clean your gutters yourself, consider hiring a professional gutter cleaning service to get the job done safely and effectively.

To decrease the need for potential buildup- adding gutter covers is a great alternative or addition.

Exterior maintenance

Regularly paint or stain exterior surfaces, such as siding, fences, and decks, to protect them from weather damage and extend their lifespan.

Pest control

Keep an eye out for signs of pests and address infestations promptly. Regular pest control measures can prevent damage to your home and ensure a healthy living environment.

• Termites: There are different species of termites, but the most common types that cause damage to homes and buildings are subterranean termites, drywood termites, and dampwood termites. It is important to have a professional inspect for termites prior to buying a home, and also to have preventative measures and annual maintenance to decrease the risk of an infestation.
• Ants: Various ant species, such as carpenter ants, odorous house ants, and pavement ants, can invade homes in search of food and water. Carpenter ants, in particular, can damage wood structures.
• Termites: As mentioned earlier, termites are highly destructive insects that feed on wood and can cause significant damage to buildings and structures.
• Cockroaches: Cockroaches are resilient pests that can carry diseases and contaminate food. They seek shelter in dark and damp areas of homes, making them difficult to eliminate once an infestation occurs.
• Bedbugs: Bedbugs are small, blood-feeding insects that hide in cracks and crevices around beds and furniture. They can cause itchy bites and are notoriously challenging to get rid of once an infestation occurs.
• Spiders: While most spiders are harmless and even beneficial in controlling other pests, some species like brown recluse or black widow spiders can be dangerous and require professional intervention.
• Fleas: Fleas are parasitic insects that can infest homes, especially if you have pets. They can bite humans and animals, causing itching and discomfort.
• Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes can breed in standing water around your home and can transmit diseases like West Nile virus or Zika virus.
• Silverfish: Silverfish are small, wingless insects that feed on starchy materials like paper, books, and clothing. They can damage belongings over time.

Here are some of my go to for keeping pests at bay-

• Safer Home Indoor Plug-In Fly Trap for Flies, Fruit Flies, Moths, Gnats, and Other Flying Insects
• Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer for Indoor and Perimeter 2 for ants, cockroaches, spiders, fleas and ticks- odor free
• Combat Roach Killing Bait, Roach Bait Station for Large Roaches, Child Resistant

Electrical safety

Check electrical outlets, cords, and appliances for any signs of wear or damage. Hire a professional electrician if you notice any issues to avoid potential hazards.

Fire safety

Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on each floor and regularly test them to ensure they’re working correctly. Rule of thumb is to replace the batteries twice a year. Also have a fire extinguisher easily accessible and check its expiration date to make sure it is full and ready at a moments notice.

Landscaping

Maintain your yard and garden to prevent overgrowth and potential hazards. Trim trees and shrubs away from the house and keep your lawn well-maintained.

Bonus tip

Create a house maintenance checklist or schedule to stay organized and ensure you don’t miss important tasks throughout the year.

By following these top 10 tips and staying proactive with your house maintenance, you can keep your home in excellent condition, improve its longevity, and create a safe and comfortable living space for you and your family.