You probably know the feeling…when it occurs to you that you can’t remember the last time the furnace filter was changed, or the smoke detectors were tested, or the filter in the dishwasher was cleaned (yes, apparently that should be done from time to time!) or your septic tank was pumped. Then you go into panic mode, trying to think of what other irregular seasonal or annual or once-in-a-blue-moon tasks around the house you may have forgotten about that you could/should be keeping on top of. I’ve been there. Because I’ve been there, I put together this list of stuff to help you keep things on your radar, and to save you the anxiety and frustration that comes with owning and maintaining a home (if you’re renting, some of these won’t apply but others might).
Keep in mind that these are only recommendations based on the resources cited below, and you’re not failing if you’re not keeping up with all of them all the time. Some also might not apply to you based on your personal situation. And note that some of the tasks listed below won’t need to be done annually each season – instead you can tackle them more infrequently or as-needed. I’ve also included some tasks that are completely optional, like painting the siding of your house, so that there’s a placeholder for them in your annual calendar of home care jobs if you need it. Hopefully this article will be a helpful reference to remind you of these infrequent every-so-often jobs around the home to make your life a little easier.
Spring
Outside
- Rake out gardens, add soil and mulch
- Hire any lawn maintenance contractors you require
- Seed lawn
- Plant perennials in garden
- Turn on outside faucets
- Move outdoor furniture back outside (washing cushions, etc)
- Service lawnmower, whipper snipper, leaf blower, BBQ, etc
- Contract any pest control services (ticks, mosquitos, spiders, etc)
- Put snowblower/plough to storage (drain fuel, clean motor, etc)
- Check and clean gutters
- Pressure wash or spot clean outside of your home siding and porch/deck
- Open and service swimming pool
- Open and clean any three-season rooms (sunrooms, gazebos, etc)
- Check and service sump pumps
- Get all recreational vehicles (boats, ATVs, convertables, etc) out of storage and serviced
- Do an annual home inspection (check for cracks in parging, driveway condition, roof condition, leaks, etc)
Inside
- Service air conditioning unit
- Clean vents and ducts
- Water quality tests and well services
- Test Co2 alarms and change batteries
- Test fire alarms and change batteries
- Test for mould in basements/attics
- Test basement for radon (and other air quality control)
- Contract any pest control services (mice, ants, bats, etc)
- Change bedding over to lighter options
- Install any window AC units
Summer
Outside
- Hedge and tree trimming
- Ensure garden water systems (spinklers, water pumps, etc) are all working well
- Window cleaning (exterior, interior and screens)
- Paint/stain your exterior house, deck, patio, fence, porch, etc.
- Service your swimming pool
- Pump septic
Inside
- Empty and defrost freezers and clean freezer coils
- Check drains and plumbing for any leaks or water damage
Fall
Outside
- Purchase or cut (and stack) any required wood for winter heating
- Rake yard leaves and apply
- Plant bulbs in garden
- Plant trees or shrubs
- Put leaf blower and lawnmower to storage (drain fuel, clean motor, etc)
- Clean BBQ and prep for storage
- Check and clean gutters
- Drain, clean and prepare swimming pool for storage
- Get all recreational vehicles (boats, ATVs, convertables, etc) serviced and ready for storage
- Cover AC unit
- Service generators to prepare for any winter storms that could cause power outages
Inside
- Clean fireplace and chimney
- Service furnace and change filters
- Service hot water heater
- Test Co2 alarms and change batteries
- Test fire alarms and change batteries
- Check for mould in basements/attics
- Test basement for radon (and other air quality controls)
- Remove any window AC units
- Deep clean dryer and ensure all vents are clear
Winter
Outside
- Turn off outside faucets and sprinklers
- Move outdoor furniture into storage
- Service snowblower, plough, etc.
Inside
- Apply window sealants and covers for draft protection
- Reverse ceiling fans to go clockwise
- Change bedding over to heavier options
- Create/update your storm preparedness kits so that you are ready for any possible power outages
- Establish and practice your family emergency plan so that everyone knows the best escape routes and meet point
- Change bedding mattress covers and dust protectors
- Change air quality filters
- Service water softner
References:
- https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/advice/home-maintenance-checklist/
- https://www.nytimes.com/guides/realestate/home-maintenance-checklist
- https://makeitright.ca/holmes-advice/home-safety-maintenance/the-complete-home-maintenance-checklist/
- https://www.hsh.com/homeowner/home-maintenance-checklist.html
Related Pages:
- Home Cleaning Checklist (coming soon)
- Seasonal Life Admin Checklist (coming soon)
