The Ultimate Guide To Keeping A Healthy Home, All Year Long

The Happy Home Checklist

Being the proud owner of your own home can be both exciting and rewarding.  Home ownership is a great source of long term security, and living in your own home means having a safe, cozy space that allows you to build a life for yourself and your loved ones.  

Just like when your dad told you owning a dog was a big responsibility, we’re here to tell you that home ownership is too. And much like anything else worth having long-term (which was hopefully the case with Fido), keeping your home in good condition requires routine maintenance and check-ups.  Ensuring these small tasks are done regularly may also keep costly damages at bay, or alert you to a safety hazard or issue that may require professional help.  Use our helpful guide to ensure that your home is ready to face the day, any day of the year:

Monthly Check:

It is important to do a quick inspection of your home on a monthly basis.  These small projects can keep you from having to take on larger, harder and more expensive issues.  They’re quick, easy, and can mean the difference between going to home depot and going to the bank to take out a massive repair loan.  These tasks can include:

• Testing the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your home
• Inspecting any exposed wiring for damage or wear.
• Clearing debris from around furnaces and water heaters
• Checking plumbing for any signs of leakage or rust
• Mowing your lawn and keeping plants properly watered and pruned back
• Inspecting cabinets, counters, and window sills for signs of pests; paying close attention to the attic, basement.  You may also want to check the crawl space under your home if applicable.  

Seasonal Maintenance:  Spring

Ah, spring.  The beautiful blooms, the gentle rain, the melting snow, the terrible allergies, the Christmas decorations you forgot to put away.  Spring is a good time to check over your home for any damages that may have occurred over the winter months, and to prepare your home for the warmer season to come.  Some important tasks include:

• Cleaning the screens on your doors and windows
• Refinishing your deck or porch
• Changing the filter on your air conditioner (You’ll likely need it soon!)
• Inspecting and cleaning outdoor faucets and sprinkler heads
• Servicing your HVAC
• Flushing out your water heater
• Fertilizing your lawn
• Don’t forget your normal spring cleaning!

Seasonal Maintenance:  Summer

• When the weather starts to heat up and the kids are out of school, it’s time to have some fun outside.  Summer can be the perfect time for backyard barbeques, pool parties, and spending time out on your deck with friends.  But before you can do these things, it’s important to make sure your home is summer-ready.  Here are a few things you can do: 

• Clean and service your pool
• Check your thermostat and set it to an appropriate, energy efficient, comfortable temperature and schedule.  
• Check refrigerator coils and clean out the drip tray
• Check property for wasp or hornet nests, or any other signs of pests that can be a nuisance while spending time in your backyard.

Seasonal Maintenance: Fall

There’s nothing quite like the magic of watching the leaves turn bright, beautiful colors, feeling the air get crisper as the days grow shorter, and finding pumpkin-spice flavored everything everywhere you go.  Fall is also your chance to prepare your home for the winter. Here are a few tips:

•    Rake leaves and keep your rain gutter clear
• Have a specialist come and inspect your heating system, septic tank, and water heater.   
• Check the fireplace for any hazards, and clear any debris
• Check caulking and weather stripping, and reseal windows or doors if necessary
• Inspect the roof for damage, missing shingles, and leakage  
• Mend any cracks or gaps in the walkways and driveways 
• Wrap insulation around outdoor faucets and sprinklers, and drain sprinkler systems
• Inspect outdoor siding
• Check door locks and any security equipment
• Drain and winterize any exterior pipes or plumbing
• Inspect interior plumbing for leaks or damage to pipes

Seasonal Maintenance: Winter

When the first winter chill enters the air and the non-stop holiday music begins to play in every shop and office, you know that winter is coming.  And with that come good ol’ winter home maintenance responsibilities.  Don’t skip this season just because it’s too cold to get off the couch!  Make sure to:

• Keep your walkways and driveways clear of snow and ice
• Inspect the roof, siding, and drains for any damage after a major storm

While these lists are thorough, you can always feel free to go the extra mile and inspect any part of your home you feel is necessary to check on at any time in the year, and it’s encouraged you do so.  Home maintenance can be a little tedious at times, but with a little bit of discipline and a scheduled routine, your home will be your castle for many years to come.