If you are a property owner, you are well aware that there are always repairs or improvements that need to be done to keep your home in working order.

In the past, I’ve been a reactive homeowner and landlord; if the furnace stopped heating or the hot water heater went out, a service professional was called to fix the problem.

However, time and experience have demonstrated the importance and cost effectiveness of regular upkeep and maintenance.

Below is a checklist, courtesy of Houselogic, that I found helpful for use at my own properties to keep things in good, working order, or to budget for needed repairs that are not immediate:

Checklist – Make sure everything is in working order this spring and summer:

▢ Flush your water heater regularly to remove sediment, which hampers efficiency.
▢ Check condition of lamp and appliance cords, extension cords, and plugs.
▢ Inspect attic for leakage and make sure attic fan is working.
▢ Inspect driveways and sidewalks.
▢ Make sure house numbers are easily visible to emergency personnel.
▢ Replenish disaster emergency kit.
▢ Sharpen and lubricate household tools.
▢ Sweep chimney (every two years or so depending on level of fireplace use).
▢ Clean siding at least once each year.
▢ Check the pressure on fire extinguishers.
▢ Clean and inspect gutters and canales.
▢ Clean the clothes dryer vent.
▢ Clean the humidifier/dehumidifier monthly.
▢ Clean the kitchen range hood and vent periodically.
▢ Change furnace filters monthly.
▢ Clean windows.
▢ Inspect the chimney.
▢ Inspect the crawl space or basement.
▢ Inspect drainage and the foundation.
▢ Inspect the roof and flashing.
▢ Inspect siding, fascias, and soffits.
▢ Inspect faucets, sinks, and pipes for leaks.
▢ Schedule an HVAC maintenance appointment.
▢ Secure loose deck and porch boards.
▢ Test GFCIs monthly.
▢ Test smoke detector/carbon monoxide detector batteries.
▢ Trip circuit breakers.
▢ Vacuum floor registers and return ducts.

For a printable checklist, click here: Home_Annual_Checklist _HomeMaintenance

For more detailed guides to home maintenance, Houselogic has four great articles to assist homeowners: