How to stay on top of all of your home maintenance

So many of us wait until the last minute to take care of some of the simple stuff around the house that needs to be done regularly, and when it comes to maintaining your home value, those little things add up into sometimes massive benefits! Squeaky doors, the caulking around the tub, when was the last time I checked the battery in the carbon monoxide detector? When you think about all the work that needs to be done, it can get overwhelming to the point you don’t know where to start.

One way to keep the work from piling up is to take care of it in bite-sized pieces throughout the year. We created a calendar with everything you need to do and when you should do it in order to keep your house spiffy (and save you some time). 

The full list is included here, but if you click the button below you can add it to your calendar, which will notify you of the simple maintenance to keep on top of around the house, often with video instructions on how to do it!

JANUARY

Change your furnace filter
It's good to replace your furnace filter every other month, or even more frequently if you are doing construction in the house.

Clean your Range/Stove Hood Vents (WATCH)
Even if you're a pro home chef, once a year should do it!

Vacuum Refrigerator Coils (WATCH)
Your what?! Here’s how to keep your refrigerator running.

FEBRUARY

Check caulking around sinks, tubs, and countertops
Caulking prevents moisture from going where you don't want it! Check to make sure that the caulking has kept its seal around these places and re-caulk if necessary!

Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors
Get to it before that annoying beep​​ BEEP wakes you up in the middle of the night. Do this once a year and sleep well knowing you're safe (and not going to wake up to these warnings!

MARCH

Change furnace filter
Yep! Again. It’s been a couple months so swap that filter out.

Flush hot water heater and remove sediment (WATCH)
It's easier than you'd think! As the water comes into your heater, it can carry minerals from the outside (ever heard of "hard water"?). Once a year, it is wise to flush your water heater to remove any of that buildup and extend the life of your water heater!

Check roofing and exterior for damage (Read about signs of damage to look out for)
The roof over your head (literally) needs some love, too! Once a year, or after heavy wind storms, go outside and make a visual inspection of your roof. If you have a steep pitch, make sure you stay safe and make your inspection from a ladder.

In addition, make sure the drainage from your roof isn't pooling near your foundation, and if it is, find a way to mitigate it with gutters or other solutions. Water is one of the biggest threats to your home and you want to make sure to take care of it and fast! While you're outside, do a walkaround of the house and make sure your siding, windows, and any other exterior features are up to par as well.

APRIL

Run water and flush toilets in unused or lightly used areas
Have a rarely-used guest bathroom or a hose-bib on a side of the house you forgot about? Make sure to regularly flush, drain, and run water through these areas to make sure the sealing and draining is good to go! The last thing you want is a surprise leak when the In-Laws stay for the holidays.

Clear window wells of debris
Any rooms below grade (or cool secret underground bunkers with windows)? Over the fall and winter, leaves and other debris can get caught in the window well. Once it starts to get nice, put on a pair of gloves and go out to clear those out!

MAY

Change furnace filter
Yep! Again. It’s been a couple months so swap that filter out.

Service your A/C
It's about to get hot. Real hot. Let's make sure your Air Conditioning is up to speed before you need it! As soon as the temps start to rise, HVAC companies will get busy and you might be waiting a while, sweating and calling everyone you know with a pool, to get someone out to fix your A/C. If you need recommendations of great contractors, let us know!

Clean window screens
Those screens on the outside of your windows can catch a whole lot of dust, dirt, and whatever else is flying out in the air on a windy spring day (they are basically like your house's nose hairs). Take the screens out and give them a good spray with a hose, then hit them with a microfiber cloth or duster to remove any remaining dust.

Clean your grill (WATCH)
It's officially BBQ season. Head outside with some heavy duty gloves, brushes, and soap to make sure your grill is spiffed up and ready to serve up steaks, burgers, veggies, kebabs, and whatever else you're firing up. Make sure to invite us though, so we can thoroughly inspect your handiwork.

JUNE

Clean out lint from dryer exhaust
Go find where your dryer vents to the outside and clear any lint buildup. Do the same from the vent attachment on the back of the dryer. Lint can create a fire hazard if left for too long and hey, maybe you'll even find that missing sock (unlikely).

Clean the garage
But it's where all my stuff goes. I know, but once a year, take some time to reorganize that stuff and make sure the garage is nice and tidy. Garages, especially detached garages, can be neglected throughout the year and keeping them clean can help you avoid one big mess if and when you eventually move!

JULY

Change furnace filter
Yep! Again. It’s been a couple months so swap that filter out.

Tighten loose handles and knobs and oil the hinges
You'll know your door handles and doorknobs will be loose as soon as it happens, but use this as a reminder to take the time and actually fix them!

While you're at it, take some WD-40 and hit any squeaky spots.

AUGUST

Check attic for water intrusion
Remember how we said the roof is important? Sometimes from the outside, everything looks great, but inside the attic, moisture is starting to creep in. At least once a year, poke your head in there and make a visual inspection. If any dark spots appear on otherwise light wood, that could be a sign of moisture and you'll want to enlist the help of a professional.

Get the carpet professionally cleaned
Sure it seems like you might only want to clean your carpet when a big mess happens or if you're about to move, but if you have been in your house long enough, dust, dander, pet hair, crumbs, and a whole assortment of debris can bury itself in your carpet below where your favorite vacuum can reach. Getting your carpet professionally cleaned can help keep things nice and odorless, as well as making it look brand new!

SEPTEMBER

Change furnace filter
Yep! Again. It’s been a couple months so swap that filter out.

Re-caulk the exterior windows (WATCH)
One of the places moisture LOVES to enter the home is your exterior windows. By making sure the caulking around these windows stays fresh and free of cracking, you are keeping your windows from getting that weird fog between the panes, as well as keeping the water out of your house.

Inspect fence, deck, and railings for repairs
Your fence and deck take a beating during every season of the year. Wind, moisture, heat, and sun all take a toll on the wood (or even vinyl). Next time you're outside in the garden or mowing the lawn, do a lap to make sure all the boards, nails, and posts are in good shape.

If not, time to swing a hammer.

OCTOBER

Clean gutter of leaves and debris
Fall is here, which means leaves and pine needles are falling and sliding into your gutters. Before the rain hits in earnest, make sure those gutters are clear so the moisture can drain properly.

Winterize the home (Read how to winterize your house)
Before the weather goes bananas, cover or put away your patio furniture, get your sprinklers blown out, and cover your outdoor hose spigots. Winter comes before you know it in Spokane so make sure you are prepared nice and early this year.

NOVEMBER

Change furnace filter
Yep! Again. It’s been a couple months so swap that filter out.

Have your fireplace(s) cleaned and inspected
Over time, fires in the fireplace can build up residue in the chimney, which can create a fire hazard if left for too long! Once a year, have the fireplace cleaned and inspected by a certified specialist to make sure it is safe to keep the living room cozy and crackling through the snowy winter months.

DECEMBER

Enjoy the holidays and rest easy knowing your home is taken care of :)