homekeeping 101
Visions of a white picket fence, manicured lawn, and sprawling azure pool seem to fizzle in a cloud of dust—and bills—when home repairs start to be a problem. The best strategy? Prevent the problems. Although most home maintenance tasks are simple, it’s easy to forget what to do and when to do it. We’ve simplified the process with this monthly home maintenance calendar. Every home is different, so use it according to your home’s needs. n by C.C. Corriveau
january
• Check, lubricate, and repair doorknobs
• Perform seasonal pest control
• Clean range hood grease filter
• Clean drains
 |
february
• Inspect sump pump
• Check exhaust pipe for leakage
• Check attic for leaks and condensation;
make sure vents are not obstructed
• Check main electrical panel for rust or
water marks
• Clean faucet aerator
• Clean dishwasher strainer, spray arm,
and air gap
• Check lawn mower
 |
march
• Clean gutters
• Un-stick sticky
windows and doors
• Service A/C system
• Trip main on electrical
panel
• Inspect all electrical cords
• Inspect walls for cracks
• Inspect and repair roof
• Seed and fertilize lawn, tend to
compost
• Prepare flower beds, plant garden
• Caulk and weather-strip doors
• Check wall and ceiling surface cracks
• Inspect exterior paint
• Sharpen lawn mower blades
april
• Clean ice makers
• Repair cracks in concrete patios
and driveways
• Increase pool maintenance
• Paint over water damage
• Paint and repair rusty fixtures
• Check ground fault interrupters
• Turn off water to furnace humidifier
and replace filter
• Clean and paint garden furniture
and accessories
• Extend downspouts away from house
onto splash blocks
• Check grading for proper slope
away from foundation wall
• Inspect foundation for water
damage
• Inspect or treat exterior wood
for damage
• Perform seasonal pest control
 |
may
• Clean and seal decks
• Check operation of attic fans and roof-
mounted turbine vents
• Burglarproof your home
• Inspect basement for moisture and
rotten wood
• Check attic for water damage
• Inspect exterior paint for cracking
• Inspect exterior caulking
• Clean and install screens
• Inspect and clean siding
• Cut back limbs overhanging the house
• Clean faucet aerator
• Clean dishwasher
• Clean drains
• Clean and repair (or replace)
outdoor lighting fixtures
• Wash exterior of the house
• Inspect exposed plumbing areas
for dampness
• Fix loose or cracked caulking
• Inspect appliance hoses and ventilation
• Clean and lubricate sliding glass door
and window tracks
• Check all faucets, hose bibs, and
supply valves for leakage
• Wash hood range fan blades
 |
july
• Sweep chimney
• Clean lint from gas clothes dryer
• Perform seasonal pest control
• Oil garage doors
• Lubricate fan and motor bearings
• Check fan belt tension
• Inspect screens
• Clean drains
august
• Caulk exterior joints around windows
and doors
• Stock up on firewood
• Drain and replace water in
water heater
• Test pressure valve on water heater
• Inspect indoor and outdoor wiring
• Check for loose or missing glazing
putty
• Clean hood range grease filter
• Clean faucet aerator
• Clean dishwasher
september
• Clean gutters
• Winterize roof
• Check outdoor lighting
• Prepare with products to de-ice your
driveway
• Clean or replace door entry lights
• Clean entry coat closet
• Service heating system
• Check exterior caulking
• Caulk and weather-strip doors
• Check wall and ceiling surface cracks
• Examine and repair decks
• Clean out garage
october
• Check doorbell, replace if necessary
• Smooth out baseboards
• Spruce up guest rooms and guest
bathrooms
• Clean tiles and grout
• Check for leaks in plumbing
• Check roof for damage
• Lubricate hinges, locks, and moving
door hardware
• Clean upholstery, Venetian blinds, and
draperies
• Clean and repair wallpaper, antiques,
and artwork
• Repair wood scratches
• Re-glaze windows
• Check grading for proper slope away
from foundation wall
• Perform seasonal pest control
• Trim, cover, or bring in outdoor plants
as needed
 |
november
• Check and repair door sweeps
• Clean and organize holiday decorations
• Professionally clean curtains and
drapes
• Inspect and touch-up interior paint
• Inspect and clean siding and repair if
necessary; check joints between wood
and masonry
• Flush out drain-waste and vent system
• Check thermostat’s accuracy
• Cut back limbs overhanging house
• Clean faucet aerator
• Clean dishwasher
• Clean drains
• Inspect attic
• Inspect exposed plumbing areas for
dampness
• Check ceiling areas beneath bathrooms
for leakage
• Wash range hood fan blades and
housing
even more helpful tips
Seasonal Tasks
• Replace filters in heating and A/C system
• Check batteries on smoke detectors and
carbon monoxide detectors
• Check stairs and handrails for safety
• Replace damaged or insulation-worn
appliance cords
• Test ground fault circuits
• Check bathtub and shower caulking and
toilet seats
• Check wood-burning appliances and flues if
heating with wood
• Add activator agent to septic systems
• Inspect faucets for leaks
• Inspect appliances
• Clean/vacuum grill and inside compressor
of central A/C
• Check fire extinguishers
• Flush sink and tub drains
• Check garbage disposal’s safety valve and
steam pressure gauge
• Check attic insulation and ventilation
One-Time Tasks
• Remove any wood/soil contact to prevent rot
and insect damage
• Have all chimneys inspected and serviced
before operating any of these appliances
• Install smoke detectors
• Make any electrical improvements
recommended in your home inspection
report
• Change the locks on all doors
• Remove or correct trip hazards such as
broken or uneven walks, patios, and
driveways. Loose or torn carpet or flooring
should also be repaired promptly
• Correct unsafe stairways and landings (Treads
uneven, too narrow, sloped, loose; risers
irregular or too high; landings missing, poorly
lit or too small; railings missing, loose, too
low, etc.)
• Locate and mark the shut-offs for the heating,
electrical, and plumbing systems
• If there is a septic system, have the tank
inspected and pumped, if necessary. If the
house is on a private water supply (well), set
up a regular testing procedure for checking
water quality
Do-It-Yourself Resources
Web sites
www.insidespaces.com
www.hometime.com
www.doityourself.com
www.diynet.com
Books
Home Maintenance for Dummies by James and Morris Carey
The Black & Decker Complete Photo Guide to Home Repair from Creative Publishing International
Home Improvement 1-2-3: Expert Advice from the Home Depot by Benjamin W. Allen
The New Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual from Reader’s Digest
Home & Garden Television’s Complete Fix-It from Time Life Books
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