Homeowner Maintenance Guide
Taking time to do preventative maintenance will make your home safer and save you money by keeping your home in working order. By keeping up with our maintenance suggestions, you can help keep your home functioning properly with minimal problems!
After Move-In
Electric - Locate the main circuit breaker in the electric panel box and show family members how to turn it off in case of an emergency
Fire Extinguisher - Purchase a general purpose fire extinguisher for each floor of the home plus one small kitchen extinguisher in case of grease fires. Demonstrate proper usage to family members in case of an emergency
Flooring - Attach furniture protectors underneath furniture legs to protect floor finishes
Plumbing - Locate the main water line shut-off valve and all individual plumbing fixture valves, and show all family members how to close them in case of a plumbing emergency
Gas - If your home has natural gas, locate the gas shut-off valve by the gas meter and show all family members how to close it in case of an emergency
Every Month
Air Conditioning & Heating - Check air filters and clean or replace as necessary. Vacuum air supply and air return registers to remove dust and lint
Garbage Disposal - Clean disposal blades by grinding up ice cubes. Freshen it with baking soda and by grinding up citrus fruit rinds
Interior Caulking - Check for cracks or separations in caulking around sinks, bathtubs, toilets, back splashes and any other areas originally caulked and repair as needed
Range Hood Fan - Clean or replace dirty filter
Sprinkler System - Adjust sprinkler heads for proper coverage. Check out our lawn watering tips for help getting your lawn back into shape!
Every 6 Months
Cabinets - Clean and if needed, apply a light coat of wax to wood-finish cabinets
Painting - Check exterior paint and stain surfaces (especially stained doors) and refinish as needed
Doors - Check screws on door lock set and hardware, and tighten as necessary. Oil moving parts of the garage doors
Electric - Check electrical extension and appliance cords. Replace frayed or split cords
Roofing - Visually inspect roof from the ground for broken or missing tiles or shingles and gaps
Air Conditioning System- Ensure that air supply registers are not blocked by rugs, draperies, or furniture. Remove excess leaves and debris from vents.
Plumbing - Check water supply lines and valves to sinks, toilets, refrigerator, and washer and tighten if loose or leaking
Windows - Check windows for smooth opening and closing operation. Clean tracks and lubricate as necessary, using silicone spray. Inspect window screens and repair or replace as needed
Fire Extinguishers - Check fire extinguishers to ensure they are ready for use
Smoke Detectors - Test smoke detectors and change batteries if needed. Clean/vacuum
Every Year
Attic - Check attic vents to ensure that soffit vents are not blocked with insulation and move insulation back to its original location if needed. Check for signs of roof leaks
Cabinets - Check drawers and hinges for proper alignment and tighten and adjust as needed
Doors/Windows - Check and repair gaps and weather stripping on exterior as needed
Air Conditioning System - Have HVAC contractor perform annual maintenance check up
Fireplace - Have chimney professionally cleaned as necessary. Inspect for nests
Pressure Cleaning - Clean pavers, driveways, patios, and walks as needed and check for mildew
Following our guide will help ensure your home lasts a lifetime, and beyond! Check out some of our other useful guides and tips to keep your home looking and functioning perfectly!