Homeownership has a hidden cost most buyers underestimate: ongoing maintenance. The general rule is to budget 1--2% of your home's value per year for maintenance and repairs. The way to keep actual costs near the bottom of that range is to do small maintenance tasks on schedule -- before they become large repair bills. This checklist covers the full year.
Spring maintenance (March--May)
After winter, the priority is inspection and cleanup:
- ✓Inspect the roof for missing, cracked, or lifted shingles after winter storms
- ✓Clean gutters and downspouts of winter debris
- ✓Inspect and test sump pump before spring rain season
- ✓Have AC serviced before summer (filter, coils, refrigerant check)
- ✓Flush the water heater to remove sediment
- ✓Check exterior caulking around windows, doors, and penetrations
- ✓Inspect deck or patio for winter damage; treat wood if needed
- ✓Test all smoke and CO detectors; replace batteries
- ✓Turn on exterior hose bibs (may have been shut off for winter)
Summer maintenance (June--August)
Summer is about keeping systems running and protecting against heat:
- ✓Change HVAC filter every 1--3 months
- ✓Check and clean dryer vent -- lint buildup is a fire hazard
- ✓Inspect plumbing under sinks for slow drips
- ✓Test GFCI outlets in kitchen, bathrooms, and exterior
- ✓Trim trees away from the house and power lines
- ✓Inspect window and door screens
- ✓Check irrigation system for leaks or coverage issues
Fall maintenance (September--November)
Fall preparation is critical -- this is when you protect the house for winter:
- ✓Clean gutters again after leaves fall
- ✓Have furnace serviced and filter replaced before heating season
- ✓Shut off and drain exterior hose bibs to prevent freeze damage
- ✓Insulate exposed pipes in unheated spaces
- ✓Seal any gaps in the foundation, siding, or around window frames
- ✓Test heat before you need it for the first time
- ✓Have chimney inspected and cleaned if you use a fireplace
- ✓Check weatherstripping on all doors and windows
Winter maintenance (December--February)
Winter maintenance is mostly about monitoring and prevention:
- ✓Know where your main water shutoff is -- you'll need it if a pipe bursts
- ✓Keep the thermostat at 55°F minimum even when away -- pipe freeze risk
- ✓Check for ice dams on the roof after heavy snow
- ✓Monitor for basement moisture during winter rain and thaw cycles
- ✓Test smoke and CO detectors (increased heating system use = higher CO risk)
Bottom line
Most major home failures are predictable and preventable. A few hours of maintenance each season keeps small issues from becoming expensive emergencies. For the tasks on this list that require a licensed professional -- HVAC service, roof inspection, electrical testing -- Novum handles all of them with a single call.
Need handyman work done?
Novum sends its own licensed crew. Flat upfront quote before we touch anything.