The longer you live in your home, the more things you will find that need maintaining. And careful consideration. If we did nothing and just let our investments go, in no time they would break down and soon be taken over by vegetation, mold, and bugs. Not to mention the foundations would also deteriorate. In short, our homes would no longer resemble our homes. So, to keep them from falling into decay, they require upkeep. Thus, this is a home maintenance to-do list, intended to help you stay on top of one of your most important investments: Your home.
This is a detailed home maintenance to-do list, organized by the seasons. And Daystar Handyman can help you with any of the items on this list.
Spring to-do Checklist
Spring is the most common time for homeowners to evaluate their homes. And do spring cleaning. If you look after your home properly, you will also retain your property’s value and avoid costly surprises.
Interior
- Change HVAC air filters
- Inspect the air conditioning system
- Assess the air ducts for buildup of mold, allergens, and/or debris
- Clean windows and remove storm windows
- Clean and examine window screens for damage
- Bug-proof interior outlets
- Check your attic insulation
Exterior
- Examine your roof, downspouts, and gutters, and repair as needed
- Weatherproof drafty doors and windows with weatherstripping and caulk
- Power wash your driveway, patios, and outdoor furniture
- Trim trees and shrubs that are close to your home
- Take your outdoor power equipment out of storage and do any maintenance they require
- Examine your sprinkler system, to be sure it is in proper working order and has suffered no harm from the winter
- Inspect around your home for rotted wood, and make repairs as necessary
- Check for areas of standing water in your yard that could be breeding grounds for mosquitoes, and install French drains if needed
- And if you have a pool, get it summer-ready: adjust the chemistry, make sure it’s clean, and de-winterize it
At Daystar Handyman, we can assist you with each item on this list. And make sure that your home is ready for summer.
Summer to-do Checklist
Summertime is typically a time when people are outdoors, entertaining with family and friends. So, with that, you’ll continue to focus on maintaining your home’s exterior. But don’t neglect inside your home.
Interior
- Install sun and heat blocking blinds and/or window treatments
- Change the direction of your ceiling fans to go counter-clockwise
- If your front or back doors are showing wear, think about either completely replacing them or getting new hardware and/or a new coat of paint
- Replace damaged window screens to keep bugs and dirt out
- Install roof vents to cool off the attic
- And install a smart thermostat to save on energy costs
Exterior
- Add window awnings outside for shade and to cool off the house
- Install an attic fan and garage vent fan
- Repair and paint fences
- If you have a pool, check the chemistry and keep it clean
- Power wash children’s outside toys/equipment
- Check your home’s exterior for peeling paint or chipped siding, and replace or repair if necessary
- For cool evenings, consider adding either a portable fire pit or fireplace, or having a permanent one installed
Whether you want to install fans or heat blocking blinds or replace some doors, Daystar Handyman is experienced with a variety of projects to free up your time. And let you enjoy your family and what you want to do.
Fall to-do Checklist
Autumn is the optimal time to prepare for winter, not just for raking up leaves.
Interior
- Check out doors and windows for wear and tear and airflows, and do necessary repairs before there are issues
- Wash windows and put in storm windows
- Install storm doors
- Investigate your insulation and provide more if needed
- Declutter and organize your garage so your cars can fit inside
- Inspect and feel for warmth from your water heater; if it’s warm to touch, wrap an insulation blanket around it to save money
- Check on your home’s fire extinguisher, that it’s in good working order in case of an emergency
- Prevent energy leaks by placing foam gaskets behind electrical outlets
Exterior
- Clean the gutters to prevent them from clogging and resulting in pooled water near your home’s foundation
- Fall is the most important time to fertilize your lawn, because it promotes better root growth
- Inspect the siding, brickwork, and roof for any fractures, leaks, or impairment; and fix before they become big problems
- Examine the chimney for trouble with the brick or stone work; and think about having it professionally cleaned, particularly if it’s been a while
- Have your sprinkler system blown out before freezing temperatures occur
- Disconnect your outdoor water hoses prior to freezing weather; and open the spigots for the lines to drain and prevent pipes from bursting
- Properly store your outdoor power equipment until the following spring
- If you have a pool, winterize it.
Daystar Handyman can help you get your home winter ready.
Winter to-do Checklist
Winter is another time of year when we have to keep constant vigilance over our properties. Sometimes extreme cold, snow, ice, and freezing rain contribute to circumstances that end up onto our to-do list. Living in Oklahoma we can get ice storms that down tree limbs. Onto our roofs. Or we could end up without power for a week or three.
Interior
- Reverse the direction of your ceiling fans to clock-wise, to bring warm air down
- Hire a professional to inspect your furnace or heater
- Investigate your pipes that run on outside walls for any weaknesses
- If your HVAC has a humidifier, have it inspected and calibrated
- Add more insulation in your attic if you’re concerned about energy loss via that route
- Double check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for batteries and that the detectors actually work
- To protect against a chimney fire, before lighting your first fireplace fire, have your chimney inspected
- Continue to monitor for drafty windows and doors; and re-caulk if needed
- Replace air filters every 3 months
Exterior
- Drain and store garden hoses in a protected spot
- Turn off all water leading outside, and open and drain faucets; keep these open throughout the winter
- Have your chimney cleaned if that’s what you rely on for heating
- Clean debris from your gutters
- Place your patio furniture in a shed or garage, if there’s room
- Mark limbs on trees in your yard that could break in a strong wind or ice spell; and either cut them down or have them cut down
- Have salt on hand for your driveway and walkway
- Keep an eye on your roof for icicles; that would indicate poor insulation in the attic
- And consider investing in a generator; there are different options to choose from, but when faced with multiple power outages like we were in 2020, it’s definitely something to think about
Daystar Handyman is here to assist you in winterizing your home, before tree limbs fall on your roof. Or you go days without electricity. We can inspect your attic, roof, pipes, smoke detectors, and more to make sure your home is ready, and so are you.
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