Maintenance checklist

You might find this list overwhelming at first—it is a chore list, after all.

But here’s the good news: you don’t need to do everything on this list. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution because we all live in different homes, built at different times, in varying environments. Plus, everyone has different schedules, budgets, and skillsets.

When I am feeling overwhelmed, I find it helps to keep in mind the why behind these tasks:

1. Staying on top of home maintenance prevents small issues from snowballing into expensive emergencies. Not only can you save money by doing these tasks yourself, but you also add about 1% to the value of your home each year you stay consistent.
2. Living in a well-cared-for home is more relaxing, too—you’re less likely to face sudden breakdowns and will have one less thing to worry about, knowing you’re on a maintenance schedule.

Use this list as a guide – some tasks are important to be aware of, but they don’t all need to be tackled every year—and some just when you notice wear and tear. If you would like, you can use this template to help you customize the list to your own home: Maintenance Checklist Template

Looking for more help? Save yourself a ton of work and sign up for our membership here: https://maintenacious.mn.co/

Kitchen

Monthly	Quarterly	Annually	Every 2 to 5+ Years
	Clean under fridge	Defrost freezer	Inspect counters and recalk if needed
	Inspect fire extinguisher	Clean fridge coils	Clean sink p-traps
	Seal countertops if applicable	Reseal grout	Test water
	Clean dishwasher	Clean sink drains

Bathrooms

Monthly	Quarterly	Annually	Every 2 to 5+ Years
	Clean aerators & drains	Seal countertops
		Check for leaks
		Reseal grout if needed
		Operate valves & shutoffs

Laundry

Monthly	Quarterly	Annually	Every 2 to 5 Years
Deep clean washing machine	Clean under appliances	Operate valves & shutoffs
		Clean dryer vent
Daily		Check for leaks
Empty lint trap after every load		Clean any aerators/drains

Garage

Monthly	Quarterly	Annually	Every 2 to 5+ Years
	Tidy garage	Seal countertops	Flush water heater
	Inspect fire extinguisher	Check for leaks	Inspect, lubricate garage door
		Clean aerators & drains
		Operate valves & shutoffs	Once and Done
			Label circuit panel

General Plumbing

Monthly	Quarterly	Annually	Every 2 to 5+ Years
Add tabs to septic		Inspect septic	Pump septic
Run water in unused spaces		Winterize outdoor faucets
Check salt in softener		Operate valves & shutoffs

Roof

Monthly	Quarterly	Annually	Every 2 to 5+ Years
In winter, check for ice dams	Check for leaks	Inspect soffits	Ask roofer to inspect
	Inspect shingles	Inspect roof, vents, & chimney with binoculars
	Clean gutters as needed

Attic & Basement

Monthly	Quarterly	Annually	Every 2 to 5+ Years
	Tidy basement	Look for water damage	Inspect HVAC ducts
		Look for signs of rodents
		Test sump pump	Once and done
			Insulate rim joist

HVAC

Monthly	Quarterly	Annually	Every 2 to 5+ Years
	Replace filters	Clean condensate drip line	Inspect furnace
		Clean and service unit	Ask HVAC company to service/inspect

General Interior

Monthly	Quarterly	Annually	Every 2 to 5+ Years
	Check smoke detectors	Test GFI outlets	Recalk as needed
	Inspect fire extinguishers	Inspect and clean fireplace	Tighten loose ceiling fans
	Seal countertops if needed		Treat wood cabinets/trim

General Exterior

Monthly	Quarterly	Annually	Every 2 to 5+ Years
	Check sprinkler system	Wash & inspect exterior	Clean & stain deck/stairs
	Check outdoor lights	Check for creepy crawlies	Fix cracks in driveway
	Check drainage	Inspect crawlspaces	Remove weeds from concrete
	Prune away from house	Check outdoor plugs

Windows & Doors

Monthly	Quarterly	Annually	Every 2 to 5+ Years
	Wash windows		Clean any weep holes
	Clean doors		Check screens
			Check operation/hinges
			Check weather stripping