Home Maintenance Match Game

A Home Maintenance Calendar That Can Save You Money

The match game is a quick way to learn seasonal maintenance, but the bigger idea is prevention. After years of remodeling homes and working as a general contractor, I would rather find a small leak, loose gutter, failed caulk joint, or dirty HVAC filter early than repair the damage after it has spread.

Spring: Look for Winter Damage

Walk the exterior after the worst winter weather has passed. Look for loose shingles, damaged flashing, clogged or sagging gutters, peeling paint, cracked caulk, and soil that directs water toward the foundation. Run exterior faucets and check for freeze damage. If you have a sump pump, test it before heavy spring rain.

Summer: Control Water, Heat, and Exterior Wear

Keep vegetation away from siding and the roof, check decks and railings, and watch for drainage problems during thunderstorms. Change or clean HVAC filters on the schedule appropriate for your system and household. Air-conditioning equipment needs room to breathe, so keep outdoor units clear of leaves and heavy growth.

Fall: Prepare Before Cold Weather

Clean gutters and downspouts after leaves fall and make sure discharge water moves away from the foundation. Inspect weatherstripping, exterior caulk, roof penetrations, and exposed plumbing. Service heating equipment as appropriate and test smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms. Small preparation now can prevent expensive emergency work later.

Winter: Watch the Systems You Depend On

Pay attention to unusual furnace behavior, plumbing leaks, condensation, ice buildup, and signs of water intrusion. Know where the main water shutoff is before you need it. After major storms, look for new ceiling stains or other evidence that the roof or flashing may have failed.

Monthly and Year-Round Habits

Maintenance is not only seasonal. Check under sinks, around toilets, near water heaters, and around appliances for moisture. Replace filters, test safety devices, keep drains functioning, and do not ignore changes in sounds, odors, water pressure, or utility usage. A five-minute inspection can sometimes catch a problem before it becomes a five-thousand-dollar repair.