Annual Home Maintenance Checklist to Keep Your Property Value Up

Why Regular Home Maintenance is Key

Spring: Refresh and Renew

Exterior Inspection and Repairs

• Roof and Gutters: Spring is the perfect time to check for any damage from winter storms. Look for missing shingles or potential leaks, and ensure your gutters are clean and securely attached. This prevents water damage, which can be costly to fix.
  
  
• Siding: Inspect your siding for any signs of damage or wear. Clean the siding with a low-pressure washer to remove dirt and grime that built up in the winter months.

Landscaping and Outdoor Areas

• Lawn Care: Rake any remaining leaves from the fall and aerate your lawn to encourage healthy growth. This is also a great time to fertilize and seed any bare patches.
  
  
• Trees and Shrubs: Prune any dead branches and shape your trees and shrubs to encourage growth and prevent damage to your property during storms.

HVAC System

• Professional Servicing: Before the onset of warmer weather, ensure that your air conditioning units and HVAC systems are in proper working order. This may include cleaning the air ducts, checking for leaks, and ensuring that all system components are functioning efficiently to keep cooling costs down. Have your HVAC system professionally serviced to ensure it’s running efficiently. This not only saves on energy costs but also extends the life of your system.

Summer: Focus on Efficiency and Enjoyment

Deck and Patio Maintenance

• Inspection and Repair: Regularly check your deck for safety hazards like loose nails or rotting boards. Sealing or staining your deck can protect against UV damage and moisture, extending its life and enhancing its appearance.
  
  
• Furniture and Amenities: Clean and inspect outdoor furniture and cooking areas. Proper maintenance of these areas enhances their usability and appeal for those relaxing summer evenings.

Window and Door Assessment

• Seals and Weatherstripping: Heat can escape or enter through gaps in seals, increasing energy costs. Replace any failing weatherstripping and re-caulk the windows and doors as needed to maintain an energy-efficient home.

Pest Control

• Inspections: Check for cracks and crevices where pests might enter and seal them. Regularly inspect your home for signs of termites, ants, and other pests, especially in wood structures, and consider a yearly professional inspection to prevent infestations. 

Fall: Prepare and Protect

Heating System

• Furnace Maintenance: Have your furnace inspected and serviced by a professional to ensure it’s ready for the colder months ahead. Replace your furnace filter to keep the air quality high and your system running smoothly. This is also an excellent time to have your ductwork cleaned to improve air quality and efficiency.

Plumbing

• Insulation: Properly insulating your pipes can prevent them from freezing during the cold months. Check for leaks and have them repaired before the winter sets in.

Winter: Secure and Insulate

Interior Maintenance

• Detectors: This is a critical time to ensure that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly when homes are closed up and heating systems are running consistently. Regular testing and battery checks are key.
  
  
• Insulation Check: Changing the HVAC filters regularly and using humidifiers can improve indoor air quality, which can deteriorate in tightly sealed winter homes.

Emergency Preparedness

• Supplies: Stock up on essential supplies ahead of time, including ice melt, shovels, and sand, and ensure that snow removal equipment is operational. Prepare for potential power outages by having an alternative heat source and emergency kits ready. 

Maintaining Your Skaneateles Home