Mastering the Art of Home Maintenance: A Guide To Protecting Your Investment

Your home is more than just a roof over your head — it's likely also your biggest financial investment. Being proactive when it comes to home maintenance can help you preserve its value, keep it safe, and prevent small issues from becoming expensive problems later on. Since caring for your home is a year-round effort, here's a seasonal checklist to help you keep everything in tip-top shape:

Spring: Inspect the roof for winter damage, and clean the gutters and downspouts to make sure you have proper drainage. Service your HVAC system to prepare for warmer weather, and check windows and doors for drafts. Reseal gaps as needed.

Summer: Pressure wash your home's siding, deck, and patio to prevent wear. It's also a good idea to inspect your plumbing for any leaks or blockages. Test outdoor faucets and sprinklers, and trim trees and bushes to prevent overgrowth.

Fall: Clean and inspect chimneys and fireplaces, if applicable. Replace weather stripping around windows and doors, and flush your water heater to remove sediment buildup. It's also a good idea to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Winter: In addition to clearing snow and ice from your walkways and driveways if you live in a cold climate, take the time to check the insulation in your attic and basement. Monitor for drafts or leaks caused by extreme cold, and inspect your pipes for potential freezing risks.

Additional home maintenance tasks to keep track of include replacing your air filters every one to three months, inspecting outlets and wiring to replace frayed cords, cleaning refrigerator coils and dryer vents, and scheduling annual servicing for major appliances to extend their life span. Keep a basic tool kit on hand, and create a schedule to stay on top of maintenance all year long.

Using a digital calendar or app can be helpful to set reminders. Remember, you can always outsource by bringing in professionals as needed. A little effort now can save you plenty of time, money, and stress in the long run.

Sources: H2horganizing.com, Jeffofalltradeshomeimprovement.com, Nahb.org