Maintenance fails when it lives in your head. Put it in a calendar with reminders, keep the records in one place, and the whole thing takes a few hours a year.
Monthly
Short checks that catch problems early.
- Test a smoke and carbon-monoxide alarm
- Check HVAC filters and replace when dirty
- Look under sinks and around the water heater for damp
- Run water in unused fixtures so traps do not dry out
Seasonal
In late spring, test the cooling before the first hot stretch and check that outdoor units are clear. In early autumn, clear leaves from ground-level drains and check that downspouts run away from the foundation before the rains. Gutter and roof work above ground level should go to a professional.
Annually
Service heating before winter, check alarm manufacture dates, inspect caulk and weatherstripping around doors and windows, and review the extinguisher gauges. Book the professional visits in the same month each year so it becomes routine.
Keep the record
Log every task and every service visit in one binder or folder alongside permits and warranties. It makes warranty claims straightforward and gives a buyer real confidence later.
What to delegate
Roofing, gutters at height, electrical, gas appliances, HVAC servicing, sewer laterals and anything permit-required. Some home projects require specialized training, permits, or a licensed professional. Request a Pro Match if you need help finding a participating local service provider.
Product suggestions
Products mentioned in this article
Informational suggestions only. We do not publish prices, ratings or reviews, and a product is never a substitute for professional work.
Preventive maintenance
New Homeowner EssentialHVAC filters
Pleated filters matched exactly to the size printed on your existing filter. Higher MERV ratings restrict airflow on some systems.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Preventive maintenance
New Homeowner EssentialCaulk and weatherstripping
Sealant and door or window stripping for drafts and small gaps around trim and fixtures.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Preventive maintenance
New Homeowner EssentialGutter-cleaning tools
Extension attachments for clearing ground-level debris. Roof and upper-storey work should go to a professional.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Preventive maintenance
New Homeowner EssentialReplacement air-filter subscription
A recurring delivery so filter changes are not forgotten. Confirm the size and cancellation terms.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Preventive maintenance
New Homeowner EssentialHome-maintenance record binder
A binder or folder for permits, warranties, service records and appliance manuals.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Cleaning and everyday care
New Homeowner EssentialBasic appliance-cleaning supplies
Cleaners and brushes for ovens, dishwashers and washing-machine seals. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Yard and outdoor care
New Homeowner EssentialBasic gardening tools
Trowel, hand fork, gloves and a spade for planting and bed maintenance.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Yard and outdoor care
New Homeowner EssentialLeaf rake
For clearing leaves from beds, lawns and ground-level drains before winter rain.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Yard and outdoor care
New Homeowner EssentialOutdoor broom
A stiff-bristle broom for driveways, patios and walkways.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Yard and outdoor care
New Homeowner EssentialPruning tools
Hand pruners and loppers for shrubs and low branches. Large tree work belongs to a qualified arborist.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Yard and outdoor care
New Homeowner EssentialBattery-powered lawn tools
Cordless mowers, trimmers and blowers. Several Bay Area cities restrict gas-powered equipment — check local rules.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Roofing, electrical, structural, HVAC and anything permit-required or involving gas or main water lines should be handled by a qualified professional — not as a do-it-yourself project. Request a Pro Match if you need help finding a participating local service provider.
Request a Pro MatchKeep reading
Some home projects require specialized training, permits, or a licensed professional. Request a Pro Match if you need help finding a participating local service provider.
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