Seasonal Home Maintenance Tips for Every Homeowner

Most homeowners only pay attention to home maintenance when something goes wrong: leaking roof, blocked chimney, faulty drainage. Neglecting your home for a long time not only reduces its value but it's also putting your family's safety at risk.

To keep their house in tip-top condition and preserve its value, regular maintenance is vital. Have no idea when to do that and what tasks to prioritize? Check out our guide below.

Winter

With the cold weather that winter brings, it's undeniably hard to do some house chores. But before you hunker down in this cold and cozy weather, do these chores first.

Check your snow blower - Prepare your lovely home for the harsh weather by making sure your snowblower is in working condition and that you have motor oil and gasoline on ready. In case your blower isn't working correctly, call on a repair contractor for a tune-up. Depending on your blower's size, such a service typically starts at around $60 to $200.

Secure vents and outdoor air-conditioning unit - Close your vents during the winter season so you can avoid high heating costs. Also, make sure your outdoor air-conditioning units are covered as ice and snow can damage them. Alternatively, you can use a canvas tarp for this.

Check for ice dams - Ice dams on your roof can damage shingles and gutters if you don't remove them immediately. Indeed, you don't want water leaks to damage your insulation or floors. You can do this task using a roof rake to get rid of the fresh snow.

Spring

Spring is undoubtedly a great time to do a general cleanup in the house, and here are some of the essential chores you need to do first.

Give your patio or deck a bath - Winter months can be harsh for your home's exterior, so start by cleaning off your deck or patio. Check for any signs of loose nails and cracked wood as well to avoid any incidents. Make sure also to inspect the spaces between the boards. Spray it with water and do some scrubbing too.

Inspect your plumbing - Check for signs of leaks in your pipes and sinks. Don't forget to inspect all your faucets for drips and that your tank's flapper isn't worn out. If any problems are seen, call your local plumber instead of trying to fix them yourself. That will just cost you more money in the end.

Do an HVAC checkup - Tune up your system for the air-conditioning months. Have a technician inspect it and service the A/C compressor and furnace. Many companies give discounts to customers who sign regular maintenance agreements for fall and spring tune-ups, so consider those too.

Summer

Before you plan those summer beach getaways and trips, there are still some chores that you should do to ensure your property is ready for the heat.

Home improvement projects - Summer is an ideal time to do some home projects such as painting your rooms, repairing your porch, updating your bathroom, and even organizing your storage areas.

Check your deck - If your family loves spending time outside your home, take time to check your deck's condition. Apply a coat of sealant or stain if the wood is starting to show its age. Watch out for rough areas and get rid of any nails that are sticking out to be safe.

Pay attention to your garden - The summer heat can be pretty harsh for plants, too, so make sure to water them regularly. Tidy up your garden by cutting some grass (but not too short) and deadheading. You can always call on an experienced landscaper if your garden requires excellent attention.

Fall

As the days begin to cool, make sure your house is ready for the cold temperature. Before you get excited about carving some pumpkins, here are a few home maintenance tasks for autumn.

Get rid of any trash or garbage - Clean out your lawn and bag those fallen leaves and debris from your garden ponds. Ensure to clean your gutters as well. And since fall is just like the start of a new year, it's also a great time to declutter your garage, pantry, and closets. However, be responsible enough to hand out all the clutter to garbage collectors who use commercial trash compactors for better waste management.

Check your fireplace - Before you start a fire during these cold months, have a professional check your wood-burning fireplace and chimneys. Also, get a cleaning service in case you haven't done it during the spring. And don't forget to stock up on seasoned firewood too. Cover them with plastic sheeting so that they won't touch the moist ground. You can also store them in an unheated garage, but not for more than a week since they can attract insects.

If you're looking to live safely in your house for a long time, make sure to do the necessary home maintenance tasks. This won't just make sure that your home will stand firm during harsh seasons but also help you secure a good resale value in the future.