Homeowner’s Checklist: 21 Things To Do All Year

Winter

   1.Change or clean air intake filters.This helps to get better heating/cooling and improves air quality. Buy cheap filters by the dozen and mark your calendar to change them every month!

   2.Check and repair window screens.Do this in the late winter right before spring.

   3 Do an overall inspection of your home’s exterior. See if there’s any damage (paint, stucco cracking, or holes) Include the fascia boards at the eves….these can suffer from dry rot and should be sealed or replaced.

4. Get your air conditioning ready.It’s going to get hot quick! You may want to have it serviced and clean the coils.
5. Clean out your gutters if you have them.Make sure everything’s flowing smoothly and free of leaves and debris.

Spring

6. Aerate and fertilize the lawn.Many folks don’t over-seed with winter grass, as soon as temps get up into upper 80s and 90’s you’ll want to take care of this to prevent weeds from taking over.
7. Clean/repair your kool deck or patio.You may need to power wash, prep and resurface concrete surfaces before the summer heat comes which can cause further damage to these surfaces.
8. Repair and paint wood gates. Take this time to remove stains, treat with water repellant and/or stain them. Remember to get HOA approval if you are changing anything!
9. Clean out and de-clutter the garage. Spring time is the time for HOA Community Garage sales! Clear out and donate the clutter and establish designated spaces for tools, sports equipment, etc.
10. Have a look at your roof. Summer monsoons are on the horizon, have a roofing contractor or if you are handy and hearty to get up on the ladder look over your tiles and ensure there is no missing, broken, or cracked tiles that could cause further issue with big winds and summer storms.

Summer

11. Take note of patio furniture sales. Most retailers already clearance their selections by Memorial Day…..and we know that there will be LOTS of outdoor living to be had much later in the season. Take advantage to get a new look for fall.
12. Protect your plants/garden from sun. Move patio planters away from sun install shade cloth on gardens and increase watering times to account for 110+ degree days.
13. Clean kitchen appliances and vacuum refrigerator coils.When the coils get dirty, your fridge uses more electricity, so do this every six months. With high electric use during summer months, everything helps to save!
14. Build or refill your disaster preparedness kit. In the event of an emergency, you’ll want to have food and water to last 72 hours, as well as a flashlight, radio, first aid kit, extra cash, batteries, etc.
15. Check weather stripping on windows and doors. Proper weather stripping will keep heat out and can save you 30 percent on energy bills. Also consider an energy audit for further savings.

 Fall

16. Check your water system. Cut back on times/duration as temps cool back down into the eighties and below.
17. Do tree and branch maintenance. Falling trees and branches can do an enormous amount of damage. Remove dead or damaged trees and limbs and consider having someone come to check out your property to make sure you’re not missing anything and your trees are all healthy. Some of our desert trees get too unruly over the long growing season.
18. Check sprinklers and drip systems.At least once a year you will want to review all sprinkler heads and drip emitters to ensure they are functioning properly and not clogged. This will save you time and money of replacing plants/trees over time.
19. Have the heating system serviced.Do this before temperatures drop and you are ready to turn on the furnace/heat pump.
20. Check and change batteries in smoke and Co2 detectors.This should be done every year. Make note of the anniversary date and keep backup batteries on hand.
21. 21.Inspect fire extinguisher.More fires start during the holidays due to faulty decorations. Make sure the gauge shows adequate pressure and that it’s easily accessible. This should be done every couple of months.

Contact The Tim and Kym Team for more Homeowner’s Checklist  tips and tricks if you are planning on selling a home in the near future. We can help you add to your bottom line with simple preparation and repairs!