Maintaining your new home may seem like an overwhelming responsibility, but by following this spring home maintenance tips checklist, an overwhelming task can become simple. Keeping up with your home throughout the seasons will reward you in the long run by saving you from needing costly repairs in the future, and keep your home looking as beautiful as it did the day you bought it.

Monthly Routine Maintenance for your New Home:

  • The Air/Furnace Filter: Remove any dust buildup and replace filter as necessary.
  • The Water Softener: Check your water softener to ensure the salt does not need to be refilled.
  • Faucet Aerators & Showerheads: Clean any faucet aerators and showerheads.
  • Drains: Check all drains in your home to make sure they are clear of debris and unclogged.
  • Range Hood: Clean the range hood filters/pan to avoid buildup.
  • Kitchen Disposal: Check your garbage disposal to make sure it is clean and clear of any possible buildup.

Spring Seasonal Maintenance for your New Home:

  • Garage:
    • Caulking and Weather-Stripping: Check caulking and weather-stripping, be sure to check the entry door from the garage to the house.
    • Overhead Garage Door: Check the overhead garage door; tighten any loose bolts and lubricate springs.
  • Decks and Outdoor Spaces:
    • Exterior Faucets: Test for broken pipes.
    • Gutters: Clean gutters and make sure downspouts or splash blocks and extenders drain away from the home.
    • Deck: Clean and maintain your deck. Different types of decks require varying types of maintenance. Be sure to research your deck and determine the best way to keep it looking new.
    • Backfill Soil: Look for settling of backfill soils and fill where needed.
    • Irrigation System: If you have an irrigation system, be sure to reactivate it and ensure it’s operational for the upcoming summer months.
    • Landscaping: Start on any spring landscaping maintenance and fertilization plans.
    • Outdoor Projects: If you’ve been planning any new outdoor home improvement projects, now is the time to start. Whether it’s refinishing the deck, getting started on a new garden, building a gazebo, etc., now is the time to plan it out and start the project.
    • Roofing: Inspect the roof for any missing, damaged or loose shingles as well as any leaks.
  • Exteriors:
    • Roofing: Inspect the roof for possible blown off shingles and leaks and replace as needed.
    • Siding: Clean the siding of your home to make sure the finish lasts as long as possible. Different types of siding need different maintenance care, be sure to research the best way to maintain your siding.
    • Windows: Wash windows and screens, clean weep holes, and lubricate tracks.
    • Caulking: Inspect caulking in both the interior and exterior of the home to prevent air leakage or water intrusion.
  • Inside of Your Home:
    • Grout: Inspect the grout around tile, floor, or wall.
    • Smoke Alarms/CO Detectors: Clean and test smoke alarms and CO Detectors. Change batteries if necessary.
    • Light Fixtures & Large Furniture: Thoroughly dust and polish light fixtures and large furniture throughout the home.
    • Caulking: Inspect the caulking for any sinks, showers, or baths for deterioration.
    • Dryer Vent: Remove any lint from the dryer vent.

By sticking to a monthly and seasonal maintenance schedule, homeowners can get to know their new home and learn how to keep all of the different systems running smoothly. Be sure to check back for more useful tips on how to maintain your new home.