A Yearly Guide to Home Maintenance

Posted in: Cottage

Turquoise Cottage exterior. Turquoise Cottage exterior paint color. Turquoise Cottage exterior with porch. #TurquoiseCottage #TurquoiseCottage Nest Design Co., Inc.

Wouldn’t it be nice if homes came with an instruction manual? Imagine opening the door for the first time and finding a detailed booklet that explained exactly what needed to be done and when so everything continues functioning properly. It’s a bit absurd that toys, computers, and cars all come with instruction manuals thorough enough to qualify as engineering texts and yet homes are handed over without so much as a note explaining what is expected of the owner.

In an effort to demystify the process a bit it is important to separate tasks into monthly, quarterly, and yearly categories. This makes the process more manageable and allows home owners to plan maintenance tasks going forward so nothing slips through the cracks.

Monthly Tasks

White kitchen with Revere Pewter HC-172 Benjamin Moore Wall Paint Color #Whitekitchen #ReverePewterHC172BenjaminMoore Nest Design Co., Inc.

White kitchen with Revere Pewter HC-172 Benjamin Moore walls.

{Nest Design Co., Inc.– Suzanna Scott Photography}.

Monthly tasks tend to be cleaning oriented. These are the things that don’t take very long to do, but which can cause substantial problems if they are forgotten. They can be added to calendars and set up to recur each month on a specific date. Some homeowners like to get everything taken care on the first Saturday of the month while others like to assign themselves with one task a day.

These types of tasks include replacing HVAC filters, cleaning the sink disposal, inspecting fire extinguishers, and cleaning range hood filters. In the bathrooms, faucets should be cleaned of mineral deposits to prevent buildup and drains should be thoroughly cleaned.

Quarterly Tasks

Benjamin Moore HC-172 Revere Pewter. White ceiling with Benjamin Moore HC-172 Revere Pewter walls. Benjamin Moore HC-172 Revere Pewter #BenjaminMoore #HC172 #ReverePewter #ReverePewterBenjaminMoore #BenjaminMoorePaintColors Nest Design Co., Inc.

{Nest Design Co., Inc.– Suzanna Scott Photography}.

Quarterly tasks can be put into a calendar and timed to reoccur every three to six months depending on the task. Smoke and carbon dioxide detectors should be tested every six months at a minimum. This is one of the most important tasks on anyone’s home maintenance checklist as it could literally be the difference between life and death.

The best way to prevent insects and vermin from becoming a problem is with preventative measures. According to experts, pest control services should be scheduled for approximately every three months. This can usually be scheduled with a provider and shouldn’t require additional effort on the part of the homeowner.

Yearly Tasks

Turquoise Beach Cottage. Turquoise Beach Cottage Porch. Turquoise Beach Cottage #TurquoiseBeachCottage #TurquoiseCottage #porch Nest Design Co., Inc.

{Nest Design Co., Inc}

It is best to break yearly tasks down by the four seasons because the maintenance concerns vary considerably throughout the year.

Once spring arrives, it is important to clean out gutters and check external drainage paths to ensure standing water and overflow will not become a problem. Air conditioning services should be serviced as needed, screens replaced, and plants tended to. This is also one of the best times to inspect roofing for potential damage and leaks.

Summer is a great time to tackle cleaning projects. Kitchen and bathroom grout should be repaired to prolong the life of the tile work, minor plumbing leaks should be addressed, and dryer vents and exhaust should be thoroughly cleaned. This is also a great time to take care of any lawn, patio, or decking issues that have shown up.

Fall is the ideal time to prepare fireplaces for winter use. Chimneys should be cleaned and fireplaces tested before they’re needed. Plumbing and other equipment should be winterized and necessary gear such as salt and shovels should be brought out for the first snow.

Winter is the time to address indoor tasks that may have been overlooked throughout the warmer parts of the year. Tighten loose fixtures, deep clean basements and attics, and replace and restock essentials such as batteries and light bulbs.

Unfortunately, homes do not come with manuals. It will be necessary to add things to your regular checklists as you become aware of them. Over the course of several years you will eventually have a solid plan to maintain the appearance and integrity of your home with regularly scheduled maintenance throughout the year and be less likely to face an avoidable disaster.

Many thanks to the designer for sharing the details above!

1st Image: Nest Design Co., Inc

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