Home Maintenance Checklist for New England Homeowners

Congratulations on your new home! You survived the paperwork, the move and the unpacking. Now what? Many homeowners don’t think about maintenance until something breaks, but a little regular care protects your investment, prevents expensive repairs and makes your home easier to sell someday.

Start With a Plan

Just like your car needs regular oil changes, your home needs routine upkeep. Keep the warranties and owner’s manuals for your appliances and systems. If you bought an older home, the previous owners may have left them in a kitchen drawer. They’ll tell you what maintenance each item needs. Then set up a simple schedule using the seasonal checklist below.

Have Your Home Systems Checked Every Year

Have your heating and cooling systems serviced each year, and keep an eye on your plumbing and electrical. Some tasks are easy to do yourself, like changing furnace filters and clearing vents. For everything else, find reliable local pros. Check reviews, and always choose companies that are experienced, licensed and insured. Many offer annual maintenance plans. For contractor tips, see How to Hire the Right Contractor in Massachusetts.

Your Seasonal Maintenance Checklist

Spring

• Have your air conditioning serviced before the first hot day
• Clean the gutters and downspouts, and check for winter damage to the roof, siding and gutters
• Rake out the lawn and garden beds, fertilize, and refresh the mulch
• Trim and prune shrubs and trees
• Service your lawn mower
• Clean outdoor furniture, and sweep decks and patios

Summer

• Mow, weed and water the lawn and garden beds
• Check decks, railings and fences for loose boards or needed repairs
• Keep an eye on the exterior paint and caulking around windows and doors

Fall

• Have your furnace or boiler serviced, and change the filters
• Rake leaves, and clean the gutters again once the trees are bare
• Shut off and drain outdoor spigots, and put away hoses
• Seal cracks in the driveway and walkways before winter
• Put the mower away, and tune up the snow blower
• Protect delicate shrubs, and bring potted plants inside
• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace the batteries

Winter

• Keep walkways, stairs and the driveway clear of snow and ice, using salt or sand for traction
• Watch for ice dams and large icicles along the roofline. Use a roof rake to clear heavy snow from the roof edge from the ground, and call a pro for anything you can’t reach safely.
• Keep heating vents clear, and watch for drafts around doors and windows

Keep It Clean

Regular cleaning isn’t just about appearances. Weekly basics like vacuuming, mopping and wiping down kitchens and baths keep your home pleasant to live in. A deeper clean every so often, like moving furniture, pulling out the washer and dryer, and clearing out the garage, gives you a chance to spot pests, leaks or water damage before they turn into expensive repairs.

Thinking of Selling Someday?

A well-maintained home is easier to sell and usually sells for more. When the time comes, you’ll be ahead of the game. Check out our step-by-step guide, How to Get Your Home Ready to Sell, for what to do before you list.

Home Selling Resources

Home Buying Resources