Annual Maintenance for Your New Home
If you've just moved into a brand new home, you might be wondering what you need to do to keep it looking and feeling like new construction. Follow the checklists for each season to ensure that your home stays in excellent condition throughout the year.
Winter Checklist
The below-freezing temperatures in the winter in Rochester can cause a few major problems for a new home like roof damage and frozen pipes. You can avoid a major headache by making sure to:
Check and change the filter of your heating system
Inspect your roof, gutters, and downspouts after a winter storm
Make sure to check your basement for any possible leaks
Use a vacuum to clean your bathroom exhaust fan and your refrigerator & freezer coils
Clean out all of the drains in the home including the dishwasher and garbage disposal
Test your Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors (Replace batteries if necessary)
Check your sinks and toilets for leaks
Clean your Range Hood Fan
Spring Checklist
As the warmer temperatures begin to roll in, it's time to take a look and see how your home fared through the winter. Make sure to:
Inspect your roof and chimney for leaks
Look for any missing, loose, or damaged roof shingles
Change the air-conditioner filter and have serviced by a professional
Clean window and door screens
Replace the caulking and weather stripping around windows and doors if needed
Check your foundation for cracks
Refinish the deck
Power-wash windows and siding
Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts
Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Get your septic tank inspected by a professional and consider having it pumped
Inspect sink, shower, and bath caulking for deterioration
Vacuum lint from your dryer vent
Drain or flush your water heater
Check your sprinkler system to ensure that it's working properly
Summer Checklist
The bright and sunny summer weather will allow you to complete some exterior home maintenance projects that may be harder to do in the Fall, Spring, and Winter. During the summer months, make sure that you:
Remove all lint from the inside and outside of our washer hoses and dryer vents
Vacuum your kitchen exhaust fan filter
Clean your air filters
Vacuum your refrigerator and freezer coils
Inspect your dishwasher for leaks
Check your kitchen for leaks under and around
cabinets
Make sure to inspect your cabinets and around toilet in your bathroom for leaks
Replace interior and exterior faucet and shower head washers if needed
Seal your tile grout if needed
Remove weeds from lawn
Check your sprinkler system for any leaks and clean out the valves with water
Remove leaves and debris from your pool and scrub twice a month to prevent algae growth
Touch up paint on your home's exterior
Fall Checklist
Fall is a great season to complete home maintenance projects thanks to the cool, crisp weather. Here are a few things that you can do to ensure that your home is ready for the season:
Have your fireplace professionally inspected for damage or hazards
Replace the caulking and weather stripping around windows and doors if necessary
Touch up exterior siding and trim with paint if needed
Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts
Inspect your roof and chimney for leaks
Look for any missing, loose, or damaged roof shingles
Have your heating system inspected by a professional
Repair or replace siding if needed
Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Have your carpets professionally cleaned
Clean window and door screens
Vacuum lint from your dryer vent
Wrap insulation around any outdoor faucets and pipes in preparation for winter
Check your water heater for leaks
