Annual Home Maintenance Checklist
Protect your investment and prevent costly repairs with our comprehensive annual home maintenance checklist, covering HVAC, plumbing, roofing, and safety systems.
Overview
Summary and key details for this checklist.
Annual home maintenance is more than just a chore list; it is a financial strategy. Most major home systems, such as the roof or HVAC, have a finite lifespan that can be significantly extended through routine care. Neglecting a $200 gutter cleaning can lead to $10,000 in foundation repairs or basement waterproofing.
Expect to spend approximately 1% of your home's value annually on maintenance. This checklist helps you allocate those funds wisely by identifying high-priority tasks before they become emergencies. Total time commitment varies, but most homeowners can complete these tasks over 2-3 dedicated weekends per year.
Printable Checklist
A clean, scannable checklist view. (You can export/print from the sidebar.)
| Item | Priority | Who | Time | Success Criteria | If Not Done |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inspect Roof for Damaged Shingles | Required | Either | 1 hour | No missing, cracked, or curling shingles | Leak risk; water damage |
| Clean and Secure Gutters | Required | Either | 2-4 hours | Water flows freely to downspouts | Foundation erosion; rot |
| Service HVAC System (AC/Heat) | Required | Professional | 2 hours | System runs at peak efficiency | Premature system failure |
| Test Smoke and CO Detectors | Required | DIY | 15 min | Audible alarm on all units | Life safety risk |
| Flush Water Heater Sediment | Recommended | DIY | 1 hour | Clear water from drain valve | Reduced efficiency; tank rust |
| Inspect Foundation for Cracks | Required | Either | 45 min | No new or widening fissures | Structural instability |
| Check Sump Pump Operation | Required | DIY | 20 min | Pump activates when water added | Basement flooding |
| Clean Dryer Vent Duct | Required | Either | 1 hour | No lint buildup in exterior vent | Fire hazard |
| Inspect Attic for Leaks/Pests | Recommended | DIY | 30 min | Dry insulation; no droppings | Mold or infestation |
| Reseal Exterior Wood/Decks | Optional | DIY | 1 day | Water beads on surface | Wood rot and splintering |
| Check Window/Door Caulking | Recommended | DIY | 2 hours | No visible gaps or drafts | High energy bills |
| Prune Trees Away from Roof | Recommended | Either | 2 hours | 3ft clearance from structure | Roof damage; pest access |
| Inspect Fireplace and Chimney | Required | Professional | 1 hour | No creosote buildup or cracks | Chimney fire risk |
| Test GFCI Outlets | Required | DIY | 15 min | Power cuts when 'Test' pressed | Electrocution risk |
| Check Plumbing for Slow Leaks | Recommended | DIY | 1 hour | Dry cabinets under all sinks | Mold and cabinet rot |
| Vacuum Refrigerator Coils | Optional | DIY | 30 min | Coils free of dust and pet hair | Compressor burnout |
| Inspect Exterior Paint/Siding | Recommended | DIY | 1 hour | No peeling or exposed wood | Moisture intrusion |
| Check Grading Around House | Required | DIY | 1 hour | Soil slopes away from foundation | Water in crawlspace |
Use this table as your master schedule. We recommend tackling exterior tasks in the Spring and Fall, while saving interior inspections and safety tests for the Winter months. Keep a log of when each task was completed to provide to future buyers.
Notes
Extra context, cautions, and helpful tips.
Consistency is the key to home longevity. Small efforts today prevent massive headaches tomorrow.
- Create a 'Home Binder' to store receipts and warranties for all work performed.
- Take photos of your foundation and roof annually to track changes over time.
- Label your main water shut-off valve so everyone in the house knows where it is.
- Check your homeowners insurance policy annually to ensure coverage matches current home value.
- Don't ignore 'small' leaks; water is a home's greatest enemy.
- If you find mold, address the moisture source before cleaning the surface.
- Check for 'hidden' filters in your dishwasher and range hood.
- Inspect the weatherstripping on your garage door to keep pests out.
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FAQ
Common questions about this checklist.
Start from the complete car maintenance checklist, then narrow down by mileage, interval, and season.