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.
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| 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.