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4 Seasons of Home Ownership

We’ve put together a list of tasks that every homeowner should tackle during the year to keep their homes in top shape. Here you'll find a collection of how-to videos, articles, downloadable checklists and more. Welcome to the 4 Seasons of Home Ownership.

Spring Checklist

Top 10 Must Do

1. Have AC and heating systems serviced by a professional.
2. Clean all rain gutters and downspouts; make repairs, if necessary.
3. Clean and repair window screens. Clean tracks and lubricate.
4. Clean debris off roof. Check for loose or damaged roof shingles or flashing. Repair, if needed.
5. Sharpen all garden tools and inspect the condition of your wheelbarrow.
6. Clean lint from the clothes dryer’s exhaust pipe.
7. Reverse ceiling fans to counterclockwise direction to blow air down.
8. Lubricate all exterior hinges, gates, garage door tracks, and locks.
9. Clear away all leaves and debris from the AC condenser unit.
10. Prepare all flowerbeds and plants.

If Time and Budget Allow

• Pressure wash decks, fences, siding and driveways.
• Add additional insulation to the attic.
• Organize at least one closet in your home.
• Dust lampshades and ceiling fan blades.
• Aerate and fertilize the lawn.
• Reseed all bare spots on lawn.

A Little Something Extra

• Flip or rotate mattresses.
• Paint the mailbox and inspect the mailbox post.
• Reorganize all DVDs, CDs, and video games.
• Take all indoor plants outside and clean.
• Test sump pump by pouring a bucket of water to activate.

Inspect fencing and gates and make any needed repairs.

Summer Checklist

Top 10 Must Do

1. Change AC and heating system filters.
2. Flush out AC drain line with bleach twice during the summer.
3. Check for loose railings or damage on wood decks. Repair, if needed.
4. Inspect fencing and gates for damage. Repair, if needed.
5. Clean all outdoor furniture.
6. Thoroughly clean and inspect outdoor grill.
7. Have fireplace chimney professionally inspected and cleaned.
8. Scrape any loose paint from siding and wood trim, then prime and paint.
9. Clean all windows inside and out.
10. Pull all weeds and add mulch to gardens and planting beds.

Clean and protect the furniture on your deck or patio to keep it looking like new.

If Time and Budget Allow

• Clean grilles and fan blades on bathroom exhaust fans.
• Inspect for cracks in concrete foundation walls, driveways and sidewalks. Fill cracks with concrete repair caulk.
• Repair cracks in asphalt driveway. Re-coat, if needed.
• Clean and deodorize garbage disposal.
• Wash or replace shower curtains.
• Remove all heating/cooling registers (grilles); thoroughly clean and replace.

Organize the garage; and sell, donate or discard what you don’t need.

A Little Something Extra

• Purge, clean and organize the garage. Schedule a garage sale, if needed.
• Inspect portable and home standby generators. Perform regular maintenance, if necessary.
• Paint the front door a bold color or refinish existing stain. Add sealer to protect.
• Organize one closet.

• 

  Cleaning leaves out of gutters.

  Fall Checklist

  Top 10 Must Do

• Replace air conditioning/heating system filters. Vacuum the area behind filters.
• Clean and inspect gutters/downspouts. Repair if needed.
• Rake leaves from the lawn.
• Drain gas from the lawnmower. Tune up the engine and sharpen the blade.
• Install storm windows and storm doors.
• Drain and flush the water heater.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Check all weatherstripping on doors and windows. Replace if damaged.
• Drain lawn irrigation system.
• Caulk all cracks on exterior of home.

• 

  If Time and Budget Allow

• Trim hedges and shrubs.
• Recoat the trim paint in at least one room of the house.

• 

• Pull out and unplug the refrigerator to clean behind it. Vacuum the coils.
• Remove all dead plants from gardens, and trim dead tree limbs.
• Check caulking around the bathtubs. Re-caulk, if necessary.
• Clean and deodorize the dishwasher with white vinegar.
•  

• A Little Something Extra

• Split and stack firewood.
• Make sure fire extinguishers are fully charged.
• Replace liners in cabinet drawers.
• Clean and lubricate garden tools, then store them away.

• 

  Clean and oil your snowblower to keep it running efficiently this winter.

  Winter Checklist

  Top 10 Must Do

• Change heating system filters.
• Clean kitchen range hood filter.
• Clean all baseboard heaters.
• Change water and icemaker filters on the refrigerator.
• Thoroughly clean, oil and prepare snowblower for winter.
• Gather tools and supplies for removing ice from walkways and driveways.
• Inspect the washing machine hoses for leaks or damage. Replace, if necessary.
• Insulate exposed water lines and hose bibs.
• Set ceiling fans to rotate clockwise to circulate warm air.
• Prepare portable or standby generators.

• 

  Add a winter survival kit to your vehicle for driving in severe weather.

  If Time and Budget Allow

• Empty bookcases and wipe shelves clean.
• Check insulation. Add more, if necessary.
• Add winter survival kit to car.
• Wipe down every baseboard in the house.
• Paint a bedroom.
• Apply revitalizer to your hardwood floor.

• 

  Organizing holiday decorations before storing them will make next year’s decorating go much more smoothly.

  A Little Something Extra

• Organize holiday decorations and discard broken items.
• Color stain grout on one floor.
• Clean and organize one closet.