Now’s the ideal time of year for some important household tasks to avoid problems during winter, keep appliances and equipment working at peak performance, and be ready when spring comes! Use our handy checklist for keeping track of what needs to be done. Simply copy and customize to what your house needs!
Outside – Pool, Patio and Hardscaping:
__ Winterize your pool and spa as per manufacturer instructions
__ Winterize non-heated pool house and outdoor showers
__ Repair masonry and driveway cracks before the cold weather
__ Put away outdoor furniture, cushions, flower pots and accessories
__ Replace any exterior burned-out light bulbs
Outside – Freezing Temperatures and Snow Prep:
__ Clean all gutters and drains
__ Confirm your snow removal contract is in place with provider
__ Set driveway snow melt systems
__ Put tall markers in place along perimeter of driveway (before ground freezes) and next to fuel/propane tank lids
__ Disconnect all garden hoses from exterior water spigots; if spigots are not “frost free” drain and turn-off water to them
__ Winterize irrigation system, outdoor sinks, and water features as per manufacturer instructions
Outside – Landscaping:
__ Lawn: apply post emergent, core, aerate and overseed
__ Apply recommended applications and feedings to have healthy plantings, trees, shrubs and lawns next spring
__ Cover boxwoods and/or holly shrubs/trees in burlap or other covering, as per plant guidelines
__ Remove all leaves from the lawn before the snow
__ Prune ornamental tree branches, early fall, before snow can snap them
Inside – Heating, Cooling and Power:
__ Switch thermostats from cool to heat mode; use custom settings based on your family’s schedules
__ Get boiler, furnace and other heating equipment cleaned and serviced as needed
__ Change HVAC filters (two times per year)
__ Turn on and inspect humidifiers
__ Follow service recommendations for power generators (typically twice/year)
Inside – Water & Plumbing:
__ Clean sink waste traps (quarterly)
__ Pour lemon juice in garbage disposals to help control odors
__ Clean out/replace filters on dishwashers
__ Make sure water supply pipes in uninsulated attics are insulated
__ Inspect/change water filters
__ Add water softeners if used
__ Flush infrequently-used basement waste ejector pumps (monthly)
Inside - Clean & Maintain:
__ Vacuum and dust TVs, media equipment and computers
__ Clean out central vacuum system canisters
__ Clean grease out of cooktop exhaust filters
__ Run self-clean on oven (based on usage)
__ Run self-clean on ice maker (based on water quality)
__ Clean-out dryer vents and hoses
__ Seal of marble and granite tile and countertops
__ Re-grout tile if needed, especially in showers, bathtubs and sink areas.
Safety and Security:
__ Check and change batteries in electronic locks, safes and flashlights
__ Clean security camera lens and do any system maintenance
__ Test smoke and CO detectors and replace batteries if not hardwired
__ Inspect/replace fire extinguishers
Garage and Automobile Care:
__ Clean off sensors on garage doors
__ Test/replace garage door opener batteries
__ Put snow/ice scrapers and maybe a small shovel in your vehicles
__ Keep snow shovels and ice melt handy in the garage
__ Check your car - tire treads, pressure and washer fluid level
__ Throw a spare blanket, hat and gloves in the trunk
Service Contracts and Maintenance:
__ Do a general inspection of roofing, mechanical rooms, generators, etc. and set up repair visits as needed
__ Confirm annual contracts are in-place:
__ Security system
__ Audio/video, computer, network updates
__ HVAC - heating, oil, gas
__ Well pump and/or water filtration
__ Pest control
__ Snow removal
__ Trash pick-up
__ Landscaping care
As you’re making any repairs or updates, you may be interested in migrating to more environmentally-friendly, energy-efficient, cost-saving solutions. Technology has brought about a wave of “green” options for many features in a home, from lighting to HVAC, flooring, water usage and much more.
Yes, running a home is a lot of work! It takes planning, patience and persistence. If you don’t have the time, interest or skill level to manage the above tasks (plus repairs, remodels, upgrades, etc.), you can hire a property management company to handle some or all of it. For example, we at R.R.Builders handle the full spectrum of property care – from scheduling & overseeing professional maintenance & repair services, to doing projects ourselves. Whether you’re at home, work, or away, we can be your single point of contact for all home and property needs. We make sure everything runs smoothly, maintain a physical presence at the property, and handle urgent issues that may arise. Learn more about our approach and our variety of property management services.
