Your Complete Home Care System

Maintenance & Care Guide

Proactive maintenance protects your investment, prevents costly repairs, and keeps your home running smoothly. This comprehensive guide provides system-by-system care instructions, timelines, and professional tips to help you maintain your home with confidence.

Jump to System Guide

Essential annual tasks

$1,200

Avg. yearly maintenance cost

2-4%

Of home value per year

10X

ROI on preventive care

🏠

Roof & Gutters

Spring & Fall inspections

Your roof is your home's first line of defense against the elements. Regular inspections and maintenance can extend its lifespan by 10-15 years and prevent water damage that could cost $10,000+.

Clean gutters and downspouts 💰 $150-300 (Pro) | DIY

Remove leaves, debris, and buildup twice yearly. Ensure water flows freely away from foundation. Consider gutter guards to reduce maintenance.
Inspect shingles for damage 💰 DIY Free | Pro $150-300

Look for missing, cracked, or curling shingles. Check for granule loss in gutters. Early detection prevents leaks and structural damage.
Check flashing and seals 💰 DIY Free | Repairs $200-500

Inspect chimney, vents, and skylight flashing for gaps or rust. Verify caulking around penetrations is intact and flexible.
Trim overhanging branches 💰 DIY Free | Pro $200-600

Keep tree limbs 6-10 feet from roof to prevent damage and reduce debris. Protects against storm damage and pest access.
Inspect attic for leaks 💰 DIY Free | Pro $100-200

Look for water stains, moisture, or daylight through roof boards. Address issues immediately to prevent mold and structural damage.

💡 Pro Tip

Most roofing issues start at penetrations (chimneys, vents) and edges. Focus your inspections here. A $200 annual professional inspection can catch problems before they become $5,000+ repairs. Document your roof's condition with photos for insurance purposes.

🌡️

Heating & Cooling (HVAC)

Quarterly maintenance

HVAC systems account for 40-50% of your home's energy usage. Proper maintenance improves efficiency by 15-40%, extends equipment life by 5-10 years, and maintains healthy indoor air quality.

Replace air filters monthly 💰 $5-20/month

Use quality pleated filters (MERV 8-11). Mark your calendar or subscribe to filter delivery service. Dirty filters reduce efficiency by 15% and strain your system.
Schedule professional tune-ups 💰 $150-300 (2x/year)

Service heating in fall, cooling in spring. Includes refrigerant check, electrical inspection, and calibration. Prevents 95% of breakdowns.
Clean outdoor condenser unit 💰 DIY $10 | Pro $80-150

Remove debris, leaves, and vegetation. Spray fins gently with water. Maintain 2-foot clearance around unit. Improves efficiency by 10-15%.
Check and clean vents 💰 DIY Free | Duct Clean $300-500

Ensure all registers are open and unblocked by furniture. Vacuum dust from vents. Balanced airflow prevents hot/cold spots and reduces energy waste.
Test thermostat accuracy 💰 DIY Free | New $50-250

Compare thermostat reading to thermometer. Calibrate or replace if off by more than 2°F. Consider upgrading to programmable or smart thermostat (saves 10-23%).
Inspect ductwork for leaks 💰 DIY $20 sealing | Pro $300-600

Feel for air leaks at connections. Seal gaps with mastic (not duct tape). Leaky ducts waste 20-30% of heating/cooling energy.

💡 Pro Tip

Keep a maintenance log with filter change dates, service visits, and any issues. HVAC systems last 15-20 years with proper care but only 10-12 without. Set your thermostat 7-10°F back for 8 hours daily to save 10% annually on heating/cooling costs without sacrificing comfort.

💧

Plumbing & Water Systems

Quarterly checks

Water damage is the #2 most common homeowner insurance claim, averaging $10,000 per incident. Regular plumbing maintenance prevents leaks, conserves water (average household wastes 10,000 gallons/year), and protects your home's foundation.

Inspect for leaks monthly 💰 DIY Free | Avg repair $150-400

Check under sinks, around toilets, and at water heater. Monitor water bill for unusual spikes. A dripping faucet wastes 3,000 gallons/year.
Test water pressure 💰 Gauge $10 | Regulator $200-400

Optimal range: 40-70 PSI. High pressure (80+ PSI) damages pipes and appliances. Install pressure regulator if needed ($200-400).
Flush water heater annually 💰 DIY or $100 (Pro)

Drain 1-2 gallons to remove sediment buildup. Extends heater life by 5+ years and improves efficiency by 10-15%. Inspect anode rod every 3-5 years.
Clean aerators and showerheads 💰 DIY Free | New fixtures $20-100

Soak in vinegar to remove mineral deposits. Improves flow and prevents clogs. Replace old fixtures with WaterSense models (saves 20% water).
Inspect exposed pipes 💰 DIY Free | Insulation $50-150

Look for corrosion, moisture, or white/green buildup. Check pipe insulation in crawl spaces and attics. Insulate pipes in unheated areas before winter.
Test sump pump (if applicable) 💰 DIY Free | Replacement $800-1,500

Pour water into pit to trigger float switch. Ensure discharge line is clear. Install battery backup ($150-300) for power outage protection.
Maintain septic system 💰 $300-600 every 3-5 years

Pump septic tank regularly (3-5 years depending on size/usage). Avoid flushing chemicals, grease, or non-biodegradables. Protects $10,000+ system.

💡 Pro Tip

Know where your main water shutoff valve is and test it annually. In an emergency, shutting off water quickly can prevent $10,000s in damage. Label all shutoff valves. Consider installing smart water leak detectors ($50-200) that alert your phone—they pay for themselves with just one prevented leak.

⚡

Electrical & Safety Systems

Monthly & annual checks

Electrical fires cause $1.3 billion in property damage annually. Regular electrical maintenance and working safety systems are critical for protecting your family and investment. Most electrical issues show warning signs before becoming dangerous.

Test smoke & CO detectors monthly 💰 Batteries $15/yr | New unit $15-50

Press test button on each unit. Replace batteries annually. Replace entire detector every 10 years. Install one on each level and outside bedrooms.
Test GFCI outlets monthly 💰 DIY Free | Replacement $15-25

Press "test" button—power should cut off. Press "reset" to restore. GFCIs in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoors prevent electrocution. Replace if non-functional.
Inspect electrical panels 💰 DIY Free | Pro inspection $200-400

Look for rust, burning smells, or warm breakers. Ensure panel door closes properly. If you frequently reset breakers, call an electrician—circuit may be overloaded.
Check for warning signs 💰 Electrician visit $100-200/hr

Flickering lights, buzzing sounds, discolored outlets, or burning smells require professional inspection. Never ignore these—they indicate dangerous conditions.
Inspect extension cords 💰 DIY Free | New cord $10-40

Look for fraying, damage, or heat. Never daisy-chain cords or run under rugs. Extension cords are temporary—install outlets for permanent needs.
Service fire extinguishers 💰 DIY check free | New $20-70

Check pressure gauge monthly. Shake yearly to prevent settling. Replace after 12 years or use. Keep one per level, including kitchen and garage.
Inspect outdoor lighting 💰 Bulbs $5-15 | Fixtures $30-200

Check motion sensors, timers, and bulbs. Clean fixtures. Ensure weatherproof covers are intact. Good outdoor lighting deters burglars by 50%.

💡 Pro Tip

Schedule a professional electrical inspection every 10 years or when buying a home ($200-400). Older homes (pre-1970s) may have outdated wiring that doesn't meet current safety codes. Installing whole-home surge protection ($200-500) protects all electronics from lightning and power surges.

🎨

Interior Finishes & Surfaces

Seasonal deep cleaning

Interior finishes are your home's aesthetic layer but also protect underlying structures from moisture, wear, and damage. Proper care preserves value, prevents costly replacements, and maintains a healthy indoor environment.

Inspect and touch up paint 💰 Touch-up $20-50 | Full room $200-600

Address chips, cracks, and peeling promptly to prevent moisture infiltration. Keep paint samples for touch-ups. Full interior repainting every 5-10 years.
Recaulk bathrooms & kitchens 💰 $50-100 (DIY)

Check caulk around tubs, showers, sinks, and countertops annually. Remove and replace deteriorating caulk to prevent water damage behind walls.
Clean and seal grout 💰 DIY $20-40 | Pro $200-500

Scrub tile grout with specialized cleaner. Reseal every 1-2 years to prevent staining and moisture penetration. Prevents mold growth and tile damage.
Maintain hardwood floors 💰 Refinish $3-8/sq ft every 7-10 yrs

Sweep/vacuum regularly. Damp mop (not wet). Refinish every 7-10 years or when wear shows through. Use felt pads under furniture to prevent scratches.
Check window & door seals 💰 Weatherstrip $2-4/ft | Caulk $5-10

Inspect weatherstripping and caulk around windows/doors. Replace worn seals. Proper sealing saves 10-20% on heating/cooling and prevents drafts.
Clean or replace cabinet hardware 💰 New hardware $3-15 per pull

Tighten loose screws. Clean buildup from hinges and handles. Replace dated hardware for instant kitchen/bathroom refresh ($50-200).
Deep clean carpets annually 💰 $100-300 (Pro)

Professional steam cleaning extends carpet life by 50%. Vacuum weekly. Address stains immediately. Replace carpet every 8-12 years depending on quality and traffic.

💡 Pro Tip

Create a "home maintenance kit" with touch-up paint, caulk, grout sealer, wood markers, and cleaning supplies specific to your finishes. Take photos of each room after renovations or updates—these help with insurance claims and future projects. Small cosmetic maintenance now prevents major renovations later.

🏡

Exterior & Foundation

Seasonal inspections

Your home's exterior and foundation are constantly exposed to weather, moisture, and temperature changes. Proactive maintenance prevents water intrusion, structural damage, and pest problems—the most expensive repairs to fix.

Inspect foundation for cracks 💰 DIY Free | Pro eval $300-800

Walk perimeter looking for new or widening cracks. Monitor existing cracks with date-marked photos. Horizontal cracks or bulges require immediate professional assessment.
Check drainage and grading 💰 DIY Free | Regrade $500-3,000

Ensure ground slopes away from foundation (6" drop in 10 feet). Extend downspouts 5-10 feet from house. Poor drainage causes 60% of foundation problems.
Maintain siding and paint 💰 Wash $200-400 | Paint $3,000-10,000

Pressure wash annually (1500 PSI max). Repair damaged siding promptly. Repaint/stain as needed. Quality exterior paint protects for 7-10 years in most climates.
Seal driveway and walkways 💰 $200-500 every 2-3 years

Fill cracks before they spread. Sealcoat asphalt to prevent water damage and extend life to 30 years. Repair concrete before freeze-thaw cycles worsen damage.
Inspect deck/patio annually 💰 Seal $200-500 | Repairs vary

Check for rot, loose boards, rusted fasteners. Power wash and reseal wood decks every 2-3 years. Tighten railings—they loosen over time and pose safety hazards.
Control vegetation near home 💰 DIY Free | Pro trim $200-800

Keep shrubs 18-24" from foundation. Trim trees touching roof/siding. Plants trap moisture and provide pest access. Proper spacing improves air circulation.
Inspect and maintain fences 💰 Seal/stain $500-2,000 | Repairs vary

Check for rot, leaning posts, loose boards. Restain/seal wood fences every 2-3 years. Replace damaged sections before entire panels need replacement.

💡 Pro Tip

Foundation issues are expensive but preventable. The three keys: proper drainage, consistent moisture (water foundation in drought, prevent ponding in rain), and controlling vegetation. Minor foundation repairs cost $500-3,000; major structural work runs $10,000-50,000+. An ounce of prevention is worth a ton of cure here.

Additional Resources

📋 Create Your Schedule

Download our customizable maintenance calendar template or use a home maintenance app to set reminders. Consistency is key—schedule maintenance like you schedule important appointments.

💰 Budget Planning

Set aside 1-4% of your home's value annually for maintenance and repairs. A $300,000 home needs $3,000-12,000/year depending on age and condition. Build an emergency fund for unexpected repairs.

🔧 When to DIY vs Hire

DIY: Cleaning, filters, caulking, painting, basic landscaping. Hire Pros: Electrical, gas lines, structural work, roofing, HVAC repair, plumbing beyond simple fixes. Know your limits—improper DIY can cost more to fix.

⚡ Keep These Numbers Handy

Create a list of trusted contractors, utility companies, and emergency contacts. Post it inside a kitchen cabinet or save in your phone. In an emergency, you don't want to be searching for phone numbers.

🔧 Plumber: _____________

⚡ Electrician: _____________

🌡️ HVAC: _____________

🏠 Roofer: _____________

💧 Water Shutoff: _____________

⚡ Electric Panel: _____________

🔥 Gas Shutoff: _____________

📞 Insurance: _____________