Annual Home Maintenance Checklist For PNW Residents

Jun 7

When determining a property’s value, one of the key factors I look at is how well-maintained a home is. Regular upkeep helps prevent minor issues from escalating into costly repairs, saving homeowners significant amounts of money and potential headaches. Particularly here in the rainy PNW, it is essential to take diligent care of your home’s exterior. Prospective buyers are often attracted to homes that have been diligently maintained, as it reflects the care and pride of ownership. By prioritizing regular home maintenance, homeowners can enjoy the benefits of increased property value, peace of mind, and a comfortable living space for themselves and potential future buyers.

If you are thinking of selling your home but are concerned that aspects may have fallen out of repair, don’t worry. I always recommend completing a pre-listing inspection with all of my sellers so that we can identify any needed improvements before hitting the market. If there are any needed repairs, we will work together on creating an action plan to prep your home to be fully market-ready.

I’ve put together a list of the top annual home maintenance by month that Washington State homeowners should keep a careful eye on to protect the long-term value, safety, and overall health of their homes.

June:

Schedule professional pest maintenance or exterminator services to check for any signs of unwanted pests.
Check for leaky pipes or stagnant water around the home.
Repair fences and fix holes or loose nails.
Fill holes or cracks in the driveway.

July:

Eliminate mold in the bathroom, repair grout, and replace caulk.
Wash windows and door screens.
Check drainage to ensure water runs away from the foundation.
Change HVAC and furnace filters.

August:

Deep clean carpets.
Clean fridge and freezer coils and empty drip trays.
Replace washers in faucets.

September:

Clean chimney and fireplace.
Inspect the roof for shingle damage or leaks.
Check and clean exhaust fans, eliminating any mold.

October:

Fix or replace flooring, countertops, cabinetry, or other major projects.
Hire an exterminator to spray for insects.
Clean rain gutters and downspouts.
Change HVAC and furnace filters.

November:

Test and replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Schedule plumbing maintenance and protect exposed pipes from freezing.
Inspect the furnace and central heating system.
Plant new trees after the leaves have fallen.

December:

Inspect and clean light fixtures and replace bulbs.
Reseal windows and add weather protection.
Check attic ventilation and ensure no obstructions or mold.

January:

Trim shrubs and remove dead branches.
Patch up bald spots and reseed/fertilize the lawn.
Trim trees and remove any dead branches or hazardous trees.
Check for pests, especially around the foundation and wood near the ground.
Monitor water level in the boiler and flush out the hot water heater.
Inspect for water damage around windows, pipes, and home foundation.
Change HVAC and furnace filters.

February:

Paint interior and exterior spots that need refreshing.
Repaint and restrain doors, including the garage door.
Oil door hinges, locks, and handles.

March:

Test and replace batteries in carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.
Inspect the roof for missing or damaged shingles.
Clean the exterior of the house and replace damaged siding or shutters.
Spruce up landscaping, add fresh mulch, and plant perennials.
Fill in bald patches and reseed/fertilize the lawn.
Turn on outside faucets and check for damage.
Open attic and crawl space vents to allow air to circulate. If you do not have vents, consider having them installed.