Annual Home Maintenance Checklist to Keep Your Property Value Up

Homeowners who stay on top of routine maintenance are more likely to preserve their property’s value and avoid costly repairs. In fact, 97% of homeowners report performing at least some maintenance work on their home. A well-structured home maintenance checklist helps ensure you’re managing essential tasks and preventing long-term damage. Whether you're living in your home or preparing to sell, routine house check efforts contribute significantly to long-term property upkeep, especially in active markets like Evanston, IL real estate.

Maintaining your home throughout the year isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a form of residential care that protects your investment. This article outlines essential house maintenance tips by season and frequency, offering a structured guide to preventative home care.

• Homeowners spend an average of $4,283 each year on property upkeep and repairs.
• On average, people dedicate 17.1 hours monthly to home repair, maintenance, or home improvement projects.
• Roughly 55% of all home maintenance and repair work involves painting or staining.
• Plumbing accounts for about 48% of household maintenance tasks.
• Around 37% of homeowners experience roof-related maintenance issues.

A consistent maintenance schedule makes long-term upkeep more manageable. Here are the basics to address monthly:

• Check and replace HVAC filters.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Inspect plumbing under sinks for leaks.
• Look for signs of pest activity.
• Clean kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans.
• Run water in unused guest bathrooms to prevent stagnant plumbing.

These small efforts go a long way in fixing household issues before they escalate.

Annual tasks are key to building maintenance and are best scheduled around inspections and seasonal changes:

• Schedule a full HVAC service before extreme temperatures arrive.
• Flush your water heater to remove sediment buildup.
• Inspect foundation and drainage systems.
• Clean out dryer vent ducts.
• Hire a professional to inspect your roof for potential damage.

Annual home upkeep services are an investment in your property’s longevity.

Cold months demand a focus on home preservation and energy efficiency:

• Insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing.
• Test your heating system and thermostats.
• Check attic and basement for air leaks.
• Clear snow from foundation vents and gutters.
• Seal gaps around windows and doors.
• Reverse ceiling fans to push warm air down.

Following these home care guide steps can help reduce winter heating costs.

Spring is ideal for preventative home care and inspecting winter wear and tear:

• Clean gutters and downspouts.
• Check roof shingles and flashing for signs of damage.
• Power wash siding and decks.
• Reseal wood fences or decks.
• Check grading near the foundation to ensure water drains away.
• Inspect sprinkler systems for leaks or clogs.

Start-of-season home improvement projects help prevent further deterioration.

Summer is a good time to tackle DIY home improvement projects and external fixes:

• Service air conditioning units.
• Examine exterior paint for chipping or peeling.
• Trim back trees and bushes near structures.
• Inspect your deck or patio for loose boards or nails.
• Check and maintain lawn irrigation systems.

Summer is also ideal for scheduling professional home upkeep services if needed.

Fall is all about preparing your home for cold weather and protecting your infrastructure:

• Clean chimney and fireplace if applicable.
• Drain and store garden hoses.
• Inspect weatherstripping on all exterior doors.
• Clean gutters to prepare for falling leaves.
• Service furnace and heating systems.
• Inspect your roof for loose or missing shingles.

These house maintenance tips can help avoid winter-related damage.

Look for cracked, curling, or missing shingles, as well as interior signs like water stains on ceilings. Regular roof inspection is an important part of any home care guide.

Install smart home monitoring systems, lock all doors and windows, and set up timers for lights. Preventative steps like these protect your home when you're not around.

While many tasks fall under DIY home improvement, an annual inspection from a licensed contractor can identify structural or safety issues you may overlook.

Routine home maintenance keeps small issues from becoming large expenses. From home repair and seasonal tasks to annual system inspections, these efforts form a critical part of property upkeep and preventative home care. In areas with competitive markets like Evanston, IL real estate, well-maintained properties often sell faster and command higher prices.

A solid maintenance schedule not only preserves value but also makes your home more energy efficient and safer to live in. Whether you're tackling tasks yourself or hiring pros for home upkeep services, consistency is key.

Summerville Partners, led by founder and broker Mary Summerville, brings nearly 30 years of experience to the Evanston, IL real estate market. With over 1,700 closed transactions and two-thirds of a billion dollars in sales, the firm has built lasting client relationships based on a strong track record of performance, market insight, and trust.

Their team is known for a client-first approach, constantly refining strategies and adapting to evolving market conditions. They also leverage the latest tools and systems to identify ideal real estate opportunities and negotiate favorable outcomes for their clients.

Contact Summerville Partners today for expert advice and personalized assistance navigating the Evanston, IL real estate market.