The Ultimate Annual Home Maintenance Checklist

Because your home deserves a yearly check-up, too.

Maybe you’re just settling into your forever home, or you’re contemplating selling; either way, annual maintenance is one of the best ways to protect your investment. Staying up on simple inspections and minor fixes can help you avoid expensive repairs, boost your home’s value, and give prospective buyers confidence that the property has been well cared for. 

Here are some things you should check, clean, and tune up once a year to keep your home and property in tip-top shape.

Start At The Top: Roofing, Gutters, Siding

Let’s start with the parts of a home that take the most weather-related wear and tear. Your roof is your first line of defense against the elements, so take a walk around your perimeter and look up. Are there any missing or curling shingles? Do you see moss discoloration that could signal moisture problems? Any chimneys and vents should also be checked for cracks and gaps. 

Next, inspect your gutters. Even if you cleaned them out in the fall, it’s wise to give them another look. Clogged gutters can lead to water spilling over and pooling near your foundation. Make sure the water can flow freely and that downspouts are directing it away from the house.

While you’re outside, take a peek at the condition of your siding and paint. If the exterior looks dirty or faded, a power wash and touch-up can go a long way in protecting against long-term weather damage. Recaulking any gaps in windows and doors can also help improve efficiency and keep pests out. 

Keep It Dry: Drainage and Foundation Basics

I’m sure it’s no surprise that water is one of the most common causes of costly home repairs, especially when it sneaks in through the foundation. Once a year, do a full check of your home’s perimeter to make sure the grading is sloped away from the foundation. If water tends to pool near your house during rainstorms, it may be time to regrade or extend your downspouts. 

On the inside, check basements or crawl spaces for signs of moisture, like musty odors, damp spots, or mold growth. Even minor issues, like condensation on walls, can indicate ventilation or insulation problems that need addressing. If you have a sump pump, test it by pouring a bucket of water into the pit, then ensure it kicks in and drains properly.  

Any new cracks in the foundation should be monitored, and significant changes should be assessed by a professional. Catching and addressing water intrusion early on is far less stressful and costly than dealing with a flooded basement later.

Show Your Systems Love: HVAC, Electrical, Safety

No one gets excited about filters and fuse boxes, but your home’s inner workings need a little TLC at least once a year. It’s a wellness check for the parts of your house that keep everything running smoothly and safely. 

Start with the HVAC system. If you haven’t swapped out your air filter recently, now is the time. A dirty filter makes your system work harder, which means higher bills and crankier air. While you’re at it, go ahead and schedule a tune-up. It costs a little upfront, but it can catch small issues before they turn into expensive surprises during the hottest week of summer or the coldest day of winter.

Next, do a quick electrical evaluationation. Press the “test” button on your GFCI outlets (those little ones with the reset button). Pop open your breaker box and give it a once-over. If anything looks scorched or smells weird…call an electrician and back away slowly.

This is also your yearly reminder to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Seriously, do it now before you forget. Swap out the batteries, push the test button, and make sure the alarms still work. It takes five minutes and could save your life. Brownie points if you check the expiration date while you’re up there (yes, detectors expire too).

Interior Touch Ups: Small Fixes That Make A Big Difference

Now it’s time for a little interior walkthrough. This isn’t about big renovations. It’s the tiny things that add up. It’s self-care for your house. 

Start with doors and windows. Are they sticking or squeaking? Some WD-40 and fresh weather stripping can work wonders. Then move on to faucet handles, cabinet pulls, towel bars, really anything that wiggles, leaks, or clanks. Tighten, fix, or replace it. These are the kind of little issues that bug you more the longer you ignore them.

Take a peek under sinks as well to ensure there are no leaks or mystery smells.  Even a slow drip can cause damage over time. Run all the taps, flush all the toilets, and make sure everything’s working as it should.

Another thing that most people skip: the water heater. Flushing it once a year helps clear out sediment, which makes it last longer and work better. Not so glamorous, but neither is a freezing cold shower when it conks out mid-winter.

This is also the perfect time to patch scuffed walls, touch up paint, or finally hang that one picture frame that’s been leaning against the wall for six months. You know the one.

Curb Appeal and Beyond: Landscaping, Decks, Detailing

Even if you’re not planning to list your home anytime soon, it’s still worth keeping the outside looking sharp. After all, your front yard is your home’s handshake. It’’s what greets you (and your neighbors, and delivery drivers) every single day.

A good place to start is taming the landscaping. Trim anything that’s trying to take over the walkway. Pull weeds. Add mulch where it’s looking sparse. If your lawn’s patchy or sad, a little reseeding or fertilizer can do the trick. 

Decks and patios deserve attention, too. Give them a power wash to blast off grime, then check for loose boards or wobbly railings. If it’s been a few years, resealing your wood surfaces can help them last longer and look a whole lot better.

Now for the finishing touches. Do your house numbers still sparkle? Is the mailbox hanging on by a thread? Is your porch light bright? These small details have a bigger impact than you’d think, especially if you’re trying to impress potential buyers or just feel more proud pulling into the driveway.

Maintenance Today, Value Tomorrow

We get it. Life gets busy, and home maintenance can feel like a never-ending to-do list. Tackling it once a year, all in one go, feels a bit more manageable. You don’t have to be a superhero or do it all in one weekend, just check in, knock a few things off the list, and keep your home humming along.

Plus, if you ever decide to sell, you’ll be way ahead of the game. A well-maintained home doesn’t just show better, it often sells faster, for more money, and with fewer inspection surprises.

So pour yourself a coffee (or something stronger), throw on a podcast, and start your annual house check-up. Your future self will thank you!

If you need help figuring out which fixes will give you the best return before selling, we can walk through your home with a buyer’s eye and help you focus on what matters most. Let’s make your home look and feel its best. Connect with us here.