Maintaining Your Investment

Staying on top of daily, monthly, and annual chores around your home is a necessary ‘evil’ if you want to enhance the likelihood that your property will continue to go UP in value over the years ahead.  Maintenance and repair jobs are constants.  While collectively maintaining your property is a big job, when broken down into monthly tasks, it is not as overwhelming.

Monthly checklists for home maintenance

To save time and money, plan for the seasonal needs of your home, yard, and garden by utilizing the monthly checklists below.  This will help you stay on top of the activities in and around your real estate investment.  Each monthly checklist is just a suggestion for tasks and may vary depending on your personal preferences.

MARCH - If you haven’t made a plan for your spring cleaning and fix-up projects already, now’s your chance.  Winter is basically over!

• Now is the time to do spring yard clean up. Edge beds and put out fresh mulch before plants sprout through.
• Top dress and reseed lawns. Mow when grass gets to be 4" high. Don’t mow it too short as this only encourages weed growth.
• Fertilize almost everything.
• Time to start transplanting cool season veggies to garden.
• Build arbors and trellises before transplanting or sowing seeds for vines and gourds.
• Cut back herbs.
• Organize your paper life. Root out and recycle old magazines, newspapers, and assorted mementos. Build a new file system or clear out old files that are past being useful.
• Prepare taxes or have them done, if you haven’t already. File electronically this year. If you owe, write the check and prepare to mail…on April 15 and not a minute sooner.
• As Spring starts, check your basement for cracks or leaks. If you see moisture, call a professional to check it out. Many homeowner’s insurance policies no longer cover fungus or mildew damage, so sealing basements is more important than ever!
• Clothes dryer vents should be checked at least once a quarter to make sure they are clear of any lint buildup that could cause a fire.

APRIL - With longer, warmer days, many homeowners want to throw open the windows, air out the house, and start working on projects they’ve postponed during the winter.  Many of us want to do a traditional "spring cleaning" even though it’s challenging when our regular day-to-day work demands most of our attention. There is no reason for spring cleaning, at least not as defined by our great-grandparents, but for some of us, we crave the sense of cleanliness and renewal that comes from cleaning house top-to-bottom once or twice a year.

• Use your vacuum and dishwasher to clean more efficiently.  Start at the ceiling line with the vacuum: Vacuum walls, baseboards, and furniture before vacuuming floors.  Use the dishwasher for everything that fits.  On some models, you can take out the top shelf for oversized items you might not have considered like the bathroom garbage cans, broiler pans, and bath caddies.
• Check all smoke alarms. Replace batteries if necessary.  (Some people do this on the day they change their clocks for Daylight Savings Time.)
• You still have time to reseed patchy areas of the lawn.  Now is good while everything is in growth mode.
• Transplant and move plants that are still dormant or just starting to wake up, like Hostas.  If you wait, they may be too leafed out and more susceptible to transplant shock.
• Empty clothing closets, toy boxes, cupboards, and drawers.  Vacuum, dust, or wash shelves, drawers, and cabinets depending on when they were last cleaned. Repaint a closet if you have time.
• Sort winter clothes for tossing, donating, tag sales, or storage.  Wash or dry clean woolens and down-filled clothing then store them away for next winter.
• Replace winter bedding with summer bedding. Air, then clean, comforters, blankets, flannel sheets before storing.
• Get out summer clothing and bedding.
• Take down pictures and artwork.  Clean frames and glass.
• Take plants outside and give them a good bath.  Wipe dust off leaves.
• Move appliances and heavy furniture.  Clean underneath.
• Clean oven and refrigerator.
• Dust, vacuum, or wash walls and ceilings.  (Consider washing the kitchen ceiling… unless you never cook.)
• Dust and wash blades on ceiling fans.
• Have someone clean and shampoo carpets.
• Wax furniture.  Make minor repairs as you find them.
• Wash woodwork including hardwood floors, moldings, baseboards, and doors.
• Clean light fixtures and chandeliers.  Put what you can in the dishwasher.  (Don’t do that with crystal or painted glass shades though; put crystal in warm soapy water, then rinse and dry.)
• Dust lampshades.  Replace if they are getting old and ratty.
• Take down curtains and drapes and take them to be dry cleaned.
• Wash mini-blinds, blinds, or shades.  If damaged, repair or replace.
• Go through bookshelves.  Donate or sell any books that you no longer need.
• Sort through computer clutter, videos, DVDs, electronic games, and music CDs.  Toss damaged tapes and CDs.  Sell or donate old games, CDs, and movies.  Donate usable software, manuals, and equipment.  Find a recycling center for dead equipment.  Pitch disks and floppies that you can’t read on your current systems.
• Polish silver, brass, and copper pieces.
• Wash china and crystal.
• Set aside garage sale items, drop off donations, and haul garbage to the dump or dumpster.
• Check sprinkler systems.

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MAY - By May, we’ve started planting and, with luck, have our home’s interior tidied up and organized for the next few months.  If you did not finish spring cleaning last month, you need to wrap it up!  Memorial weekend at the end of the month is typically a great time to do a couple painting projects as well as some of those fix-up projects around the yard.  When you’re done, a barbecue with family and friends is in order!

• Plan a garage or tag sale of all the stuff you gathered during your April, cleaning rampage, for this May or June.
• Finish spring cleaning projects.
• Mother’s Day.  If she is still with us, CALL YOUR MOM; send a card, buy flowers.
• Check gutters, downspouts, and roof for leaks.  Schedule roofing repair if needed.
• Check siding for winter damage.  Schedule repair.
• If planning to paint exterior, start prep now.  Call painter to schedule job.
• Clean fireplace.  Call to schedule chimney cleaning.  Have chimney re-pointed if needed.
• Clean around AC compressor and have it serviced prior to the hot summer months that are just around the corner!
• If you have them, remove storm windows.  Inspect for damage, clean, repair, then store.
• Wash window exteriors, then put in screens if you use them.
• Clear out debris from under decks or porches.
• Plant annuals.  Make a hanging basket with annuals for porch or patio.
• Cut back any trees or branches that are touching the siding or roof.
• Clean and repair patio furniture.
• Check any outdoor play equipment for damage, then repair.

JUNE  – It’s bright, sunny and the days are long.  There’s a lot to do.  The kids are out of school and looking for things to do.  Your schedule can get complicated with summer school, sports, camp, and other activities.  In addition to the annual chores, there’s plenty to do to keep up with a growing garden and yard, as well as everyday maintenance.

• Order firewood for the fall so it has the extra summer months to season.
• Check gutters.
• Paint interior or exterior if needed.
• If you haven’t cleaned the freezer recently and used up what you have, now is a good time.  That way you can take advantage of the huge array of seasonal produce that will be available over the next few months.
• Check all recreational equipment and make sure it’s in good repair, especially swimming pools.
• Check hoses on washer, refrigerator, and dishwasher.  If they show signs of deterioration, replace them now!
• If you have a wood deck, check it for signs of wear or deterioration.  Repair or replace as needed.  If you have nails popping up, consider replacing them with galvanized screws instead.
• Clean and seal decks.
• Clothes dryer vents should be checked at least once a quarter to make sure they are clear of any lint buildup that could cause a fire.
• Make sure attic vents work properly.

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JULY - July starts out with a bang on the 4th of July weekend.  July is best spent relaxing, but there are still plenty of tasks that can be done any time and now is good.  Gardens are in the height of their bloom and fruits and vegetables are showing up in profusion at the farmer’s markets.  You may find that doing as much as possible during the spring and fall will free up your time for the ongoing chores your yard and garden require.

• Check your project list.  If you’ve postponed projects, either hire someone to come in and get them done, or do them yourself now.  Many projects, while not inexpensive, are worth doing just for the peace of mind.
• Paint projects?  With windows open, July is a great month to paint.
• Clean the garage.  Get rid of junk.
• Organize tools and garden equipment.
• Check with local government regarding waste disposal of old paint, solvents, and other toxic substances you might have.  Use it up if you can, otherwise dispose of responsibly.  NEVER pour toxic substances down the drain or throw them into the landfill.
• Check fences.  Repair or replace damaged portions.
• Have septic tank pumped if you have a septic system.

AUGUST - Getting ready for school and catching that last chance for a summer break, makes August another busy month.  If you have a vegetable garden, most of your plants will be producing most heavily.

• August is still a popular month for summer vacations, but if you’ve already had yours, now is the time to get ready for school, fall, and the holidays at the end of the year.
• If you like to make Christmas gifts, now is a great time to get started!
• Check windows and doors to make sure locks work properly and that they are in good condition.  Clean tracks and lubricate hinges.  Repair or replace any cracked windows.
• Perform garage door maintenance.
• Repair minor brick and mortar cracks.  Call a professional if necessary, especially concerning foundations.
• Think you need more attic insulation?  Add it now.
• If you haven’t cleaned gutters for awhile, check them now.  You can replace damaged or leaking gutters now, or add leaf guards that will allow leaves to slide off.

SEPTEMBER - Summer is winding down and the yard starts looking a little spent, the kids are back in school, and it’s time to make sure that your home is ready for the winter.

• Drain hot water heater.  Flush and refill.
• Change the furnace filter and have it professionally serviced.
• Wash out garbage cans, disinfect, then rinse thoroughly.
• If you haven’t already, check basement for cracks or leaks.  Seal if necessary.
• If you have a sump pump, test, clean and lubricate.
• For plants that are starting to die back, remove litter and deadhead flowers.
• Add compost, manure, and mulch to garden beds.
• Plant late autumn vegetables like cabbage, peas, spinach, and swiss chard.
• Divide perennials, iris, and bulbs.  
• Remove sick or dead trees and shrubs.  
• Seed lawn if your yard has patchy spots.  Fertilizing now also encourages good root development.
• Before it gets cold, have an automatic irrigation system installed.  (Scheduling is easier with less competition than in the spring and summer.)
• Clothes dryer vents should be checked at least once a quarter to make sure they are clear of any lint buildup that could cause a fire.
• Do your "spring" cleaning now before the chilly weather sets in and enjoy a clean house for the holidays!

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OCTOBER - October days get shorter and the garden produces its last burst of color before the first frosts.  It’s a big gardening month before hunkering down for the winter.

• Keep leaves raked to prevent smothering new grass you seeded last month.
• Plant early spring bulbs and fertilize established bulb beds.
• Plant herb baskets and bulbs for forcing if you want to give them as gifts.
• At the end of the month, check sprinkler system and fix leaks.
• Store hoses.
• If you use them, take window screens out.  Wash and store.  Label so you can put them up quickly next spring.
• Wash windows before installing storm windows.
• Cover woodpile.  Split some kindling and store for ready supply.
• Harvest seeds for next year’s garden.
• Move tender perennials into the house, garage, or greenhouse.
• Turn mattresses.
• Store summer bedding and towels. Before storing, check condition.
• Clean and store summer clothing. Check condition to cull worn items for donation or tossing.  Unless you have enough kids to warrant hand-me-downs, send kids’ clothes to donation center, church, or a homeless shelter.
• Get out winter clothing and bedding.  Swap cotton summer sheets for flannel sheets and duvet covers.
• Do a big cleaning now while the weather is still relatively warm.  You’ll be able to clear out the dust and dirt that got tracked in during the summer.
• Have carpets cleaned.
• Replace weatherstripping and caulk around doors and windows.
• Switch to Daylight Savings Time.  Check smoke detector.  Replace batteries if needed.
• Replace all spices and herbs.  Buy baking supplies: flour, fresh baking soda, etc.  if you’re a seasonal baker.
• Plan holiday meals.  If you’re hosting a party, make a plan.  Check linens, glassware, and dishes.  Purchase or rent if you’re short. Get what you need well in advance.

NOVEMBER - The holiday season is just around the corner.  With a plan and a system, you can get everything done and still enjoy Thanksgiving!

• Cut back plants that have been killed by frost.  
• Clean flower and vegetable beds, then work mulch and compost into soil to prepare for next spring.  
• Rake leaves.  
• Clean gutters and downspouts.  
• Clean, oil, store garden tools.  
• Organize gardening supplies and equipment.  Inventory needed products and materials based on this past year’s consumption and prepare a list for spring garden shopping.
• Prepare for holidays.  If traveling, have car serviced.  
• Put seasonal decorations up right after Thanksgiving so you can enjoy them the entire season!  
• Organize gifts and prepare to ship out of state gifts by the end of November.  
• Make cookies and turkey.  Enjoy your family.  Watch football.  Read a good book.  

DECEMBER - December is often a manically busy month.  Make sure you schedule down time for yourself to regroup, relax, and enjoy the holidays!

• Finish shopping.  Wrap gifts.  
• Mail gifts and Christmas cards by the end of the first week of December.  
• If you didn’t get it done the last few days of November, decorate house by the end of the first week of December  
• Last chance to make donations to charities and claim the tax benefits for the current year.  Don’t forget to get a receipt!  
• Having guests?  Clean out the guest room (or space).  Dust, vacuum, change linens.  Prepare a care package of whatever you think your guest might enjoy.  Spend the night in your guest room to make sure it’s comfortable.
• Clothes dryer vents should be checked at least once a quarter to make sure they are clear of any lint buildup that could cause a fire.

JANUARY - In the darkest part of the year, it’s tempting to try hibernating through the next couple months.  After the work and mania that accompanies the holiday season, January provides an opportunity to regroup and reorganize.

• Do end of the year accounting.  Organize receipts and paperwork.
• Take down, clean, and store ornaments, decorations, and exterior lights.  Recycle or store tree.
• De-clutter seasonal stuff.  Give away or toss old, broken, or unused ornaments, decorations, and lights.
• De-clutter a closet.  First, empty it completely.  Sort by things to save, donate or sell, toss.  Clean the closet thoroughly.  Of the stuff to save, put everything that belongs somewhere else where it belongs.  Organize the stuff that belongs in that closet and put it back.
• Replace drawer liners and shelf papers.
• Wander around the house with a screwdriver and make a list of minor household repairs that can be done in a weekend. Tighten screws on drawers, doors, and furniture.  Make a list areas that need caulking around sinks and tubs.  Go to the home improvement store and buy everything you need to make all of your little repairs at once.
• Call the utility company to do an energy audit.  By now you’ll have received your first big winter heating bill, and you may be motivated to see how you can improve your home’s energy efficiency.
 

FEBRUARY - – It’s not spring yet despite the occasional warm day, but February is the perfect month to start preparing for spring cleaning and gearing up for gardening.

• Make a list of all major indoor projects that need to be done.  Prioritize them so you can get the most urgent out of the way before the garden and yard claims your attention.
• For major projects, call and get estimates now.
• Check and clean grout between tiles in your kitchen and bath.  Re-grout if necessary.  Add sealer to finish.
• Check flooring and carpet.  If it needs repair or replacement, take advantage of sales now.
• Prune roses—18 inches is the optimum height.
• Fertilize perennials and till empty garden beds if soil is dry enough.
• Reorganize the pantry.  Assess what you have on hand and if you haven’t been using stuff, make a meal plan that incorporates canned goods and freezer stock.  If you find goods that you don’t think you’ll use before their expiration dates, donate them to a food bank.. Wash shelves and add fresh shelf liner.
• Organize the laundry area.  Clear everything out.  Sort, toss, and organize shelves by task: washing stuff together, cleansers, sponges, rags in their own bins.  Check your ironing board; replace the cover if needed.

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