The Ultimate Home Maintenance Checklist for Charleston Area Homes

Like most homeowners, your house is probably in need of some home improvement repairs and upkeep at this very moment. My home maintenance checklist is the perfect guide for keeping homes in the Charleston area ready for anything. 

Why you should use a checklist for your home maintenance

Ask most people and the idea of spending a weekend raking leaves or draining a water heater rates as high as getting a root canal. But for those same people, their home is probably their biggest investment. Keeping it regularly maintained is an incredibly important responsibility that doesn't have to be overwhelming.

Having a checklist to follow keeps you organized and on track, and breaking the tasks up into seasonal activities makes the job less overwhelming.

Spring Maintenance Checklist

Spring is typically known for the big deep clean. "Spring Cleaning" conjures up visions of days and days of scrubbing, washing and vacuuming. It's enough to make you hide under the covers and wait until summer! I have a short list to keep you on top of your home maintenance tasks without having to undertake anything overwhelming:

• Adding a layer of mulch to flower beds protects plants from dry spells and reduces weeds.
• Clear dead plants and shrubs from around the home. This makes way for new growth and tidies up the overall look of the exterior.
• Trim excess plant growth from around your home. This prevents damage, critter access, and maintains a clear path for yourself or service workers.
• Turn on outdoor faucets to inspect for any winter damage to the plumbing and hoses.
• Check trees for damaged or dying branches. Have an arborist inspect any concerning trees to prevent safety hazards during hurricane season.
• Spring is the ideal time to seed your lawn before the heat of summer. This allows the grass time to grow hardier as the temperatures rise.
• Pull out the lawnmower and give it a tune-up by cleaning or replacing spark plugs, sharpening blades and changing filters. Make sure any electric mowers and landscaping tools are charged.
• Inspect driveways and walkways for cracks or damage that may have occurred from sudden changes in temperatures over the winter.
• Clean your gutters to prevent roof leaks or other water damage to the inside of your home.
• Inspect your roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles. This will prevent leaks later on.
• Take inventory of your hurricane shutters or covers to make sure all are accounted for and don't need replacement or repair.

Summer Maintenance Checklist

Summer in the Lowcountry means trips to the beach, summer vacation for the kids, and, of course, that Lowcountry heat. With all the amazing beaches we have around, you'd probably rather be there than doing work around the house. But I have just a few items to take care of and then it's off to the beach you go!

• If you have an irrigation system installed, check your sprinklers to make sure none are damaged or clogged.
• Make sure to adjust the trim height on your mower to cut grass higher. This prevents burn and keep your lawn healthy in the warmer temperatures.
• Check decks and patios for loose or broken wood or bricks.

Fall Maintenance Checklist

Fall in the Lowcountry usually means mild temperatures and no need for heavy layers. It also means falling leaves and a few home maintenance tasks to prepare for winter.

• Keep your yard free of leaves with regular raking to prevent mold and dead grass.
• Flush your hot water heater. This removes sediment to prolong the life of your heater and helps with energy efficiency and utility costs.
• Reinstall storm windows, if available, for added insulation and heating and cooling efficiency.
• Install or replace damaged weatherstripping on doors and window frames. Weatherstripping keeps drafts out of the home, prevents water damage to your home, and helps with heating and cooling efficiency.
• Chimneys should be cleaned regularly to ensure proper airflow throughout the home, removing ash and debris from the chimney flue.

Winter Maintenance Checklist

Rarely does the Lowcountry of South Carolina see extreme winter weather conditions due to our southern location, but it does happen! And because it's so rare, it's even more important to prepare your home in case it does occur.

• Reverse ceiling fans so that cool air pushes the warm air downward.
• Colder weather causes wood and metals to shrink, loosening things like knobs and handles. Check and retighten them to prevent damage or accidents.
• Inspect and repair caulking around showers and tubs to prevent water damage.
• Check shower heads and faucets for sediment to prolong life and improve water pressure. You can even consider installing water softeners if you're running into issues with hard water stains.
• Use up or drain unused gas prior to storing lawn equipment. Old gas clogs carburetors.
• Check any foundations for cracks, and make sure winter runoff is directed away from foundations in preparation of spring storms.

Other Important Home Maintenance

The following maintenance tasks don't fall into a seasonal category, but are still really important.

Monthly

• Clean your air ducts & furnace filters regularly so your heating and air conditioning works efficiently.
• Clean drains in sinks, tubs, showers, and dishwashers to prevent smells and clogs. 
• Keeping the garage clean is one way to make sure pests aren't attracted to your home. If there's junk or trash lying around, bugs and animals may find their way indoors.
• Remove lint and debris from inside and outside washer hoses and your dryer vent. This improves energy efficiency and decreases the chance of fires by removing the flammable dryer lint.

Every 6 Months

• Vacuum refrigerator and freezer coils and empty and clean drip trays.
• Clean window and door screens.
• Replace the batteries in carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.

Yearly

• Power-wash windows and siding to prevent mold and dirt buildup that can shorten the life of the home's exterior materials.
• Oil garage-door opener and chain, garage door, and all door hinges. Make sure to use an oil or grease that doesn't attract dust or contains solvents. This prevents any jamming and that horrible squealing sound that makes your neighbors think bad thoughts about you.
• Replace interior and exterior faucet and shower head washers if needed. 

>RELATED: Get Your Home Ready to Sell With These 6 Steps

Final Thoughts

I hope this home maintenance checklist proves helpful to you. A lot of these items you may already know, but hopefully there's some you may not have thought about.

Being a homeowner certainly involves good deal of responsibilities to manage in order to keep your home safe and sound. But, If you break these maintenance projects up into seasonal activities, you won't feel as overwhelmed. This also means you'll have fewer home repairs and expenses like hiring a professional to deal with. That will definitely result in increased peace of mind.