Annual Home Maintenance Checklist: Room by Room
This article is for informational purposes only. Always hire licensed, insured professionals for home repair work.
Data Notice: Figures, rates, and statistics cited in this article are based on the most recent available data at time of writing and may reflect projections or prior-year figures. Always verify current numbers with official sources before making financial, medical, or educational decisions.
Annual Home Maintenance Checklist: Room by Room
A house is the most expensive thing most people will ever own, and it deteriorates from the day it is built. Sun degrades roofing and siding. Water infiltrates wherever caulk fails. Mechanical systems wear with every cycle. Ignoring maintenance does not save money — it borrows against future repair costs at a punishing interest rate.
A ~$200 gutter cleaning you skip today becomes a ~$5,000 foundation repair in three years when water pools against the foundation. A ~$150 HVAC tune-up you defer becomes a ~$3,000 compressor replacement when the system runs dirty for two summers. A ~$50 caulking job you ignore becomes a ~$2,000 rot repair when water penetrates the window frame for three winters.
The American Society of Home Inspectors estimates that homeowners should budget 1% to 3% of their home’s value annually for maintenance and repairs. For a ~$400,000 home, that is ~$4,000 to ~$12,000 per year. This checklist shows you exactly where that money should go, when each task is due, what it costs, and whether you should do it yourself or hire a professional.
Key Takeaways
- Preventive maintenance costs ~$2,000 to ~$4,000 per year for the average home. Deferred maintenance costs ~$10,000+ when problems compound.
- Most maintenance tasks take 30 minutes to 2 hours and require no specialized skills. The barrier is knowledge and discipline, not difficulty.
- Seasonal timing matters. Performing maintenance at the right time of year catches problems before they cause damage during the upcoming season.
- A simple tracking system — a spreadsheet, a notes app, or even a paper calendar — ensures nothing falls through the cracks.
- Some tasks require a professional every time (HVAC service, chimney inspection, roof inspection). Others are ideal for DIY to save money.
How to Use This Checklist
This guide is organized by season and by location within the home. For each task, you will find:
- What to do — a specific, actionable description
- Why it matters — the consequence of skipping it
- Cost — approximate professional cost or DIY cost
- DIY or Pro? — whether you should handle it yourself or hire someone
- Frequency — how often the task needs to be performed
Print this checklist, save it to your phone, or transfer it to your preferred task manager. Check off items as you complete them. At the end of the year, you will have a complete maintenance record — valuable for insurance claims, home sale disclosures, and your own peace of mind.
Spring Checklist (March–May)
Spring maintenance focuses on recovering from winter and preparing for the heat, humidity, and storms of summer.
Exterior
Roof and Gutters
| Task | Why It Matters | Cost (Pro) | Cost (DIY) | DIY or Pro? | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inspect roof for winter damage | Missing or damaged shingles lead to leaks | ~$150–$350 (inspection) | Free (binoculars from ground) | Ground inspection: DIY. Roof walk: Pro | Annually |
| Clean gutters and downspouts | Clogged gutters cause water to pool near foundation, leading to basement leaks and foundation damage | ~$100–$250 | ~$0–$20 (gloves, ladder) | DIY (single story); Pro (multi-story) | Twice/year |
| Check gutter slope and alignment | Gutters that sag or slope incorrectly do not drain | ~$100–$300 (repair) | ~$10–$30 (hangers) | DIY if accessible | Annually |
| Inspect flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights | Failed flashing is the #1 source of roof leaks | Included in roof inspection | Visual only from ground | Pro for repair | Annually |
Siding and Foundation
| Task | Why It Matters | Cost (Pro) | Cost (DIY) | DIY or Pro? | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inspect siding for damage or gaps | Gaps allow water and pest intrusion | ~$200–$500 (repair per section) | ~$20–$50 (caulk, sealant) | DIY for caulking; Pro for siding repair | Annually |
| Check foundation for new cracks | Foundation cracks worsen over time; early detection saves thousands | ~$500–$1,500 (minor repair) | Free (visual inspection) | DIY inspection; Pro for repair | Annually |
| Grade check — soil slopes away from foundation | Negative grading directs water toward the foundation | ~$500–$2,000 (regrading) | ~$50–$200 (topsoil, shovel) | DIY for minor corrections | Annually |
| Pressure wash exterior surfaces | Removes mold, mildew, and dirt that degrade surfaces | ~$200–$600 | ~$50–$100 (rental) | DIY (single story, flat surfaces) | Annually |
Yard and Landscaping
| Task | Why It Matters | Cost (Pro) | Cost (DIY) | DIY or Pro? | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trim trees and shrubs away from house | Branches touching the house damage siding and provide pest pathways | ~$200–$800 per tree | ~$20–$50 (pruning tools) | DIY for small shrubs; Pro for trees | Annually |
| Inspect and repair fence | Loose or rotting fence components worsen quickly | ~$200–$600 per section | ~$30–$100 (materials) | DIY for minor repairs; Pro for sections | Annually |
| Service lawn mower and outdoor equipment | Well-maintained equipment lasts longer and performs better | ~$75–$150 per machine | ~$20–$40 (oil, filter, spark plug) | DIY | Annually |
| Check irrigation system (if applicable) | Leaks waste water and money; misaligned heads damage landscaping | ~$75–$200 (spring activation) | ~$10–$30 (replacement heads) | DIY or Pro for complex systems | Annually |
| Apply mulch to beds | Retains moisture, suppresses weeds, regulates soil temperature | ~$200–$600 | ~$50–$200 (bulk mulch) | DIY | Annually |
Interior
HVAC
| Task | Why It Matters | Cost (Pro) | Cost (DIY) | DIY or Pro? | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schedule AC tune-up | Professional servicing extends system life by 3–5 years and maintains efficiency | ~$100–$200 | N/A | Pro — always | Annually (spring) |
| Replace HVAC filter | Dirty filters reduce efficiency by up to 15% and degrade air quality | N/A | ~$10–$30 per filter | DIY | Every 1–3 months |
| Clean AC condenser coils (outdoor unit) | Debris on coils reduces cooling efficiency | Included in tune-up | ~$10 (garden hose, coil cleaner) | DIY (gentle rinse) or Pro | Annually |
| Test AC operation before peak summer | Discovering problems in spring avoids emergency rates in July | Free (during tune-up) | Free (turn on and verify) | DIY test; Pro for problems | Annually |
Kitchen
| Task | Why It Matters | Cost (Pro) | Cost (DIY) | DIY or Pro? | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clean range hood filter and exhaust fan | Grease buildup reduces ventilation and creates fire risk | N/A | Free (soak in degreaser) | DIY | Every 3–6 months |
| Inspect under-sink plumbing for leaks | Slow leaks cause mold and cabinet damage | ~$100–$250 (repair) | Free (visual inspection) | DIY inspection; Pro for repair | Every 6 months |
| Run garbage disposal with ice and citrus | Cleans blades and reduces odor | N/A | ~$1 (ice + lemon) | DIY | Monthly |
| Check dishwasher door seal | Failed seals cause floor water damage | ~$100–$200 (replacement) | ~$20–$50 (replacement seal) | DIY | Annually |
| Clean refrigerator coils | Dirty coils increase energy consumption by ~15% and shorten compressor life | ~$100–$150 | Free (vacuum with brush attachment) | DIY | Every 6–12 months |
Bathrooms
| Task | Why It Matters | Cost (Pro) | Cost (DIY) | DIY or Pro? | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Re-caulk tub/shower if deteriorating | Failed caulk allows water behind walls, causing mold and rot | ~$100–$200 | ~$5–$15 (caulk + caulk gun) | DIY | Every 1–3 years |
| Check toilet for leaks and running | A running toilet wastes | ~$100–$200 (repair) | ~$10–$20 (flapper kit) | DIY | Every 6 months |
| Test exhaust fan operation | Non-functioning fans allow moisture buildup, causing mold | ~$150–$350 (replacement) | Free (test) | DIY test; Pro for replacement | Every 6 months |
| Inspect grout and repair if needed | Missing grout allows water penetration behind tiles | ~$150–$400 (re-grout) | ~$10–$30 (grout + tools) | DIY for small areas | Annually |
Summer Checklist (June–August)
Summer maintenance focuses on protecting against heat, managing outdoor spaces, and catching problems while conditions are dry.
Exterior
| Task | Why It Matters | Cost (Pro) | Cost (DIY) | DIY or Pro? | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inspect and clean deck or patio | Prevents surface degradation and identifies structural problems early | ~$200–$500 (clean + seal) | ~$30–$80 (cleaner, sealant) | DIY | Annually |
| Seal or stain deck if due | Unprotected wood degrades 3–5x faster than sealed wood; deck builder for major issues | ~$500–$1,500 | ~$100–$300 (sealant, applicator) | DIY | Every 2–3 years |
| Inspect exterior paint and touch up | Peeling paint exposes wood to moisture | ~$300–$800 (touch-up) | ~$30–$80 (paint, brush) | DIY for small areas; Pro for full house | Annually |
| Check exterior caulking (windows, doors, siding joints) | Failed caulk is the primary entry point for water and air | ~$100–$300 | ~$10–$30 (caulk) | DIY | Annually |
| Inspect and repair window screens | Damaged screens allow insects into the home | ~$50–$150 per screen | ~$10–$20 per screen (kits) | DIY | Annually |
Interior
| Task | Why It Matters | Cost (Pro) | Cost (DIY) | DIY or Pro? | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test smoke and CO detectors | Functional detectors save lives; batteries die without warning | N/A | ~$5–$15 (batteries) | DIY | Twice/year (spring + fall) |
| Test all GFCI outlets | GFCI outlets protect against electrocution in wet areas | ~$75–$150 per outlet (replacement) | Free (press Test/Reset buttons) | DIY test; Pro for replacement | Every 6 months |
| Inspect attic for proper ventilation and signs of moisture | Poor attic ventilation causes ice dams in winter and accelerates roof aging | ~$150–$300 (inspection) | Free (visual inspection) | DIY inspection if accessible | Annually |
| Check caulking around all bathtubs and showers | Summer humidity accelerates mold growth behind failed caulk | ~$100–$200 | ~$5–$15 | DIY | Every 6 months |
| Deep clean dryer vent | Lint buildup in dryer vents causes approximately 15,500 house fires per year | ~$100–$200 | ~$20–$40 (dryer vent brush kit) | DIY for short runs; Pro for long/complex vents | Annually |
Systems
| Task | Why It Matters | Cost (Pro) | Cost (DIY) | DIY or Pro? | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test water pressure | High pressure (above 80 psi) damages fixtures and causes leaks; low pressure indicates blockage | ~$100 (diagnostic) | ~$10 (pressure gauge) | DIY test; Pro for adjustment | Annually |
| Inspect water heater for leaks, sediment, rust | Annual inspection catches problems before catastrophic failure | ~$100–$150 (flush service) | ~$0 (visual) to ~$20 (drain hose for flushing) | DIY for inspection and basic flush | Annually |
| Check water softener (if applicable) | Malfunctioning softener wastes salt and does not soften effectively | ~$100–$200 (service) | ~$20–$40 (salt, cleaning) | DIY maintenance; Pro for problems | Every 6 months |
Fall Checklist (September–November)
Fall is the most critical maintenance season. Everything done now protects the home through winter — the season that causes the most damage.
Exterior
| Task | Why It Matters | Cost (Pro) | Cost (DIY) | DIY or Pro? | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clean gutters (second time) | Leaves from autumn create blockages right before winter storms | ~$100–$250 | ~$0–$20 | DIY (single story); Pro (multi-story) | Twice/year |
| Winterize outdoor faucets | Water left in outdoor pipes freezes and bursts the pipe | ~$100–$200 | ~$5–$15 (insulated covers) | DIY | Annually |
| Disconnect and store garden hoses | Hoses left connected trap water and cause faucet and pipe damage | N/A | Free | DIY | Annually |
| Inspect and seal driveway/walkway cracks | Water enters cracks, freezes, and expands — making small cracks large | ~$300–$800 (professional sealing) | ~$20–$50 (crack filler, sealant) | DIY for small cracks | Annually |
| Clean and store outdoor furniture | Protects furniture investment and keeps yard tidy | N/A | Free (covers: ~$30–$80) | DIY | Annually |
| Check weather stripping on all exterior doors | Failed weather stripping increases heating costs by ~10%–15% | ~$100–$200 | ~$10–$30 | DIY | Annually |
| Rake leaves away from foundation | Leaves trap moisture against the foundation and invite pests | ~$100–$300 (lawn service) | Free (rake) | DIY | As needed |
| Inspect roof before winter | Last chance to address issues before snow and ice make repairs dangerous and expensive | ~$150–$350 | Free (binoculars) | DIY ground inspection; Pro for roof walk | Annually |
Interior
HVAC and Heating
| Task | Why It Matters | Cost (Pro) | Cost (DIY) | DIY or Pro? | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schedule furnace tune-up | Professional inspection ensures safe, efficient heating all winter | ~$100–$200 | N/A | Pro — always | Annually (fall) |
| Replace HVAC filter | Fresh filter for heating season; dirty filter strains the system | N/A | ~$10–$30 | DIY | Every 1–3 months |
| Bleed radiators (if applicable) | Trapped air prevents even heating; cold radiators waste energy | N/A | Free (radiator key: ~$5) | DIY | Annually |
| Test heating system before cold weather arrives | Discovering a problem in October is cheaper than an emergency call in January | Free (turn on, verify) | Free | DIY test; Pro for problems | Annually |
| Inspect chimney and fireplace | Creosote buildup causes chimney fires; blocked flues cause carbon monoxide poisoning | ~$200–$400 (inspection + sweep) | N/A | Pro — always (CSIA-certified sweep) | Annually |
| Check insulation in attic | Inadequate insulation increases heating costs by ~20%–30% | ~$1,500–$3,000 (add insulation) | ~$500–$1,000 (blown-in DIY kits) | DIY for adding insulation; Pro for assessment | Every 5 years |
Plumbing
| Task | Why It Matters | Cost (Pro) | Cost (DIY) | DIY or Pro? | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Locate and test main water shut-off valve | In an emergency (burst pipe), you need to shut off water in seconds, not minutes | N/A | Free | DIY | Annually |
| Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas | Frozen pipes burst, causing ~$5,000+ in average water damage per incident | ~$100–$300 | ~$10–$30 (pipe insulation) | DIY | Once (then inspect annually) |
| Flush water heater to remove sediment | Sediment buildup reduces efficiency and shortens tank life | ~$100–$200 | Free (garden hose to floor drain) | DIY | Annually |
| Check sump pump operation (if applicable) | A failed sump pump during spring snowmelt floods the basement | ~$100–$200 (service) | Free (pour water to test float) | DIY test; Pro for repair | Twice/year |
Winter Checklist (December–February)
Winter maintenance is primarily about monitoring and interior tasks. Most exterior maintenance waits for spring.
Monitoring and Prevention
| Task | Why It Matters | Cost (Pro) | Cost (DIY) | DIY or Pro? | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monitor for ice dams | Ice dams cause water to back up under shingles, damaging ceilings and walls | ~$300–$800 (removal) | ~$30–$50 (roof rake) | DIY prevention (roof rake); Pro for removal | As needed |
| Check for frozen pipe signs (reduced flow, frost on pipes) | Early detection prevents burst pipes | ~$200–$1,000+ (thawing + repair) | Free (monitoring) | DIY monitoring; Pro for thawing | Ongoing |
| Keep indoor humidity between 30%–50% | Too dry causes wood cracking and static; too humid causes mold | ~$200–$500 (whole-house humidifier) | ~$30–$100 (portable humidifier) | DIY | Ongoing |
| Clear snow from vents and exhaust pipes | Blocked vents cause carbon monoxide buildup — lethal | N/A | Free | DIY — critical safety item | After each storm |
| Test smoke and CO detectors (second time) | Heating season increases fire and CO risk | N/A | ~$5–$15 (batteries if needed) | DIY | Twice/year |
Interior Winter Tasks
| Task | Why It Matters | Cost (Pro) | Cost (DIY) | DIY or Pro? | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inspect and maintain garage door | Cold weather affects springs, rollers, and seals | ~$100–$200 (tune-up) | ~$10–$20 (lubricant) | DIY for lubrication; Pro for springs | Annually |
| Check and tighten cabinet hardware | Loose hardware causes door/drawer damage over time | N/A | Free | DIY | Annually |
| Inspect plumbing under all sinks | Slow leaks are more common in winter due to thermal cycling | ~$100–$250 (per repair) | Free (inspection) | DIY inspection; Pro for repair | Every 6 months |
| Plan spring projects and get quotes | Off-season quotes are lower and contractors are more available | N/A | Free | DIY (planning); see how to get the best price | Annually |
| Deep clean kitchen appliances | Reduces fire risk, extends appliance life, and improves performance | N/A | Free (time and cleaning supplies) | DIY | Annually |
| Clean or replace range hood filter | Grease buildup reduces ventilation and creates fire risk | N/A | ~$10–$30 (replacement filter) | DIY | Every 6 months |
| Reverse ceiling fan direction (clockwise in winter) | Pushes warm air down from ceiling, reducing heating costs by ~10% | N/A | Free | DIY | Twice/year (spring + fall) |
Room-by-Room Annual Summary
For homeowners who prefer to think in terms of location rather than season, here is the complete annual maintenance requirement by room:
Kitchen
| Task | Frequency | Typical Annual Cost (DIY) |
|---|---|---|
| Clean range hood filter | Every 3–6 months | ~$0–$30 |
| Inspect under-sink plumbing | Every 6 months | Free |
| Clean refrigerator coils | Every 6–12 months | Free |
| Run disposal with ice/citrus | Monthly | ~$12 |
| Check dishwasher seal | Annually | Free |
| Deep clean appliances | Annually | ~$10–$20 |
| Annual kitchen maintenance total | ~$22–$62 |
Bathrooms
| Task | Frequency | Typical Annual Cost (DIY) |
|---|---|---|
| Check caulk condition | Every 6 months | Free |
| Re-caulk if needed | Every 1–3 years | ~$5–$15 per application |
| Test toilet for leaks | Every 6 months | Free |
| Test exhaust fan | Every 6 months | Free |
| Inspect grout | Annually | ~$10–$30 if repair needed |
| Clean showerhead (vinegar soak) | Every 6 months | ~$2 |
| Annual bathroom maintenance total | ~$17–$47 per bathroom |
Living Areas
| Task | Frequency | Typical Annual Cost (DIY) |
|---|---|---|
| Test smoke/CO detectors | Twice/year | ~$5–$15 (batteries) |
| Test GFCI outlets | Every 6 months | Free |
| Check window caulking and weather stripping | Annually | ~$10–$30 if repair needed |
| Reverse ceiling fan direction | Twice/year | Free |
| Tighten hardware (knobs, hinges) | Annually | Free |
| Touch up interior paint | Annually | ~$10–$30 |
| Annual living area maintenance total | ~$25–$75 |
Mechanical Systems
| Task | Frequency | Typical Annual Cost (Pro) |
|---|---|---|
| AC tune-up | Annually | ~$100–$200 |
| Furnace tune-up | Annually | ~$100–$200 |
| HVAC filter replacement | Every 1–3 months | ~$60–$180/year (DIY) |
| Water heater flush | Annually | ~$0–$20 (DIY) |
| Chimney inspection/sweep (if applicable) | Annually | ~$200–$400 |
| Annual mechanical systems total | ~$460–$1,000 |
Exterior
| Task | Frequency | Typical Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Gutter cleaning (2x) | Twice/year | ~$200–$500 (Pro) or ~$0–$40 (DIY) |
| Roof inspection | Annually | ~$0 (ground) to ~$150–$350 (Pro) |
| Pressure washing | Annually | ~$200–$600 (Pro) or ~$50–$100 (rental) |
| Exterior caulking | Annually | ~$10–$30 (DIY) |
| Deck maintenance | Annually | ~$30–$80 (clean) + ~$100–$300 every 2–3 years (seal) |
| Winterize outdoor plumbing | Annually | ~$5–$15 (DIY) |
| Tree/shrub trimming | Annually | ~$200–$800 (Pro) or ~$20–$50 (DIY for shrubs) |
| Annual exterior total | ~$445–$2,375 |
The Compounding Cost of Neglect
The most important concept in home maintenance is compounding cost. Small maintenance tasks are cheap. The problems they prevent are expensive. Here are real-world examples:
| Maintenance Task | Cost to Do | Cost If Skipped | Multiplier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean gutters (2x/year) | ~$200–$500/year | Foundation repair: ~$5,000–$20,000 | 10x–100x |
| HVAC tune-up | ~$100–$200/year | Compressor replacement: ~$1,500–$3,000 | 8x–30x |
| Re-caulk bathroom | ~$10–$30 | Mold remediation + rot repair: ~$2,000–$8,000 | 67x–800x |
| Flush water heater | ~$0–$20 | Premature replacement: ~$1,200–$2,500 | 60x–125x |
| Trim trees from house | ~$200–$800 | Siding/roof damage + pest infestation: ~$2,000–$10,000 | 3x–50x |
| Clean dryer vent | ~$20–$40 (DIY) | House fire damage: ~$50,000+ (or worse) | 1,250x+ |
| Check roof annually | ~$0–$350 | Undetected leak + water damage: ~$5,000–$15,000 | 14x+ |
| Insulate pipes | ~$10–$30 (one time) | Burst pipe + water damage: ~$5,000–$25,000 | 167x–2,500x |
The pattern is clear: every dollar spent on preventive maintenance saves ~$10 to ~$100 in reactive repair costs. This is not an opinion — it is arithmetic.
Creating Your Maintenance System
The best maintenance checklist is one you actually use. Here are three approaches ranked by effort and effectiveness:
Level 1: Paper Calendar (5 Minutes to Set Up)
Write seasonal reminders on a physical calendar or in your phone’s calendar app. Set recurring reminders for the four seasonal checklists in this guide (March, June, September, December).
Best for: Homeowners who want a simple system and will respond to calendar reminders.
Level 2: Spreadsheet Tracker (30 Minutes to Set Up)
Create a spreadsheet with every task from this guide. Columns: Task, Frequency, Last Completed, Next Due, Cost, Notes. Sort by Next Due date. Review monthly.
Best for: Detail-oriented homeowners who like tracking data and history.
Level 3: Home Maintenance App (15 Minutes to Set Up)
Apps like Centriq, HomeZada, or Thumbtack’s maintenance tracker automate reminders, store receipts and photos, and provide task-specific how-to guides.
Best for: Tech-comfortable homeowners who want automated reminders and a digital maintenance record.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I budget for annual home maintenance?
Budget 1% to 2% of your home’s value per year for maintenance. A ~$400,000 home needs ~$4,000 to ~$8,000 annually. Older homes (20+ years) and homes in extreme climates should budget toward the higher end. For a detailed cost breakdown, see our home repair cost guide.
What is the most important maintenance task I can do?
If you do nothing else, keep your gutters clean and your HVAC systems serviced. These two tasks prevent the highest-cost failures: foundation damage from poor drainage and premature HVAC system replacement.
Can I do all of this maintenance myself?
Most tasks on this list are DIY-friendly. The exceptions that always require a professional are: HVAC system service, chimney inspection and sweeping, electrical panel inspection, major roof repairs, and any work involving gas lines. For a complete breakdown of what to DIY versus hire out, see our DIY vs professional guide.
What if I just bought an older home?
For homes over 20 years old, schedule a comprehensive home inspection within the first 90 days to establish a baseline. Pay special attention to the roof (remaining life), HVAC systems (remaining life), plumbing (pipe material and condition), electrical (panel capacity and wiring type), and foundation (crack patterns). Use the inspection report to prioritize your first year of maintenance.
How do I keep track of all these tasks?
Choose one of the three tracking systems described above (calendar, spreadsheet, or app). The specific tool matters less than consistency. Set a recurring monthly reminder to review your maintenance schedule and a quarterly reminder to complete that season’s checklist.
Next Steps
- Print or save this checklist. The most useful reference is the one you can find when you need it.
- Identify the current season and complete any overdue tasks from that section immediately.
- Set four seasonal reminders in your calendar: March 1, June 1, September 1, December 1. Each reminder links you back to the relevant section of this guide.
- Schedule professional services now. Book your spring AC tune-up and fall furnace tune-up in advance. Early booking often qualifies for discounts and guarantees availability.
- Build your contractor list. Identify a trusted handyman, plumber, electrician, and HVAC technician before you need them. See our hiring guide for a step-by-step vetting process.
- Start a maintenance fund. Set aside ~$300–$500 per month in a dedicated savings account. When a repair arises, you pay from the fund rather than scrambling.