50 Vital Tasks To Put On Your Home Maintenance Checklist

It’s all too easy to be overwhelmed by the amount of jobs that are needed to run a house on a day to day basis – but what about the next level of tasks – those home maintenance tasks that we know we should be doing, but maybe aren’t sure exactly what to do?

This post takes a look at the tasks that would commonly be on a home maintenance checklist that are so important to do regularly – and are ones that you should be considering adding to yours as well…

There are things for outside, in the loft, general checks and repairs, reviews to be done – and loads more!

NOTE: This is NOT an exhaustive list, it’s aim is to show you the different types of jobs to consider, but your home may have different needs – so I would advise walking through it in it’s entirety to ensure nothing in your specific space gets forgotten

Let’s get started, shall we?

50 Tasks To Add To Your Home Maintenance Checklist

#1 – Clean All The Drains

#2 – Clean The Guttering

#3 – Check Your Lawnmower Before Start Of The Mowing Season

So you’re ready to go when the days get dryer and the grass is growing again.

#4 – Power Wash The Patio

I love to power wash in the Spring as it sets up the back garden for bare feet and entertaining!

#5 – Treat The Grass

Whether you need to get rid of moss, add more grass seed for a greener lawn, or just feed the existing one – it’s worth treating it at least twice a year.

#6 – Cut Back Hedges, Trees and Ivy etc…

When these start growing again, you’ll find it harder to keep them under control. It’s worth cutting them back regularly.

#7 – Inspect Brickwork For Any Damage

#8 – Touch Up Outside Paintwork

#9 – Check Outside Power Sockets

#10 – Check Outside Tap

Make sure there are no leaks that could either waste water, or cause damage if the tap freezes over the Winter.

#11 – Check All Windows Are Secure And Leak Free

#12 – Check All Outside Lighting

#13 – Ensure Alarm System Is Working OK

#14 – Check Fire Extinguisher

#15 – Update Your Home Inventory

You’ll make changes to what you own over time – so it makes sense to keep your home inventory updated regularly.

#16 – Touch Up Inside Paintwork

Wipe it down and use a small brush to touch up any scuffs and damage.

#17 – Check Garage Door

If it’s electric, then test the security feature that should stop the door if something is in the way, for example.

#18 – Clean Vents

#19 – Re-grout Any Tiles As Necessary

Anywhere – roof, bathroom, floor, wall etc…. all need to be looked at.

#20 – Check Flooring For Loose Boards, Creaks etc…

#21 – Check Roof For Leaks

#22 – Check For Animals/Pests in Loft Space

#23 – Apply Sealer/Preservative To Outside Decking and Furniture

#24 – Review Insurance Policies Are Accurate and Up To Date

The last thing you want should you need to make a claim is to not be insured correctly. Or, you don’t want to be paying too much for things you don’t need.

#25 – Review Household Suppliers

Check if you’re on the best deal, and if not, change!

#26 – Fix Any Broken Shelving, Hinges, Doors etc…

These DIY jobs are great to get done in an afternoon altogether – because you’ll have the right tools out and ready to go.

#27 – Check For Signs Of Damp

#28 – Check And Mend Any Inside Furniture

Door sticking? Drawer not opening properly? Now is the time to get them sorted out.

#29 – Test Smoke Detector

Ideally these should be tested out every month to be as safe as you can.

#30 – Test CO2 Detector

As with the smoke detector, every month give this a test.

#31 – Chimney Sweep

#32 – Boiler Check

Use a registered professional always for this.

#33 – Gas Check

Use a registered professional always for this.

#34 – Prep House For Winter

Make sure the cold, wet, wind etc… have all been protected from.

#35 – Check All Locks (and Ensure Spare Keys Are Available)

Always worth giving a set of keys to a trusted local friend or family member, so you have a backup should you need it.

#36 – Prep Your Car For The Winter

#37 – Car Service / MOT / Tax

#38 – Sort Caulking In The Bathroom and Kitchen Area(s)

This can look black and start peeling – which can make a room look bad. Not to mention that it will allow water to go where it shouldn’t.

#39 – Run Water And Flush Toilets in Less Used Bathrooms

#40 – Check Freezer and Fridge Doors are Sealed Properly, and Working OK

#41 – Check Air Con

#42 – Open All Cupboard Doors and Drawers, and Fix as Required

#43 – Go Over Your TO DO List For The House and Check All Still Required To Be Done

Ideally spend some time scheduling in tasks to your diary / planner if possible – then they’ll get done!

#44 – Go Over What To Do In The Event Of Fire / Leak / Power Cut etc… With The Family

#45 – Check All Appliances For Frayed Cords, Visible Wires, Broken Plugs etc…

#46 – Replace Bulbs / Check Lighting Around the House

#47 – Repair Any Damaged Wallpaper

#48 – Repair Holes / Cracks in Walls

#49 – Bleed All Radiators

#50 – Check All UPVC Windows For Condensation, Cracks etc..

By the way… it’s also worth knowing tradesmen to help you do all these tasks, and having their details to hand for when you need them.

A ‘little black book’ is very valuable for this sort of thing!.

I keep mine in the Home Maintenance section of my Home File – all in one easy to find place!.