What you will know after this guide
- Monthly
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Monthly
Test alarms per manufacturer, look under appliances and sinks, check sump, read humidity, inspect critical filters, confirm clear exits and note any change in water or energy use.
Spring
Inspect roof from ground, gutters, downspouts, foundation, window wells, grading, freeze-thaw damage, deck, cooling, screens, exterior faucets and winter damage. Test drainage before heavy rain.
Summer
Check exterior paint and joints, vegetation, wood, cladding, attic ventilation, irrigation, pool, roof and projects requiring drying. Use dry weather to correct the enclosure.
Fall
Check heating, chimney, filters, CO alarms, weatherstripping, gutters, faucet winterization, exposed piping, sump, generator and outage supplies. Plan for expected snow and ice.
Winter
Monitor condensation, icicles, ice dams, snow accumulation, frozen pipes, humidity, ventilation and combustion. Do not climb an icy roof; document symptoms for spring correction.
After an event
After a storm, outage, leak, work or long absence: targeted inspection, photos, readings, tests and emergency-sheet update. A calendar must fit the home’s age, climate and systems.
Seasonal view
The same defects often return in the same season. Use this view to plan, photograph and correct before the next critical period.
Spring
- Clean gutters, test downspouts and correct grading around the home.
- Inspect the roof from the ground, soffits, window wells and freeze-thaw damage.
- Check basement humidity and recommission exterior faucets.
Summer
- Catch up on paint, sealants and small envelope repairs in dry weather.
- Trim vegetation against cladding and protect splash zones.
- Check decks, fences and exterior structures.
Fall
- Prepare heating, filters, CO alarms and generator.
- Winterize faucets, store hoses and confirm drainage before snow.
- Check weatherstripping, doors, windows and vents.
Winter
- Monitor condensation, icicles, ice dams and frozen pipes.
- Document symptoms for spring enclosure corrections.
- Keep exits clear and monitor snow loads and ventilation.
