Home Maintenance Checklist

Most of this is common sense, but here are some friendly reminders. While every home is unique, this annual checklist can help you keep your home in good condition.

At least once a year:

Clean your gutters and downspouts. If you hire someone to clean your gutters (or if you’re cleaning your gutters!) be sure to have them (or you!) take a photo of the chimney. You’re looking for missing mortar, bad flashing, and other problems.

  1. Cut back trees and brush away from your home.

  2. Pressure wash surfaces to remove build-up and growth.

  3. Reseal exterior woodwork.

  4. Check your window screens for wear and tear.

  5. Service your HVAC and replace filters.

  6. Check caulking around windows and doors.

  7. Clean dryer vents.

  8. Check outdoor railings and walkways.

  9. Check your electrical service entrance cable periodically for deterioration or damage

Old House Checklist

We love old houses, and Pittsburgh has a lot of them! Most older homes come with their own set of unique maintenance issues, but here are some common problems (and solutions) we routinely see:

  1. Squeaky floors: If you have squeaky floors, check for twisted joists and monitor changes each year.

  2. Cracks: Curious about a crack in your walls or foundation? Small cracks are common in old houses. Mark and measure the crack with tape and marker so you can be sure it isn’t increasing over time. If you notice larger or sudden cracks, it’s time to call an engineer.

  3. Waste pipes: Most old houses have cast iron and terracotta waste pipes. These can require extra maintenance and periodic cleanings. Baking soda and lemon juice can work well for routine maintenance, and a trustworthy plumber can check your line to make sure it stays in good condition.

  4. Drainage: Walk around your house when it’s raining to make sure water is going where it should! Look for pooling around your foundation, which may require regrading, or leaks in your gutters and downspouts.

  5. Windows: If you have old windows, install storm windows to improve their insulation. Old windows may require additional maintenance as well, such as fixing ropes and weights or reglazing to keep the glass secure.

  6. Gutters: Box gutters need to be cleaned just like regular gutters, and also may need to be occasionally resealed with weatherproofing paint.

Subscribe to Our Maintenance Calendar

For even more assistance, subscribe to our home maintenance calendar for regular reminders!