Keeping up with home maintenance is important for two reasons:
- It keeps your home safe and comfortable.
- It prevents issues that could lead to expensive repairs down the road.
Home maintenance doesn’t have to be complicated. match you with local vetted prosYou can maintain your home with a simple checklist and a couple of hours of your time once a month.
There are some tasks you can do yourself because they don’t require tools or expertise, while you’ll need a professional for some routine maintenance tasks.
For these home maintenance tasks, we recommend hiring a local contractor who can do a quick walkthrough of your home and complete their own maintenance checklist. If you’re not sure who to call, My Licensed Contractor can match you with local vetted pros to save you time.
Not sure where to start with home maintenance? Read on for an actionable home maintenance checklist.
Electrical System Maintenance
A well-maintained electrical system lowers your risks of electrical fire. It can also keep your energy bills down.
Here’s what you can do yourself on a monthly basis:
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors; replace batteries as needed.
- Check outlets and switches for discoloration, warmth, or loose connections.
- Inspect power cords for fraying or damage.
- Reset and test GFCI outlets (kitchen, bathroom, garage).
You should hire a local electrician if you notice any of the following:
- Frequently tripping breakers or flickering lights.
- Burning smells or buzzing sounds from outlets or panels.
- Adding new outlets, upgrading panels, or rewiring.
- Any signs of outdated or unsafe wiring (e.g., aluminum wiring).
Heating & Cooling: Keeping Your HVAC System Running Smoothly
HVAC maintenance helps improve indoor air quality and keep your energy bills low, especially in the summer when you’re using your AC around the clock.
Because HVAC systems have many moving parts, maintenance can prevent breakdowns and even extend the lifespan of some components.
You can do some quick checks and maintenance tasks yourself:
- Replace or clean air filters every 1 to 3 months.
- Clear debris from around the outdoor unit.
- Check vents for dust buildup or blockages.
- Test and reset your thermostat if needed.
Booking regular HVAC checkups with a local pro is important, even if you complete DIY maintenance checks:
- A professional HVAC tech should do a tune-up and inspection before the summer and winter.
- They can investigate weak airflow, inconsistent temperatures, or unusual noises
- They’ll catch early signs of refrigerant leaks or system not cooling or heating properly
- They can do some duct cleaning or sealing if there are airflow issues.
- They can also replace worn-out parts before they fail.
Maintenance Tips for Your Plumbing System
Plumbing maintenance is mostly about preventing clogs, protecting your pipes from damage, and catching slow leaks early.
Your DIY plumbing maintenance tasks:
- Check under sinks for leaks or moisture.
- Test water pressure and inspect faucets for drips.
- Clean drains to prevent clogs.
- Inspect toilets for running water or loose parts.
Call a professional plumber if you notice:
- Persistent leaks, low water pressure, or discolored water.
- Clogged main drain or recurring backups.
- Issues with your water heater.
- Damaged or corroded pipes.
Roofing & Gutter Maintenance
Climbing on your roof yourself isn’t a good idea because you could get seriously hurt. We recommend focusing on simple maintenance tasks you can do from the ground, and calling a roofing contractor for anything that requires climbing on the roof.
Here’s what you can do yourself for roofing and gutter maintenance:
- Visually inspect roof from the ground for missing or damaged shingles.
- Clean gutters and downspouts.
- Check attic for signs of leaks or moisture.
It’s best to call a roofing pro if you notice:
- Roof damage, flashing issues, or leaks
- Sagging roof areas or structural concerns
You should also schedule an annual roofing inspection, especially if your roof is aging. A professional can catch signs of roof damage you might miss from the ground. You might also want to schedule an inspection after severe storms.
Home Maintenance Tasks for Pest Prevention
You can protect your home from common pest by following some simple tips.
Here’s what you can DIY:
- Seal small cracks and gaps around doors and windows.
- Keep food sealed and dispose of trash regularly.
- Trim vegetation away from home exterior.
- Look for early signs of pests (droppings, nests, damage).
You should call a pest control professional if you notice:
- Active infestations (rodents, termites, ants, etc.).
- Recurring pest problems despite DIY efforts.
A pest control contractor can fully seal your home if you’re dealing with recurring pest issues. They’ll do a full walkthrough and figure out where rodents or insects are coming in, which can be hard to spot if you don’t know what you’re looking for.
Landscaping & Exterior Home Maintenance
There is more to landscaping maintenance than mowing the lawn. The good news is that yard work is a great way to stay active and spend some time outdoors.
This is what you can do yourself:
- Trim trees and shrubs away from roof and siding.
- Keep lawn and landscaping well-maintained.
- Check grading to ensure water drains away from foundation.
- Inspect driveway and walkways for cracks.
We recommend calling a landscaping pro for larger projects like:
- Tree removal or large branch trimming near power lines.
- Drainage issues or yard flooding.
- Major hardscaping repairs or installations.
Windows, Doors & Insulation Maintenance
Keeping your windows, doors, and insulation in good shape protects your home from humidity. It also makes your heating and cooling system more effective because you’re letting it less outdoor air in.
DIY tasks:
- Check for drafts and seal gaps with weatherstripping.
- Clean and inspect window screens.
- Ensure doors and locks function properly.
You should call a professional contractor for:
- Window replacement or major sealing issues.
- Structural door alignment problems.
- Insulation upgrades for energy efficiency.
Don’t Forget About Home Appliances
Your appliances are part of your home and need some basic maintenance.
Here’s what you can do yourself:
- Clean dryer vent and lint trap regularly.
- Check refrigerator coils and clean if dusty.
- Inspect washing machine hoses for cracks.
You should call a repairman if you need:
- Appliance repairs involving electrical or gas components.
- Repairs for persistent performance issues or leaks.
- Installation of new appliances.
Foundation & Structural Home Maintenance
There isn’t much you can do to fix structural issues yourself, but you can keep on eye on your foundation to catch these issues early.
Here’s what you should watch for:
- Inspect for visible cracks in walls, ceilings, or foundation.
- Monitor doors/windows sticking or not closing properly.
It’s time to hire a structural repair contractor if you see:
- Large or widening cracks in foundation.
- Uneven floors or structural shifting.
- Water intrusion in basement or crawlspace.
How to Find a Trusted Local Pro for Home Maintenance & Repairs
This home maintenance checklist will help you keep your home in good shape. Going through a few simple maintenance tasks every month can prevent a lot of expensive repairs down the road and help preserve your home value.
However, it’s important to know when to call in a professional. There are home maintenance tasks you shouldn’t do yourself because they’re complex or potentially dangerous.
If you need a trusted contractor for home maintenance and repairs, My Licensed Contractor can match you with local vetted pros. All you have to do is enter your project details (or your home maintenance checklist), and the system will match you with licensed contractors in your area. You’ll get quotes from them based on the project details you entered, and you can hire a licensed pro with the peace of mind to know they’ve been vetted for you.
