What to check every month, every season and every year to keep a house out of trouble, each with how to do it and why it matters. 67 tasks, 8 of them must-dos.
Start with this seasonThe current season is marked. Monthly checks take about 15 minutes together.
Tick as you goEach checkmark records the date, so you can see when you last did it.
Clear and repeatUse “Clear checkmarks” at the start of a new season or year.
Tailor this checklist to your house20 quick questions, about 2 minutes. Tasks that don’t apply to your house disappear from every list.
Every month
This season0 of 9
Five-minute checks. Pick a day, like the first Saturday, and do them together.
The main reasons alarms fail are missing, disconnected or dead batteries. USFA says test all alarms monthly; hardwired units still need a backup battery replaced at least yearly.
Pick one date you won't forget, like New Year's Day or a clock change, and swap the batteries in every alarm, flashlight and remote at once. Keep a written list of every battery-powered device so you don't miss one that starts chirping later. (Reddit)
How to do it
Press and hold each alarm's test button until it sounds; have someone stand in the farthest bedroom to confirm it's audible with the door closed.
If alarms are interconnected, confirm one test triggers all.
Replace replaceable batteries now (you don't know their age); for sealed units, replace the whole alarm if it chirps.
Set a recurring monthly phone reminder.
Never pull a battery to silence cooking alarms; use the hush button and ventilate.
Common mistakes
Removing batteries after a cooking false alarm
Testing only one alarm in an interconnected system
A UL-listed multipurpose (ABC) extinguisher can stop a small fire, but only if it's reachable and you know PASS. USFA says use one only when the fire is small, 911 has been called and you have a clear exit.
Safety30 min$30–60 eachDIY
What owners say
With dry-powder extinguishers, some owners turn them upside down and shake or tap them during the monthly check, so the powder doesn't pack down at the bottom. (Reddit)
A green gauge doesn't prove an extinguisher is ready if anyone has ever test-fired it. Replace any unit that has been discharged at all, even if the needle still looks fine. (DIY Stack Exchange)
Where owners disagree: Owners and a former extinguisher tech say the gauge won't tell you about a unit that was briefly discharged. Its valve leaks down afterward. Treat any used extinguisher as spent, and buy metal-head units if you want to recharge them. (DIY Stack Exchange)
How to do it
Buy ABC multipurpose extinguishers (at least 2-A:10-B:C size for main living areas) for each level, the kitchen, and the garage.
Mount near an exit path, top no more than 5 ft above the floor and bottom at least 4 in up; not right next to the stove.
Teach PASS: Pull the pin, Aim low, Squeeze, Sweep.
Check the gauge is in the green monthly; replace after any use or if damaged/low.
Rule: if the fire isn't small and contained, get out and call 911.
Common mistakes
Storing it under the sink behind cleaning supplies
Buying only small 1-A:10-B:C units for the whole house
GFCIs prevent electrocution in wet areas; AFCIs prevent arcing fires. ESFI says test both monthly; a GFCI that doesn't cut power when tested needs replacing.
Safety30 minFree; $15–25 per new GFCI receptacleDIY
What owners say
A GFCI that keeps tripping with no water nearby may just be worn out. Owners point out they're mechanical and don't last forever, so replacing the outlet is a cheap first step. (Reddit)
How to do it
Find GFCI outlets/breakers covering kitchen counters, bathrooms, garage, basement, laundry, outdoors and within 6 ft of sinks/tubs.
Plug in a night-light, press TEST (light goes off), then RESET (light returns).
At the panel, press the TEST button on each AFCI/GFCI breaker; reset it.
Replace any device that doesn't trip or reset; note wet areas with no GFCI protection for an electrician.
Label which GFCI protects which downstream outlets.
Common mistakes
Assuming a bathroom outlet without buttons is unprotected (it may be downstream of another GFCI)
A non-reversing garage door can crush a child or pet. CPSC says test the reversing feature monthly with a 2x4 laid flat in the door's path; the photo eye should be 4–6 in above the floor.
Safety10 minFreeDIYOnly if: an attached garage or kids at home
How to do it
Lay a 2x4 flat on the floor under the door and close it; the door must reverse on contact.
Wave an object through the photo-eye beam while the door is closing; it should reverse.
Confirm photo eyes are 4–6 in off the floor and aligned.
If it doesn't reverse, disconnect the opener and use the door manually until adjusted or replaced by a technician.
Look at your HVAC filter once a month and change it when it looks heavily soiled. ENERGY STAR says to check monthly, and EPA says most makers call for a change every 60 to 90 days. Choose a filter that fits snugly, and aim for MERV 13 if your system can handle it.
A plumbing and HVAC tech gives rough intervals: 1-inch filters monthly, or every two weeks with pets, and 4- to 5-inch media filters every 3 to 6 months. Burning a lot of candles soots filters up fast. (Reddit)
For a simple monthly home maintenance checklist, pick a fixed day each month and walk one loop from basement to attic. Check the HVAC filter, sump pit, water heater base, under-sink cabinets, floors and ceilings, then read your humidity monitor. Aim for 30 to 50% humidity, and write down anything new so you can see changes over time.
SystemsA short loop; longer the first time while you learn the houseFree; a humidity monitor if you don't own oneDIY
What owners say
Run a hand under the pipes in every sink cabinet to feel for damp. Look into the attic every so often. One owner found a rodent's huge pecan stash and says most people never go up there. Learn what termite signs look like too. (Reddit)
To clean a garbage disposal, turn it off, scrub under the rubber splash guard, then run citrus rinds through with a strong flow of cold water to clear smells. Empty the hair catchers and sink strainers at the same time. Keep drain cleaner out of the disposal, and never put your hand inside.
To clean a washing machine, wipe the door gasket once a month, clean the detergent drawer, run the tub-clean cycle and clear the drain pump filter on a front-loader. LG gives this monthly schedule for its washers. Use the cleaner your manual names, and never mix bleach with vinegar. Top-loaders usually have no pump filter to clear.
SystemsAbout 15 min plus a cycleFree to low; varies if you buy a cleanerDIY
What owners say
Where owners disagree: Owners are split. Some long-time owners had never heard of them and say newer machines with a built-in filter or self-clean cycle don't need one. Others put a mesh lint trap on the discharge hose after lint clogged their drains. That's especially true for septic systems, old pipes, or washers that drain into a laundry sink. (Reddit)
Quarterly jobs: filters, drains and the things that build up.
To drain sediment from a water heater, the Department of Energy says to run about a quart of water from your tank every 3 months and to follow your manufacturer's instructions. Use a hose on the drain valve, let the water run clear and close the valve. The water is hot enough to burn.
Systems20–60 minFreeDIY or plumber
What owners say
Do one flush and look at what comes out. If it runs clear, owners and DIY pros say you can flush much less often. Gas tanks with hard water build up the most sediment and benefit most. (DIY Stack Exchange)
Where owners disagree: Owners and DIY pros don't follow a fixed calendar. Do one flush and judge by what comes out. Clear water means flush rarely, while gas tanks with hard water need it most. Some modern gas units hardly need it. (DIY Stack Exchange)
To clean a dishwasher filter, lift it out from the bottom of the tub, rinse it under running water and scrub it with a soft brush and soap, then lock it back in. Bosch says to do this every few months. Whirlpool's schedule runs from every two months to once a year, or monthly with very hard water.
Most refrigerator water filters need changing every 6 months or at their gallon rating, whichever comes first. Find the model number, swap the cartridge, flush water through the dispenser as your manual directs, then reset the filter light. With an unknown filter from the seller, change it now.
HealthAbout 10 minutes, plus flushingAbout $40 to $60 for a maker's filter; about $8 to $20 for aftermarketDIY
Book an AC tune-up each spring, before the summer rush. A technician should clean the coils, check refrigerant, adjust the blower and clear the condensate drain. Central AC tune-ups run about $85 to $200, with an average near $143. Repairs and extras, like a refrigerant recharge, cost more.
SystemsOne visit; ask how long when you bookAbout $85 to $200 for central AC (varies by region)Pro
Check where upper-story downspouts empty. A downspout that dumps onto the lower roof wears out those shingles early. Owners extend it with a section of pipe that runs down the lower roof into the lower gutter. (DIY Stack Exchange)
How to do it
Work from a stable ladder with a helper; never lean on gutters.
Scoop debris, then flush with a hose toward each downspout.
Look for sagging, leaking seams and loose hangers.
Consider gutter guards if trees overhang the roof.
NRCA recommends inspecting roofs at least twice a year — spring and fall — and after severe storms, from the ground or the roof edge rather than walking on it.
Outside30 minFreeDIY
How to do it
Use binoculars to scan for missing, cracked or curling shingles.
Check flashing at chimneys, vents and walls.
Look in gutters for heavy granule buildup.
From the attic, look for stains or daylight; call a roofer for anything suspicious.
Once the last freeze has passed, do a spring exterior home inspection: walk all the way around your house and check the roof from the ground, gutters and downspouts, soil slope, caulk, siding and outdoor faucets. You're looking for anything winter moved, cracked or loosened, and for places where spring rain could reach the foundation. Most checks take an hour.
OutsideAbout 1 hourFree; small supplies if you recaulk or add soilDIY; pros for roof repairs and structural cracks
EPA estimates up to half of residential outdoor water is lost to overwatering from inefficient irrigation; a WaterSense controller can save an average home up to 15,000 gallons a year.
Outside1–2 hrsFree; $100–300 for a controllerDIY or proOnly if: lawn sprinklers
How to do it
Find the controller, backflow device and zone valves; note them on your site sketch.
Run each zone and fix broken heads, leaks and spray hitting pavement.
Set the schedule for the season (water early morning).
Consider a WaterSense-labeled weather-based controller.
Ask your water utility whether an annual backflow test is required.
For spring lawn mower maintenance, disconnect the spark plug before the first cut and drain any fuel that sat all winter. Change the oil, fit a new plug and air filter, then sharpen the blade and clean the deck. Refill with fresh 87-octane gas containing no more than 10% ethanol. Most owners can finish in an afternoon.
Outside1 to 2 hoursOil, a spark plug and an air filter for your model; prices varyDIY
To flush an AC condensate line, turn off the AC at the breaker, open the access cap on the drain near the indoor unit and pour in about a cup of distilled vinegar. Wait about 30 minutes, then flush with clean water and confirm it runs out. Lennox suggests flushing the line every few months.
SystemsAbout 15 min plus soak timeCost of a cup of vinegarDIY, HVAC tech for repeat clogs
What owners say
Pour a cup of white vinegar down the condensate line's cleanout. Owners avoid bleach where the line drains onto the lawn because it kills the grass. Clear a clog with gentle pressure, like a squeeze bulb or a short puff of air, not a compressor, which can blow apart the fittings. (Hacker News, DIY Stack Exchange)
Do this before a trip in cooling season. One Texas owner came home to water damage after a mold-clogged condensate line overflowed while the AC ran in an empty house. (DIY Stack Exchange)
For your summer home maintenance checklist, spend an hour in early summer on the outdoor AC unit, the condensate drain, caulk, wood near the ground and your deck. Clear plants and debris away from the unit with the power off, confirm the drain runs, and probe wood for soft spots. Call a pro for refrigerant, termites or a loose deck railing.
OutsideAbout 1 hourFreeDIY; HVAC tech, licensed pest pro or deck builder for faults
What owners say
Look for round, clean holes in fascia and trim. Owners warn carpenter bees can do damage similar to termites or carpenter ants. (Hacker News)
To lubricate a garage door about every six months, close the door, disconnect the opener and wipe the tracks clean. Spray silicone or white lithium lubricant on the roller bearings, hinges, bearing plates, springs and lock. Leave the tracks dry. Then change the remote and keypad batteries and test the door's safety reverse.
SafetyAbout 20 minutesOne can of silicone or lithium spray, plus batteriesDIY for lubrication; a technician for springs and cablesOnly if: an attached garage
Weep holes are small slots at the bottom of window and sliding door frames that let rainwater out. To clean window weep holes, vacuum the track, work a pipe cleaner through the slot, then pour in water and check that it runs out. Never caulk them shut, even if they look like gaps.
Before the first freeze: heating, gutters and outdoor water.
Book a furnace tune-up or other heating check every autumn, ahead of cold weather. A technician should check gas or oil connections, gas pressure, burner combustion and the heat exchanger, along with controls and electrical parts. A basic visit costs about $75 to $250, and more if repairs turn up.
SystemsOne visit; ask how long when you bookAbout $75 to $250 for a basic visit (varies by region)Pro
NRCA recommends inspecting roofs at least twice a year — spring and fall — and after severe storms, from the ground or the roof edge rather than walking on it.
Outside30 minFreeDIY
How to do it
Use binoculars to scan for missing, cracked or curling shingles.
Check flashing at chimneys, vents and walls.
Look in gutters for heavy granule buildup.
From the attic, look for stains or daylight; call a roofer for anything suspicious.
To winterize outdoor faucets, disconnect every hose before the first freeze, even from frost-free faucets. If the faucet has an indoor shutoff, close it, open the outside faucet, then open the bleeder cap to drain the line. Leave the outside faucet open all winter. A burst stem often stays hidden until spring.
OutsideAbout 20 minutesFree, unless you add faucet covers or a plumberDIY; a plumber to re-pitch or replace a faucetOnly if: freezing winters
Covering an outdoor faucet isn't always enough. Owners in cold climates say you need to shut the indoor valve for that line and drain it, and one learned this from a burst pipe. (Hacker News)
To winterize a sprinkler system, shut off the irrigation water before the first hard freeze, then clear the lines by draining them or blowing them out with compressed air. Keep air under 80 PSI for PVC and 50 PSI for polyethylene, and never blow air through the backflow device. A pro typically charges about $59 to $144.
OutsideAbout 1 to 2 hoursAbout $59 to $144 for a pro; compressor rental about $32 to $55 a dayDIY for drain systems; a contractor recommended for blowoutsOnly if: freezing winters or lawn sprinklers
To clean window wells, scoop leaves and trash out of each one in fall, check that the gravel or drain takes water, and look for gaps at the foundation. If the window is a bedroom's escape route, any cover must lift off from inside without a key, tool or extra force.
OutsideAbout 20 minFree to clear; covers vary by size and typeDIY, waterproofing pro for repeat floodingOnly if: a basement
Mice can squeeze through a 1/4-inch hole, about the width of a pencil. To seal mouse entry points before cold weather, check the foundation, pipes, vents and doors, then fill gaps with steel wool held in by caulk, or with metal or cement for larger holes. Foam, wood and plastic alone won't stop them.
OutsideAn afternoon for a typical inspection and repairsSteel wool, caulk and hardware cloth; prices varyDIY; a pest pro if activity continues
To seal drafts, find leaks at doors, windows, outlets, pipes and the attic hatch. Use weatherstripping on anything that moves, caulk for gaps up to 1/4 inch, and spray foam for gaps up to about 3 inches. If you have gas or oil appliances, get them tested, because sealing can pull exhaust back indoors.
SystemsAbout 2 hours for doors and windowsUsually a few tubes of caulk plus weatherstrip; prices varyDIY for obvious leaks; a home energy pro for attics and combustion testing
Before the first storm, buy your snow shovel and ice melt: a wide pusher, a lighter lifting shovel, a bag of ice melt and some sand or cat litter. Check the chemical on the bag. Concrete groups say not to use any deicer on concrete under a year old, and to avoid ammonium products on any concrete.
OutsideAbout 20 minVaries by shovel and bag sizeDIYOnly if: freezing winters
Buy shovels and any snow blower in the fall, not after the first storm; it's in the top answer of one thread. In heavy-snow areas, keep a second shovel inside the house in case drifts block the door. One owner suggests shoveling the first winter and buying a snow blower on spring clearance. (Reddit)
Owners say to have two shovels, one of them ergonomic. Handles snap in heavy snow, and one owner had to finish the driveway with a small car shovel. (Reddit)
To check outdoor lights in fall, walk around your house at dusk and test every one, including motion sensors, dusk-to-dawn lights and timers. Replace dead bulbs, reset timers for the earlier sunset, and check that each fixture has the right wet or damp rating. Water inside a fixture or a burnt smell means calling an electrician.
Security20 minutesThe price of replacement bulbs, which variesDIY for bulbs and timers; licensed electrician for wiring
To winterize a lawn mower after the last cut, add stabilizer and run the engine for 5 to 10 minutes, or drain the tank as your manual directs. Change the oil, clean the deck and store the mower somewhere dry. Then start the snow blower before the first storm, while a repair shop can still fit you in.
OutsideAbout 1 hourFuel stabilizer, oil and any parts your manual calls for; prices varyDIYOnly if: freezing winters
To keep pipes from freezing when the forecast nears 20°F, keep the heat steady, open cabinet doors on outside walls and let cold water drip from faucets on exposed pipes. Keep the house at 55°F or warmer if you leave. If a tap only trickles, leave it open and thaw the pipe gently from the faucet end.
SystemsAbout 10 minutes before a cold nightFree, apart from a slightly higher water and heating billDIY; a plumber for a burst pipe or a frozen pipe you can't reachOnly if: freezing winters
What owners say
If a garage or workshop has water lines, don't let it drop below freezing to save on heat. One owner turned the garage heat off, then a cold snap cracked a pipe. The water ruined stored photos, and the cold also killed a second fridge kept out there. (Reddit)
Insulate exposed cold-water pipes before fall, not during the first cold snap. (Reddit)
To check for ice dams after a cold snap with snow on the roof, look for thick ice along the eaves and uneven melting higher up. Then check the attic from the hatch for frost, damp boards and wet insulation. These signs mean house heat is reaching the roof. Fix them by sealing air leaks first, then adding insulation.
SystemsAbout 15 minutesFree to checkDIY from the ground and hatch; insulation or roofing pro for fixesOnly if: an attic or freezing winters
What owners say
If you use a roof rake, pull snow from only the lower few feet and leave an inch or two on the shingles. Scraping down to the roof damages shingles and can push snow under them. Raking early in the day lets the sun do the rest. (DIY Stack Exchange)
Where owners disagree: A Maine contractor and a snow-control installer both report mixed results. Cables work only when installed exactly to spec and don't clear the whole roof edge. (DIY Stack Exchange)
Private wells aren't regulated by EPA, so the owner is responsible for safety. CDC says to test at least once a year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids and pH.
Must-doHealth30 min to sample; 3–10 days for results$50–300 per lab panelProOnly if: a private well
Make the purchase contingent on a satisfactory water test from a state-certified lab.
Order at minimum: total coliform/E. coli, nitrate, TDS and pH; ask the local health department what else is common in your area (arsenic, uranium, radon, PFAS, etc.).
Have the sample drawn by the lab or inspector, not the seller.
Ask for the well log/permit, well depth, age of pump and pressure tank, and any treatment equipment manuals.
If bacteria are found, require shock chlorination and a passing retest before closing.
Failure to clean is the leading factor in home dryer fires (34% per USFA). You don't know when the previous owner last cleaned the vent run, and plastic or foil ducts are a known hazard.
Must-doSafety45–60 min$20–40 DIY brush kit; $100–200 for a proDIY or pro
Watch drying time. When it creeps up, clean the vent now rather than waiting for the calendar. Owners with long ducts pull a rag through with fish tape or blow the lint out with a leaf blower. (Hacker News, DIY Stack Exchange)
How to do it
Pull the dryer out and inspect the duct; replace plastic or coiled foil duct with rigid (preferred) or semi-rigid metal duct.
Brush out the full vent run to the outside with a dryer-vent brush kit, or hire a vent cleaner for long/rooftop runs.
Check the outside hood flap opens freely when the dryer runs and isn't blocked by lint, nests or snow.
Clean the lint filter before or after every load.
Don't run the dryer when you leave home or go to bed.
Ready.gov recommends one gallon of water per person per day for several days, a several-day food supply, radio, flashlight, first aid and tools to shut off utilities. A new address also means new local hazards.
Store water: 1 gallon per person per day for several days (plan at least 3).
Add non-perishable food, manual can opener, NOAA weather radio, flashlights, extra batteries, phone power bank, whistle, dust masks, plastic sheeting + duct tape, wrench for utilities, local maps, sanitation supplies.
Add prescriptions, glasses, infant/pet supplies and copies of IDs/insurance in a waterproof pouch.
Pack in 1–2 easy-carry bins; keep a smaller kit in each car.
Set a yearly reminder to replace expired items and update for family changes.
Common mistakes
Storing the kit somewhere hard to reach (attic, behind the water heater)
NFPA 211 calls for chimneys, fireplaces and vents to be inspected every year; creosote, nests and cracked liners cause fires and CO. Heating is the #2 cause of home fires (about 32,200 heating fires in 2021).
Must-doSafety1–2 hours$150–400 inspection/sweepProOnly if: a fireplace or wood stove
How to do it
Hire a CSIA-certified sweep for at least a Level 1 inspection (Level 2 is typical on sale/transfer).
Ask for photos/video of the flue and the condition of the cap, crown, liner and damper.
Clean as needed; repair cracks before use.
Keep anything that can burn 3 ft from the hearth; use a screen; put cooled ashes in a covered metal can outside.
Embers pile up at the base of walls. IBHS recommends a 0–5 ft noncombustible zone around the house (including under attached decks), and Ready.gov says keep a fire-resistant zone at least 30 ft out.
Must-doEmergency prep1–2 days$100–1,000 depending on landscapingDIYOnly if: wildfire area
How to do it
Remove mulch, plants, firewood, and combustible items within 5 ft of the house and under decks; use gravel or pavers.
Replace the first 5 ft of any wood fence attached to the house with metal or masonry.
Clear gutters and roof of leaves; screen vents with 1/8-in metal mesh.
Thin and space vegetation out to 30 ft (and 100 ft where required).
Keep N95 masks and a hose that reaches all sides of the house; know evacuation routes.
The Red Cross publishes a first aid kit list for a family of four, including 25 adhesive bandages, compress dressings, gloves, an emergency blanket and a thermometer.
A new neighborhood means new evacuation routes, shelters and alert systems. Ready.gov's plan covers how you'll get alerts, where you'll shelter, your evacuation route and how you'll reconnect.
Emergency prep1 hourFreeDIY
How to do it
Sign up for your county's emergency alerts and enable Wireless Emergency Alerts on phones.
Fill out Ready.gov's family communication plan: contacts, meeting places, medical info.
Pick an out-of-area contact everyone texts if separated (texts often get through when calls don't).
Identify your evacuation routes and where you'd stay; include pets.
Blocked or disconnected flues on furnaces, boilers and water heaters are a common CO source. CPSC says have the heating system professionally inspected every year, including chimneys and flues.
Safety1–2 hours$100–250ProOnly if: gas appliances or gas heat
How to do it
Book a licensed HVAC tech to inspect furnace/boiler and water heater venting, heat exchanger and combustion.
Ask them to check flue connections for corrosion, gaps and backdrafting, and to measure CO at the appliance.
Keep the area around gas appliances clear of storage and flammables.
After snowstorms, clear dryer, furnace and water heater vents outside.
Ready.gov says know your evacuation zone and route. NWS says permanent storm shutters give windows the best protection; 5/8-in exterior plywood is the fallback.
Emergency prepHalf day$300–1,500 plywood/brace; shutters $$$DIY or proOnly if: hurricane area
How to do it
Look up your evacuation zone and route; decide where you'll go.
Price permanent shutters or impact windows; otherwise pre-cut and label 5/8-in exterior plywood panels.
Check the garage door's wind rating or brace kit.
Clear gutters and drains; plan where outdoor furniture goes.
Review wind/hurricane deductibles and flood coverage before June 1.
Property taxes are often reassessed after a sale, so the first annual escrow analysis can show a shortage and a higher payment. Servicers must refund surpluses of $50+ within 30 days of the analysis.
Paperwork and money30 minFreeDIYOnly if: a mortgage
What owners say
If your assessed value is far above what you paid, appeal it. Owners say appeals can take more than one round, and the price you paid is your best evidence. (Hacker News)
How to do it
Compare your first property tax bill with the amount escrowed at closing.
When the annual escrow statement arrives, check projected taxes and insurance.
If there's a shortage, choose lump-sum or spread payments (at least 12 months for small shortages).
If the tax value looks wrong, check your county's appeal deadline.
Mortgage interest on up to $750,000 of acquisition debt and property taxes (within the $40,000 SALT cap for 2025, $40,400 for 2026) may be deductible if you itemize; points on a purchase may be deductible in the year paid.
Paperwork and money30 minFreeDIYOnly if: a mortgage
A room-by-room inventory with photos and serial numbers speeds up claims; NAIC recommends reviewing coverage at least once a year and updating after renovations.
Paperwork and money1–2 hrsFreeDIY
What owners say
Shop your homeowners policy at renewal. Owners in the cost-of-ownership thread saw premiums climb sharply in just a few years, and comparing quotes is one of the few levers you control. (Hacker News)
How to do it
Video every room, opening closets and drawers; narrate brand and approximate value.
Record model and serial numbers for electronics and appliances.
Store the inventory in the cloud (NAIC offers a free Home Inventory app).
Check dwelling limit vs replacement cost and personal property limits; add riders for jewelry if needed.
Plumbing codes require a pressure-reducing valve when static pressure exceeds 80 psi; high pressure stresses supply lines, fixtures and appliance hoses.
Systems10 min$10–15 for a gaugeDIY
What owners say
If pressure is high all the time, the pressure-reducing valve near the meter may need adjusting or replacing. If it only spikes after the water heater runs, you probably need a thermal expansion tank. Owners report this showing up after the city installs new meters with check valves. (DIY Stack Exchange)
How to do it
Screw a pressure gauge onto a hose bib or laundry faucet.
With no water running in the house, read static pressure.
If it's over 80 psi, have a plumber install or adjust a pressure-reducing valve.
Once or twice a year, use this attic inspection checklist: go up with a flashlight and check the roof deck around chimneys, vents and valleys for stains. Look for droppings, nests and chewed wires, confirm that soffit vents are clear, and trace each bath fan duct to the outdoors. Stop if you see vermiculite or knob-and-tube wiring.
Outside30 minutesFreeDIY to look; licensed pros for repairsOnly if: an attic
Exercise water shutoff valves once or twice a year by turning each one fully closed and fully open, starting with the main. Go slowly, stop if a valve resists, and check the stem for drips afterward. A valve that won't move or won't stop the water should be replaced before a leak forces the issue.
SystemsDepends on how many valves you have; plan a quiet morningFree if every valve works; plumber's rates if one needs replacingDIY, with a plumber for seized valves
To test a T&P valve, A. O. Smith's manual says to operate it by hand at least once a year, with no one near the discharge pipe. Water should flow, then stop when the lever closes. Inspect the anode rod within three years of installation, then yearly. Have a plumber replace a valve that won't reset.
SystemsAbout 15 minutes for the valve; anode check variesFree to test; plumber fees varyDIY for the valve, plumber for the anode
What owners say
Once a year, fill a tub with only hot water and look at the color. One owner saw rust-colored water and a plumber found a small tank leak before it burst. Do this check yearly once the heater is about 10 years old. Another owner's anode had dissolved and the tank leaked right after its 6-year warranty ran out. (Reddit)
The anode rod nut is often seized. Owners report needing a long breaker bar and help, and some gave up and had a plumber do it. (Hacker News)
Where owners disagree: DIY pros say explosions need several safety failures at once and call many warnings plumber scare stories. Still, test the T&P valve and keep the temperature near 120°F. (DIY Stack Exchange)
To clean refrigerator coils, unplug the fridge, take off the bottom grille or pull it from the wall, then vacuum and brush them. A federal lab guide says every 6 to 12 months, and a GE manual says yearly. Whirlpool says most homes need it only with pets or heavy dust, and some models need no cleaning.
SystemsAbout 20 minFree with a vacuum; coil brushes are sold at appliance parts storesDIY
An annual home maintenance inspection is a checkup of the roof, structure, plumbing, electrical and HVAC for people who already own their home. It works like a pre-purchase inspection, and one provider puts the price at around $350. Book one every year or two, depending on the home's age, or walk the house yourself with a checklist.
Systems2 to 3 hoursAround $350 for a pro (varies); free if you do it yourselfDIY or home inspector
What owners say
Some owners hire their pre-purchase inspector back for a one-time post-move walkthrough. Inspectors don't sell repairs, so they'll tell you honestly how long the roof and plumbing have left. (Hacker News)
To clean a faucet aerator, unscrew it, soak it in a cup of white vinegar for 20 to 30 minutes, scrub it gently with a toothbrush, rinse and screw it back on. Treat a showerhead the same way. EPA says to clean aerators regularly, because sediment and lead particles can collect in the screen.
SystemsAbout 30 minFree if you have vinegar at homeDIY
Once a year, walk the house and press on every caulk joint, shake every handrail and try every door. Replace caulk when it's cracked or pulling away. Tighten loose screws. A stair rail should sit 34 to 38 inches high under model code, so call a carpenter if it won't stay firm.
Systems1–2 hrsVaries; caulk and basic toolsDIY, carpenter for rails that won't stay tight
Long-interval jobs worth putting on a calendar now.
Smoke alarms wear out: USFA and NFPA say replace them 10 years from the manufacture date printed on the back, not the purchase date. Sellers rarely replace them.
Set a phone reminder a few months before the expiry date printed on each alarm. Then you can buy replacements on your own schedule instead of when one starts chirping at 3 a.m. (Reddit)
How to do it
Twist each alarm off its base and read the 'Date of Manufacture' on the back.
Replace any alarm 10+ years old, any with no date, and any that fails the test button.
For hardwired alarms, buy a compatible unit (same brand/connector) or replace the harness; turn off the breaker first.
Replace CO alarms per their own end-of-life date (typically 7–10 years; check the label).
Common mistakes
Going by the purchase date instead of the manufacture date
Radon varies by day and season; a long-term (90+ day) test gives a better year-round average than the 2-day test at inspection. EPA also says retest after major remodeling or HVAC changes.
Health10 min setup; 90+ days$25–50 kit or $100–250 digital monitorDIYOnly if: a basement
Some owners in radon areas keep a continuous digital monitor in the basement. Short tests can swing a lot from day to day, and a monitor shows whether the average really crosses the action level. (Hacker News)
How to do it
Place a long-term alpha-track kit or digital monitor in the lowest lived-in level during the heating season.
Leave it 90+ days; send the kit to the lab.
If 4 pCi/L or above, hire a certified mitigator (typical cost ~$500–2,500); retest after mitigation.
Retest after finishing a basement or changing HVAC; many states/EPA suggest retesting every couple of years.
Common mistakes
Placing the kit in a crawlspace, kitchen or bathroom
EPA says to have a septic tank pumped about every 3 to 5 years, and to have the system inspected regularly. Its advice on inspections ranges from every 1 to 3 years up to every 3 to 5. A common rule of thumb is to pump when solids reach two-thirds of the tank's volume.
SystemsOne visitAbout $250 to $500 for routine service; varies by region and tank sizeSeptic proOnly if: a septic system
The Carpet and Rug Institute recommends hot-water extraction every 12–18 months; most carpet warranties require it, and you don't know when the seller last did it.
Cleaning3–6 hrs + dry time$100–300 for a whole home pro clean (varies)DIY or pro
What owners say
Where owners disagree: A repair tech says not to buy a carpet washer: it gets used once, lent out and comes back broken, so rent or borrow one. A US owner rented a Rug Doctor after a leak and found it pulled water out of soaked carpet better than a wet vac. Another owner rented so often they finally bought one. (Reddit)
How to do it
Vacuum thoroughly first (slow passes).
Hire a certified cleaner or rent an extractor.
Allow carpets to dry fully (fans, HVAC on) before moving furniture back.
Before spot-cleaning upholstered furniture, read the code on its care tag: W means water-based cleaners, S solvent cleaners only, SW either, X vacuum only and call a pro for stains.
Drop water on the grout. If it soaks in instead of beading, it's time to reseal. To reseal grout, clean it, repair any cracks, let it dry, then brush on a penetrating sealer and wipe the tile within about 10 minutes. Most showers need this about once a year.
CleaningAbout 2 hours plus curing timeOne bottle of penetrating sealer and an applicator; prices varyDIY
To clean and seal a deck, wash it yearly with a wide fan tip at moderate pressure, moving with the grain. If water soaks in rather than beading, let the wood dry and reseal it. Sealer life ranges from one year to several, depending on the product. Wash siding gently, following its maker's care guide.
Outside1 to 2 daysVaries with deck size, cleaner and sealer choiceDIY or pro; a licensed contractor for rot or structural damage
A sewer camera inspection sends a waterproof camera down your main line to spot roots, sags, cracks and collapses. It usually takes 30 minutes to an hour and costs about $125 to $350 through an inspector, or $150 to $500 through a plumber. Always ask for the full video.
SystemsAbout 30 minutes to 1 hour on siteAbout $125 to $500Plumber or sewer inspector
In an electrical panel inspection, a licensed electrician checks your panel's breakers, connections, labeling and load, usually for about $110 to $230. Guidance on timing differs. One electrical contractor suggests every 3 to 5 years, and more often for homes over 40 years old, recently bought homes or any panel showing warning signs.
SafetyOne visit; depends on panel size and accessAbout $110 to $230 for a panel checkLicensed electrician
Best for most 1-inch slots Filtrete Healthy Living Elite Allergen Reduction, MPR 2200 (MERV 13), 1-inchBudget: Aerostar Allergen & Pet Dander MERV 11 Pleated Air Filter
Best for most wet joints GE Supreme Silicone Kitchen & Bath Sealant, White, 10.1 ozBudget: DAP Kwik Seal Plus Premium Kitchen & Bath Adhesive Caulk, White
Best for most homes without wiring Kidde Smoke Alarm, 10-Year Battery Powered (DETECT series)Budget: Kidde Smoke Alarm, AA Battery Powered (DETECT series)
We wrote every task from primary sources: fire and safety agencies, federal regulators, and building-science and inspection groups. Links on each task point to the exact page. Costs are typical U.S. ranges, not quotes. This checklist is general guidance; your local code, lender or insurer may require more.
