Simple home maintenance schedules, by region
Home ownership is a great investment, but it’s also a big responsibility. One thing homeowners must stay on top of is their home maintenance. With so many pressing obligations, though, it can be easy to fall behind on various tasks. However, neglecting to keep up with home maintenance tasks can sometimes result in expensive consequences.
Therefore, you’ll need to complete tasks at certain times to properly care for your home. Some tasks, such as testing your carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors or smoke alarms, might need to be done a few times a year, while other tasks only need to be done every five to 10 years to keep your home in the best possible shape.
It’s important to remember, though, that the schedule you follow and the tasks you prioritize will vary depending on where you live in the United States. Each region has distinct weather patterns and considerations that will impact your home maintenance needs. We’ll walk you through a basic schedule for each region so that you can begin to develop your home care plan.
Northwestern United States home maintenance schedule
Throughout the northwestern region of the U.S., you’ll find a high number of rainy days, with certain regions also experiencing regular fog. Temperatures might reach the mid-80s during the hottest parts of summer and dip down into the 30s for the coolest parts of winter.
Yearly home maintenance checklist
To care for a home in the northwest U.S., make a home care schedule that reflects local weather patterns. In particular, you will want to pay attention to tasks that help your home withstand steady rain and moisture.
On a yearly basis, you will want to perform tasks like:
- Check your home’s foundation for signs of water damage, cracking or erosion around the home.
- Take care of the gutters, including cleaning them out and replacing them if they show signs of damage.
- Check your HVAC filters. This task is particularly important before winter when the system will see more use. A home warranty from Cinch Home Services can ensure your HVAC system stays in the best condition by making unexpected breakdowns manageable with fast and easy service.
- Vacuum your refrigerator coils. This can help the appliance run more efficiently and can save money.
- Check and repair caulking and weather stripping as needed.
- Check your roof shingles for signs of damage.
- Check and maintain your sump pump.
- Check for signs of termites.
5- to 10-year home maintenance checklist
You will also want to run through a checklist of home improvement tasks that don’t have to be completed as often but will have a big impact on the health of your home.
Some tasks we suggest you complete every five to 10 years include:
- Resurface the driveway.
- Resurface the deck.
- Repaint the exterior of the home.
- Repair or replace roofing shingles.
- Inspect the faucets throughout your home to see if they need to be replaced.
- Inspect and (likely) replace your garage door opener.
Southwestern United States home maintenance schedule
Down in the southwestern portion of the U.S., people face unique weather patterns that impact their homes and daily lives. If you live in this region, you will want to consider high heat, particularly in the summer. The area generally also sees low precipitation and moisture.
Yearly home maintenance checklist
To take care of a home in the American Southwest, your yearly routine should help equip your home with the upkeep it needs to safely withstand high temperatures. Each year, you will want to touch on tasks like:
- Check and maintain your air conditioner. A home warranty from Cinch can ensure your air conditioning system is working properly, even during the hottest months.
- Clean and maintain your pool.
- Check for and remove insects or rodents.
- Check the caulk around windows and doors and watch for drafts. The last thing you want is for cool air to escape outside.
- Inspect your plumbing system for signs of leaks. If you have a leak, a home warranty from Cinch comes with vetted service professionals who can help diagnose and eliminate the problem.
- Check your dryer vent and remove any lint buildup.
- Check your fire extinguishers and replace them as needed.
- Remove showerheads to clean out any sediment buildup.
5- to 10-year home maintenance checklist
To help you maintain your Southwest home, a few tasks should be managed every five to 10 years. In the Southwest, the hot sun and dry desert air can beat down on your home, but you can take steps to keep it in shape for years to come.
The tasks that homeowners should attend to include:
- Replace any worn HVAC components.
- Resurface the driveway.
- Complete paint touchups on any color-faded surfaces.
- Check for and repair cracks on stucco surfaces.
- Check the garage door opener.
- Inspect the roofing of the home.
- Inspect and repaint any exterior areas.
- Inspect the faucets throughout your home to see if they need to be replaced.
- Drain the hot water heater and clean out any sediment.
Northeastern United States home maintenance schedule
The northeastern portion of the U.S. tends to have four distinct seasons, with the weather getting quite hot in the summer and very cold in the winter. Particularly in the New England region, snow each winter is common, with large storms potentially dropping more than a foot of snow at a time. Therefore, homes in this region must be able to withstand a range of temperatures and weather patterns.
Yearly home maintenance checklist
Those who live in the Northeastern U.S. should thoroughly prepare their home for each season. Every year, homeowners need to do a variety of home maintenance tasks, including:
- Get the chimney checked and cleaned before winter.
- Remove debris if you live in a wooded area.
- Check the home’s foundation for cracking or water damage.
- Clean the gutters.
- Check for and remove insects or rodents.
- Check the roof and watch for the formation of ice dams in the winter. An ice dam is formed by a ridge of ice along the edge that prevents melting snow from dripping off, with the pool of water increasing the risk for a leak.
- Check and clean HVAC filters and inspect the heating system before the winter months.
- Clean the lint out of the dryer duct.
- Turn off exterior faucets before freezing weather hits to prevent pipes from freezing.
- Check your fire extinguishers.
- Clean showerheads and consider caulking tubs as needed.
5- to 10-year home maintenance checklist
Every five to 10 years, homeowners in the Northeast may need to complete more intensive tasks. However, these tasks will help ensure that their home stays in optimal condition. In the Northeast, some of these important tasks include:
- Repair and replace HVAC components.
- Reseal bricks and the foundation around the home.
- Repair any damage to patios or decks.
- Resurface the driveway.
- Repair or replace the roof.
- Inspect the faucets throughout your home to see if they need to be replaced.
Southeastern United States home maintenance schedule
The southeastern portion of the U.S. also has a warm climate, but the weather is significantly more wet compared to the southwest. People living here might face hurricanes and other types of intense weather, such as tornadoes. This region of the U.S. typically does not see cooler temperatures that merit home winterization.
Yearly home maintenance checklist
To keep their homes functioning optimally, homeowners will need to keep in mind the heat, moisture and humidity found in the southeast region, particularly in the summer. We recommend the following tasks:
- Check your air conditioning system components and schedule repairs when needed. With a home warranty from Cinch, you can request service online, check your claim status and more.
- Maintain your pool and change and clean the filters.
- Check for water damage to the house’s foundation.
- Clean the lint out of the dryer duct.
- Check for any signs of insects, such as termites, and get them removed.
- Inspect roof shingles for signs of damage.
- Check the drainage from all of your home’s downspouts.
- Check any lawn irrigation systems.
- Maintain showerheads.
5- to 10-year home maintenance checklist
For homeowners in the southeast, incorporating a variety of tasks every five to 10 years can help keep their homes looking their best for years to come. Homeowners can DIY many of these tasks, but they may want to call in a professional depending on their experience with certain types of home improvement.
Your checklist should include:
- Repaint any faded surfaces.
- Resurface the deck and driveway.
- Check for and repair cracks on stucco surfaces.
- Get a thorough termite and insect inspection.
- Reseal grout throughout the home.
- Inspect faucets throughout the home to see if they need to be replaced.
Protect your home year-round with Cinch
You work hard to keep your home in peak condition. Fortunately, you can simplify maintenance chores and mitigate the worries of major home maintenance costs with a home warranty from Cinch. With plans that help cover major home appliances, like clothes washers and garbage disposals, and built-in home systems, such as the heating system, our home protection plans make it easy for homeowners like you to take care of a home regardless of the weather.
If something that’s covered under our warranty breaks down, Cinch makes it easy to request service online. You also get access to our extensive network of vetted service professionals. If you want to see how Cinch can help you with maintaining your home, get a free quote today.