Seasonal Home Maintenance Checklist

Written by Phil Schnetzer, CPI

Certified Professional Inspector serving the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia. 10+ years and 1,500+ inspections. ReHome Inspections.

Most major home problems I find on inspections share a common cause: deferred maintenance. Something small that should have been addressed years ago was left, and left, and left — and is now a significant repair. The good news is that most homes are fairly forgiving if you stay on top of basic maintenance. Here's a season-by-season checklist worth keeping.

Spring

Exterior and drainage

• Walk the perimeter: look for foundation cracks, soil that has settled away from the foundation, and areas where water may have pooled over winter.
• Check that lot grading still slopes away from the house. Freeze-thaw cycles and settling can reverse grade over time.
• Clean eavestroughs and downspouts of winter debris. Check for sagging sections (they won't drain properly) and ensure downspout extensions are in place and discharging at least 4 feet from the foundation.
• Check window wells for water accumulation and debris.

Roof and exterior

• Inspect the roof from the ground (binoculars help) or hire someone to do a proper inspection. Look for missing, lifted, or damaged shingles — winter is hard on roofs.
• Check chimney cap, flashing, and mortar joints.
• Inspect siding, trim, and caulking for cracks, gaps, or peeling paint. Caulk all penetrations and joints before moisture gets in.
• Check deck for loose boards, corroded fasteners, and loose railings or posts. Apply a water repellent if the wood absorbs water (sprinkle test: if water beads, you're fine; if it soaks in, it's time).

Mechanical and interior

• Have your heat pump or central air system serviced before you need it.
• Test smoke and CO detectors. Replace batteries if you haven't done so recently.
• Check basement walls and floor for moisture or efflorescence (white mineral deposits) from winter water infiltration.

Summer

• Trim tree branches back from the roof and siding. Branches touching the house cause abrasive wear and trap moisture.
• Keep shrubs and plants at least 6 inches from the foundation.
• Check and clean dryer vent — lint buildup is a fire hazard.
• Test all GFCI receptacles (the ones with Test/Reset buttons near water sources). Press Test — the outlet should go dead. Press Reset — it should come back.
• Check and clean bathroom exhaust fans. Clogged fans don't ventilate effectively and run hotter.
• Inspect window and door weatherstripping for deterioration.

Fall

Before the cold arrives

• Have your oil furnace serviced and filters replaced before you need it for heat.
• If you have a wood stove or fireplace, have the flue cleaned and inspected by a WETT-certified technician.
• Clean and flush the hot water tank (sediment builds up and reduces efficiency and lifespan).
• Disconnect and drain exterior hose bibs before the first freeze. A frozen hose bib can split the pipe inside the wall, causing significant water damage before you notice.
• Clean eavestroughs after the leaves fall — debris in eavestroughs causes ice dams and overflow that can damage fascia and foundation.
• Check attic insulation and ventilation. This is the season to fix problems before winter sets in.

Winter

• After significant snowfalls, rake snow from the lower few feet of the roof if you're ice-dam prone.
• Monitor eaves for ice buildup — large ice dams forming early in the season often indicate a ventilation or insulation problem worth addressing.
• Keep a close eye on the basement during thaws. Rapid snowmelt with frozen ground is exactly when water infiltration happens.
• Test smoke and CO detectors. Heating season increases CO risk.
• Know where your main water shut-off is. If a pipe freezes and bursts, seconds matter.