Owning a home comes with many perks, but it also comes with more responsibility.

Because you are no longer paying your landlord’s mortgage–you’re paying your own–that means you also need to keep up with regular maintenance and repairs when needed.

Most of us like to enjoy our weekends, without having to think about maintenance and repairs, especially ones that are costly and time consuming. But, homeowners know that keeping your home in tip-top shape year-round is a must, benefiting both your happiness and your home’s overall value.

For your year-round maintenance schedule, follow our annual Southern California home maintenance list.

Your spring home maintenance list

• Spring cleaning.
  • Start outside, raking leaves, weeding the lawn and flower beds, laying down new mulch, reseeding your lawn/garden, and checking for hose/spigot damage by testing them often.
  • By now, most harsh winter activity may be over, so don’t forget to clear your gutters so they can control the flow of rainwater and protect your roof, siding, and foundation from damage. Your gutters should be cleaned about once or twice a year to prevent leaks or worse.
• Inspect the exterior.
  • Walk around the house and check for cracks in the foundation, concrete, and your driveway. Check the roof and chimney for signs of wear.
  • Does your exterior paint need any touch-ups? Look for signs of chipping or peeling paint and, depending on the scale of work, consider hiring a professional.
  • You may also want to give your house a nice “bath” while you’re at it, being careful to wash the winter away on windows, exterior walls, and more. Don’t forget the inside of your windows, too!
• Own a pool?
  • Time to get it ready for warmer months. Remember to treat the water, check and change filters and valves, and inspect all equipment. We suggest one or two test-runs before you take that first dip.
• Moving on to the inside.
  • Time to check up on your HVAC systems by calling a technician to schedule biannual servicing.
  • Give your preferred plumber a call to check on all pipes, leaks, and water stains on walls/ceilings. They can also check faucets for drips and the tank in your toilet to make sure it has not worn out completely.
  • Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace any that aren’t working anymore.

Your summer home maintenance list

• Your garden.
  • As always, you should regularly be mowing the grass and taking care of basic groundwork. Now, you’ll need to make sure your flowers and foliage get plenty of water during the hot summer days. Watering early in the morning, every other day.
  • Now is the time to also check up on the sprinkler system and hire a landscaper if needed.
• Plan for extreme heat.
  • “HOT” tip: reverse the setting on your ceilings fans to counterclockwise, so air pushes down to create a nice breeze!
  • Check your AC and/or window units, cleaning out filters monthly.
  • Check weather stripping around doors and windows to keep the cool air in.
  • Cover windows that get the most sun in the mornings/afternoons.
  • Keep your disaster supply kit handy, since heat waves can cause or require brownouts and blackouts.
• Pest control.
  • This is pretty self-explanatory, but it can turn into a pain if not handled quickly. Some infestations, like a single trail of ants, can be handled with thorough cleaning and a spray can. Others, like termites, demand a professional sooner rather than later.
  • Don’t forget to seal holes where mice and roaches can get in and wash all clothes as soon as you come back from a trip.

Fall

• Great time to get planting!
  • In case you didn’t know, fall is the perfect time to plant perennials, like peonies, columbine or hydrangea.
  • You should also plant trees and shrubs and reseed your lawn during the fall.
  • Be sure to give them plenty of water so come springtime, you may see your first blooms!
  • Don’t forget to check up on your gutters one last time before winter hits for any last-minute repairs that need to be handled right away.
• Inside your home.
  • If you have one, it’s time to get your central air system serviced, plus get your furnace and ductwork checked and cleaned for energy efficiency.
  • Test your thermostat to make sure it is properly working, as well as inspect your heating vents and make sure they’re open and free of blockage.
  • Call your plumber for a boiler tank and radiator checkup to make sure valves are in good shape and haven’t worn out.
  • Walk around and check all windows and door frames and caulk where necessary.

Winter

• Sit back…sort of.
  • Luckily, here in Southern California, we don’t have to worry about snow (unless you live near the mountains), so winter is when we can relax just a bit.
  • We recommend checking and changing filters on your heating systems, as filters need to be replaced from twice a year to once a month in some cases.
  • Keep and eye on the water levels in your boiler to make sure they don’t fall too low.
  • You may want to invest in a portable generator, in the event of a storm. Check it regularly, even if you don’t use it as much.
• Emergency supply kit prep.
  • Even without an intense storm season, the COVID-19 pandemic has helped us realize that we should be stocked up on basics, essentials, and emergency supplies at all times. Consider items you need regularly, from food to toiletries, first aid to batteries, and make sure you have a few to spare!

The beginning of a new year is a great time to assess your home, from maintenance to supplies. Use this Southern California annual home maintenance list to ensure you’re prepared, no matter what life throws your way.

Sources: Art of Manliness, DIY Network