A house exterior in early autumn with a mix of green and turning leaves

Maintenance Calendar

The Home Maintenance Calendar

The bookmark-and-return reference: what to check each season, season by season, all year long.

This is the reference page — the one worth bookmarking. For the reasoning behind the timing, see our seasonal maintenance methodology. For the actual task list, keep scrolling.

March–May

Spring: Renewal & Inspection

Winter's done its damage; spring is when you find out how much.

Check the Roof After Winter

Look for lifted or missing shingles, granule loss in gutters, and ice-dam damage along the eaves.

Clear Gutters and Downspouts

Flush winter debris so spring rain drains away from the foundation, not into it.

Service the AC Before Summer

Replace the filter and schedule a tune-up before the season it works hardest.

Check Foundation and Grading

Look for new cracks and confirm soil still slopes away from the house.

Test the Sump Pump

Pour in a bucket of water and confirm it kicks on and drains properly.

Reseal Exterior Gaps

Check caulking around windows and doors before spring storms find the gaps first.

June–August

Summer: Systems Under Load

Heat and heavy use stress-test everything that runs hardest this time of year.

Inspect the Deck or Patio

Check for loose boards, rusted fasteners, and wood that needs resealing this season.

Check Attic Ventilation

Poor airflow bakes shingles from underneath and raises cooling costs all summer.

Test the Irrigation System

Look for leaks, clogged heads, and water pooling near the foundation line.

Check Siding and Paint

Sun and heat show damage first — look for cracking, fading, or warping.

Clean the Dryer Vent

A summer's worth of use builds lint fast; a blocked vent is a fire risk.

Schedule a Pest Check

Warm months are peak season for termites and carpenter ants near the foundation.

September–November

Fall: Prep & Seal

Every gap you seal now is a gap winter won't find for you.

Inspect the Chimney and Flue

Have it checked and cleaned before the season's first fire, not after.

Winterize Outdoor Faucets

Disconnect hoses and shut off exterior water lines before the first hard freeze.

Service the Furnace

Replace the filter and schedule a tune-up before the season it works hardest.

Seal Drafts and Gaps

Weatherstripping now is cheaper than a winter's worth of heating bills.

Clear Gutters Again

One more pass after the leaves drop keeps winter meltwater off the roofline.

Check Attic Insulation

Thin or settled insulation is one of the most overlooked heat-loss points.

December–February

Winter: Monitor & Protect

Less to do, more to watch — small monitoring habits prevent big winter repairs.

Watch for Ice Dams

Ridges of ice at the eaves signal heat loss and a risk of water backing up under shingles.

Check for Drafts Indoors

Cold spots near outlets and baseboards often point to gaps worth sealing.

Test Smoke and CO Detectors

Heating season raises carbon monoxide risk — test detectors and replace batteries now.

Protect Pipes From Freezing

Let faucets drip and open cabinet doors on the coldest nights of the year.

Inspect the Attic After Storms

Snow load and wind can loosen roofing that won't show damage until spring.

Plan Next Year's Projects

Winter's the season to gather quotes before spring's contractor calendars fill up.

Homeowner note: Regional climate shifts these timelines earlier or later. Treat this as a starting calendar, adjust it to your own location, and confirm anything structural or mechanical with a licensed professional.