When it comes to home maintenance, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed — especially in Houston’s climate where heat, humidity, and severe weather can cause wear and tear faster than you’d think. That’s why we always recommend starting with the basics: a simple, reliable checklist of essential tasks that every homeowner should do.
This **basic maintenance checklist** isn’t just about keeping your home looking nice — it’s about protecting your investment, preventing small problems from turning into expensive ones, and giving you peace of mind.
The Basic Maintenance Checklist
Here’s a quick overview of the most important tasks, grouped by category:
Exterior:
– Inspect the roof and gutters for damage or buildup.
– Check exterior walls, paint, and siding for cracks, rot, or peeling.
– Clean debris from walkways and driveways to avoid slips and damage.
Interior:
– Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (replace batteries if needed).
– Look for water leaks under sinks and around appliances.
– Inspect caulking around windows and doors for air and water leaks.
Systems:
– Change HVAC filters — this one is easy to forget, but critical!
– Test heating and cooling systems to make sure they’re working.
– Flush water heater (if needed) to remove sediment buildup.
Appliances & Plumbing:
– Check washing machine hoses for cracks or leaks.
– Inspect dishwasher and refrigerator for leaks or odd noises.
– Clean dryer lint trap and vent — a key safety tip to prevent fires.
💡 Pro Tips for Making It Easy
– Create a seasonal reminder — use your phone or calendar to keep yourself on track.
– Don’t be afraid to call in a pro — for tasks like roof inspections or HVAC tests, a trained expert can spot issues you might miss.
– Start small — even tackling a few of these tasks each month is better than trying to do everything at once.
Want Help Staying on Top of It?
We believe that a good maintenance plan starts with a checklist — and ends with your home in great shape, year-round.
We offer custom maintenance plans that include these basic tasks (and much more!), tailored to your home’s age, systems, and your budget. Whether you want to DIY with a little extra guidance, or you’d rather leave it all to the pros, we’re here to help.
Let’s Talk