The Essential Homeowner’s Guide

Written By Christina Gorbecki

A quick must-have guide to home maintenance.

Your home is the living canvas of you. Your strength, your care, and your attention to every small detail shape the story unfolding within its walls. You’re creating a space of peace, stability, and joy.

However, a home also requires diligent upkeep to ensure everything runs smoothly. Following a previous post, in a time of transition or newly found independence, there may be some things we need to learn. This is a list of essential home maintenance tasks, along with step-by-step instructions on fixing common household issues, websites to visit for help with DIY projects, and recommendations on how to find a reputable contractor.

Time to honey-do like women do!

Monthly Maintenance

Yearly Maintenance

Must-Have Toolkit Items

Common Issues
and Step-by-Step fixes

Online Resources

How to Find a Contractor

Monthly and Every Few Months Maintenance

Change out or clean HVAC Filters

Ensure the HVAC system is turned off.

Locate the filter slot.

Remove the old filter.

Insert a new filter. Or wash off and dry the existing filter, then insert it.

Test and Clean Smoke and
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
(daylight savings, or on the equinox)

Press the test button on each detector.

Replace batteries if needed.

Vacuum detectors to remove dust.

Clean Out Gutters
(early spring, early fall)

Wear gloves.

Remove debris by hand or with a scoop.

Flush gutters with a hose to ensure proper drainage.

Check Faucets and Toilets

Check for leaks around faucets and under sinks.

Inspect toilet tanks for leaks.

Repair or replace any faulty components.

Run Water in Unused Spaces

Run water in sinks, showers, and tubs in less frequently used areas.

Prevents traps from drying out, avoiding sewer gas odors.

Check Vents / Vacuum Out Registers

Lift off the vent cover

Vacuum out dust and debris (this is especially important if you have pets)

Check the outside covers to ensure they’re not blocked.

Remove Lint from Dryer Vent / Duct

Vacuum out the base connected to the dryer and the vent to the outside.

Use an extended dryer vent pipe brush to get any remaining lint

Remove lint from the lint filter after every laundry load.

Yearly Maintenance


Check Fire Extinguishers

Check to ensure they are charged (they have a pressure gauge)

Make sure you have them in multiple locations (under sink, in the laundry room, and the garage)

Have a Professional HVAC Inspection

Schedule a certified technician to inspect and service your HVAC system.

Clean Chimney and Fireplace

Clean chimney flue.

Inspect the fireplace for damage.

Remove ashes and debris.

Have the chimney professionally cleaned yearly.

Check the Water Heater

Turn off the gas or electricity.

Drain a few gallons from the tank to remove sediment.

Check the pressure relief valve.

Turn the water heater back on.

Inspect Your Roof

Inspect for damaged or missing shingles.

Check for signs of water damage.

Repair or replace damaged areas.

Weatherstripping

Check weatherstripping around doors and windows.

Replace any worn-out or damaged weatherstripping.

Lawn Irrigation System

Inspect sprinkler heads for clogs or damage.

Adjust the system for optimal coverage.

Refinish Wooden Decks

This should be done every two to three years to protect the wood.

Prior to re-staining, inspect and nail down any popped nails.

Pick a dry, not too sunny day to powerwash and once dry, stain.

Must-Have Items in Your Toolkit

1. Basic toolkit with screwdrivers, pliers, and an adjustable wrench, etc.

2. Duct tape, WD-40, and lubricating oil.

3. Plunger and drain snake.

4. Flashlights with extra batteries.

5. Fire extinguisher.

Common Issues
and Step-by-Step Fixes

Leaky Faucet

Turn off the water supply (if you don’t know how, ask someone now, before you need to do it).

Remove the faucet handle.

Replace the washer or cartridge.

Reassemble and test.

Clogged Drain

Use a plunger.

If the plunger doesn't work, use a drain snake.

Flush the drain with 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of vinegar. Stuff a rag in the drain to keep the baking soda and vinegar mix in place. Flush with hot water.

Running Toilet

Remove the tank lid.

Adjust the float or chain.

Replace the flapper if necessary.

Tripped Circuit Breaker

Identify the overloaded circuit. (If your circuits aren’t already labeled, do that now.)

Turn off all devices on that circuit.

Reset the breaker.

Drafty Windows/Doors

Apply weatherstripping.

Use caulk to seal gaps.

Faulty Thermostat

Check and replace thermostat batteries.

Verify settings and recalibrate if needed.

Staying on top of maintenance helps prevent more significant and expensive issues from arising in your house. Thankfully, numerous online videos demonstrate how to fix just about anything.

And here’s a list of how to find a contractor when the project is bigger than YouTube.

How to Find a Contractor

Ask for Recommendations

Seek recommendations from friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers who have had similar work done. Personal referrals are often the best way to find a trustworthy contractor.

Check Online Reviews

Look for online reviews on Yelp, Google, or Angie's List. This can provide insights into the experiences of other customers. But remember that people more often review when they’re upset, so read with that in mind.

Verify Credentials

Ensure the contractor is licensed, bonded, and insured. You can check with your local licensing board to confirm their credentials.

Get Multiple Quotes

Obtain quotes from at least three different contractors. This allows you to compare prices, services, and professionalism.

Check References

For bigger projects, ask the contractor for references from past clients. When appropriate, contact these references to inquire about their satisfaction with the work and the contractor's reliability.

Ask for a Written Contract

Ensure all aspects of the job are detailed in a written contract. This includes the scope of work, timeline, payment schedule, and any warranties. If there are any changes to the original agreement as the project unfolds, make sure to put that in writing too. This helps prevent misunderstandings down the road and when it comes time for the final payment.

Communication is Key

Choose a contractor who communicates effectively. A good contractor should be responsive, open to questions, and provide regular updates on the progress of the project.

Check for Complaints

Check with your local Better Business Bureau or consumer protection agency for any complaints against the contractor.

Trust Your Instincts

Trust your instincts. If something feels off during the initial interactions, it might be a red flag. Ultimately, you want to feel comfortable with the person who will be in your home for an extended time.

Understand Payment Terms

Clarify the payment terms before starting the project. Be wary of contractors who demand full payment up front. Partial payment upfront is often necessary to purchase supplies, but a full payment should only be made once the project is complete and to the extent agreed upon in your contract.

Remember to do thorough research and take your time in selecting a contractor.

 

Christina Gorbecki https://withallgoodintentions.com
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