Now’s the ideal time of year for some important household tasks to avoid problems during winter, keep appliances and equipment working at peak performance, and be ready when spring comes! Use our handy checklist for keeping track of what needs to be done. Simply copy and customize to what your house needs!

Outside – Pool, Patio and Hardscaping:

__ Winterize your pool and spa as per manufacturer instructions

__ Winterize non-heated pool house and outdoor showers

__ Repair masonry and driveway cracks before the cold weather

__ Put away outdoor furniture, cushions, flower pots and accessories

__ Replace any exterior burned-out light bulbs

Outside – Freezing Temperatures and Snow Prep:

__ Clean all gutters and drains

__ Confirm your snow removal contract is in place with provider

__ Set driveway snow melt systems

__ Put tall markers in place along perimeter of driveway (before ground freezes) and next to fuel/propane tank lids

__ Disconnect all garden hoses from exterior water spigots; if spigots are not “frost free” drain and turn-off water to them

__ Winterize irrigation system, outdoor sinks, and water features as per manufacturer instructions

Outside – Landscaping:

__ Lawn: apply post emergent, core, aerate and overseed

__ Apply recommended applications and feedings to have healthy plantings, trees, shrubs and lawns next spring

__ Cover boxwoods and/or holly shrubs/trees in burlap or other covering, as per plant guidelines

__ Remove all leaves from the lawn before the snow

__ Prune ornamental tree branches, early fall, before snow can snap them

Inside – Heating, Cooling and Power:

__ Switch thermostats from cool to heat mode; use custom settings based on your family’s schedules

__ Get boiler, furnace and other heating equipment cleaned and serviced as needed

__ Change HVAC filters (two times per year)

__ Turn on and inspect humidifiers

__ Follow service recommendations for power generators (typically twice/year)

Inside – Water & Plumbing:

__ Clean sink waste traps (quarterly)

__ Pour lemon juice in garbage disposals to help control odors

__ Clean out/replace filters on dishwashers

__ Make sure water supply pipes in uninsulated attics are insulated

__ Inspect/change water filters

__ Add water softeners if used

__ Flush infrequently-used basement waste ejector pumps (monthly)

Inside - Clean & Maintain:

__ Vacuum and dust TVs, media equipment and computers

__ Clean out central vacuum system canisters

__ Clean grease out of cooktop exhaust filters

__ Run self-clean on oven (based on usage)

__ Run self-clean on ice maker (based on water quality)

__ Clean-out dryer vents and hoses

__ Seal of marble and granite tile and countertops

__ Re-grout tile if needed, especially in showers, bathtubs and sink areas.

Safety and Security:

__ Check and change batteries in electronic locks, safes and flashlights

__ Clean security camera lens and do any system maintenance

__ Test smoke and CO detectors and replace batteries if not hardwired

__ Inspect/replace fire extinguishers

Garage and Automobile Care:

__ Clean off sensors on garage doors

__ Test/replace garage door opener batteries

__ Put snow/ice scrapers and maybe a small shovel in your vehicles

__ Keep snow shovels and ice melt handy in the garage

__ Check your car - tire treads, pressure and washer fluid level

__ Throw a spare blanket, hat and gloves in the trunk

Service Contracts and Maintenance:

__ Do a general inspection of roofing, mechanical rooms, generators, etc. and set up repair visits as needed

__ Confirm annual contracts are in-place:

__ Security system

__ Audio/video, computer, network updates

__ HVAC - heating, oil, gas

__ Well pump and/or water filtration

__ Pest control

__ Snow removal

__ Trash pick-up

__ Landscaping care

As you’re making any repairs or updates, you may be interested in migrating to more environmentally-friendly, energy-efficient, cost-saving solutions. Technology has brought about a wave of “green” options for many features in a home, from lighting to HVAC, flooring, water usage and much more. 

Yes, running a home is a lot of work! It takes planning, patience and persistence. If you don’t have the time, interest or skill level to manage the above tasks (plus repairs, remodels, upgrades, etc.), you can hire a property management company to handle some or all of it. For example, we at R.R.Builders handle the full spectrum of property care – from scheduling & overseeing professional maintenance & repair services, to doing projects ourselves. Whether you’re at home, work, or away, we can be your single point of contact for all home and property needs. We make sure everything runs smoothly, maintain a physical presence at the property, and handle urgent issues that may arise. Learn more about our approach and our variety of property management services.