Your Complete Home Maintenance Timeline, Simplified!

Home Improvement

Your Complete Home Maintenance Timeline, Simplified

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Gord Brown

Gord Brown, an Ottawa-based copywriter, loves hands-on projects around the house and enjoys delving into various home improvement and DIY subjects. Extensive travel acros...

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Whether it’s your very first home or a fresh start, there’s a lot to be aware of when it comes to household maintenance. While some developers provide guides to help homeowners get acquainted with maintenance schedules, most owners have to learn on their own. That’s why Realtor.ca consulted Paul Justice, of Justice Construction, to compile a comprehensive—and handy!—timeline to give you a head-start on what to check, when to check it, and how to prepare for the short and long term.

Yearly planner

The importance of scheduling

A clean, warm family home.

Many homeowners overlook maintenance items until serious repairs are needed, ultimately costing more money. According to Justice, the two most commonly overlooked items by homeowners are the foundation and mould. By being aware of what to look for and establishing a habit of regular maintenance and inspections, you can stay on top of your home’s care, boosting its value and ultimately reducing stress and saving money on costly repairs or renovations.

Monthly

Choose one day each month for these revolving items which can easily be performed in a morning or afternoon.

Pro tip: The best way to prevent drain blockages is with a fine filter drain insert in your kitchen and bathroom drains. This ensures your drains never collect sediments, hair or food waste. Never rely on liquid drain cleaner to clear blockages. 

Storing your tree in the attic

Semi-annually

These tasks should be performed twice each year, once when preparing for winter and again each spring.

AC units

Annually

Annual maintenance and inspections usually happen in the spring or fall with a few exceptions that are not season-specific.

Spring:

Fall:

Pipes under a sink
 

Any time of year:

Here’s how to replace your toilet’s flange:

Preparing for the long-term

You know that rainy day you’re always told to save for? Putting money aside for any eventual repairs is a smart way to avoid unnecessary shocks down the road. With modern building materials and warranties, it may be decades before repairs are needed, but it’s best to be ready. 

Five years:

Ten years:

 

15 years:

25 years:

A family making food in their family home.
 

It’s never too soon to start your own household maintenance schedule, and to start saving for those larger eventualities down the road. The savings to your pocket book as well the peace of mind that comes with preparedness will go a long way to ensure long-term enjoyment and comfort in your home.


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