The Ultimate Home Maintenance Checklist for Charleston Area Homes

   By Ashley Melton, Realtor® 

If you’re like most homeowners, your house is probably in need of some repairs and upkeep at this very moment. But what if I told you that there are a few things you can do throughout the year to keep your house in its best shape and prevent bigger problems down the line? My home maintenance checklist provides the perfect guide for homes in the Charleston area. 

Spring Maintenance Checklist

Spring is typically known for the big one, "Spring Cleaning" which conjures up visions of days and days of scrubbing, washing and vacuuming. It's enough to make you hide under the covers and wait until summer! But here's a short list of items that can help keep on top of your home without having to undertake anything overwhelming:

• Adding a new layer of mulch to flower beds will not only protect your plants from the inevitable dry spells in the Lowcountry it also helps to reduce weeds.
• Clear dead plants and shrubs from around the home. This makes way for new growth and tidies up the overall look of the exterior.
• Trim any excessive growth of shrubs, grass and trees away from the perimeter of the home to prevent damage, insect & animal access and to keep clear access for yourself or service workers.
• Turn on outdoor faucets to inspect for any winter damage to the plumbing or hoses.
• Check trees for damaged or dying branches. Have an arborist inspect any concerning trees to prevent safety hazards during hurricane season.
• Spring is the ideal time to seed your lawn before the heat of summer. This allows the grass time to grow hardier as the temperatures rise.
• Pull out the lawnmower and give it a tune up by cleaning or replacing spark plugs, sharpening blades and changing filters. Make sure any electric mowers and landscaping tools are charged.
• Inspect your driveway, walkways and other areas where concrete is used for cracks or damage that may have occurred from ice or sudden changes in temperatures over the winter.
• Clean your gutters to prevent roof leaks or other water damage to the inside of your home.
• Inspect your roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles. This will prevent leaks later on.
• Take inventory of your hurricane shutters or covers to make sure all are accounted for and don't need replacement/repair.

Summer Maintenance Checklist

Summer in the Lowcountry means a lot of things, trips to the beach, summer vacation for the kids, and, of course, that Lowcountry heat. It may feel like you'd rather be at the beach than doing work around the house but I have just a few items to take care of and then it's off to the beach you go!

• If you have an irrigation system installed, check your sprinklers to make sure none are damaged or clogged.
• Make sure to adjust the trim height on your mower to cut grass higher and prevent burn.
• Check decks and patios for loose or broken wood or bricks.

Fall Maintenance Checklist

Fall in the Lowcountry doesn't typically mean chilly temps and heavy layers, but it does still mean falling leaves and a few tasks to keep your home operating smoothly as you head into winter: 

• Keep your yard free of leaves with regular raking to prevent mold and dead grass.
• Flush your hot water heater. This removes sediment to prolong the life of your heater and help with energy efficiency and utility costs.
• Reinstall storm windows, if available, for added insulation and heating/cooling efficiency.
• Install or replace damaged weatherstripping on doors and window frames. Weatherstripping keeps drafts out of the home and prevents water damage.
• Chimneys should be cleaned regularly to ensure proper airflow throughout the home, removing ash and debris from the chimney flue.

Winter Maintenance Checklist

Rarely does the Lowcountry of South Carolina see extreme weather conditions due to our location, but it does happen! And because it's so rare, it's even more important to be prepared in case it does occur.

• Reverse ceiling fans so that cool air pushes the warm air downward.
• Colder weather causes wood and metals to shrink, loosening things like knobs and handles. Check and retighten them to prevent damage or accidents.
• Inspect and repair caulking around showers and tubs to prevent water related damage.
• Check showerheads and faucets for sediment to prolong life and improve water pressure.
• Use up or drain unused gas prior to storing lawn equipment. Old gas clogs carburetors.
• Check any foundations for cracks, and make sure winter runoff is directed away from foundations in anticipation of spring storms.

Other Important Home Maintenance

Now that we've gone through the seasonal maintenance, there are a few things that don't quite fit into a seasonal category but are still super-important.

Monthly

• Clean your air ducts & furnace filters regularly
• Clean drains in sinks, tubs, showers, and dishwashers to prevent smells and clogs. 
•  Keeping the garage clean is one way to make sure pests aren't attracted to your home. If there's junk or trash lying about, bugs and animals may find their way indoors.
• Remove lint from inside and outside washer hoses and your dryer vent. This improves energy efficiency and decreases the chance of fires by removing the flammable dryer lint.

Every 6 Months

• Vacuum refrigerator and freezer coils and empty and clean drip trays.
• Clean window and door screens.
• Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Yearly

• Power-wash windows and siding to prevent mold and dirt buildup that can shorten the life of the home's exterior materials.
• Oil garage-door opener and chain, garage door, and all door hinges. Make sure to use an oil or grease that doesn't attract dust or contains solvents. This prevents any jamming and that horrible squealing sound that will make your neighbors think bad thoughts about you.
• Replace interior and exterior faucet and showerhead washers if needed. 

Final Thoughts

I hope this list of home maintenance tips proves helpful to you. A lot of these items you may already know and some you may not have thought about. But, if you break these maintenance projects up into seasonal activities, I'm sure you won't feel as overwhelmed and you'll deal with a lot fewer home repair issues in the long run which in turn means increased peace of mind. Hey, if you ever decide to sell your home, it'll also make that list of buyer repairs MUCH smaller.

   Ashley Melton, Realtor® 

   843-670-2333

   www.CharlestonPalmettoHomes.com

    Ashley.Melton@AgentOwned.com