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Annual Home Maintenance Checklist to Keep Your Property Value Up

Toni Marie Cafferty  |  December 19, 2024

Annual Home Maintenance Checklist to Keep Your Property Value Up

Did you know that 97% of homeowners report performing at least some maintenance work on their home? Regular maintenance isn’t just about keeping your property looking good; it’s about preserving and enhancing its value over time. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or a seasoned property owner in Windermere, FL, following a structured home maintenance checklist is key to protecting your investment and ensuring your home stays in excellent condition.

Fast Facts About Home Maintenance

  • The average homeowner spends $4,283 annually on maintenance tasks.
  • On average, homeowners dedicate 17.1 hours monthly to home maintenance and improvement projects.
  • Approximately 48% of maintenance tasks involve plumbing-related issues.
  • About 37% of homeowners deal with roof maintenance or repairs each year.

Monthly Home Maintenance

Maintaining a monthly routine can help you tackle minor home repair tasks before they escalate into costly problems. Here are essential steps to consider:

  • Check HVAC filters: Replace or clean filters to maintain energy efficiency and air quality.
  • Inspect plumbing: Look for leaks under sinks and near appliances like dishwashers and washing machines.
  • Clean garbage disposals: To keep them fresh, use a disposal cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and ice cubes.
  • Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Ensure these safety devices are functioning properly.

Yearly Home Maintenance

Certain tasks require attention just once a year. These are crucial for long-term property upkeep and should be part of your annual maintenance schedule:

  • Service HVAC systems: Schedule professional inspections and maintenance before peak heating or cooling seasons.
  • Inspect roofing: Look for loose or missing shingles and address any water damage.
  • Clean gutters: Ensure proper drainage to prevent water buildup and structural damage.
  • Examine exterior caulking: Replace cracked or damaged caulking to improve energy efficiency and prevent water intrusion.

Seasonal Home Maintenance

Adapting your maintenance routine to the seasons ensures your home is prepared for weather changes and keeps your property in top shape year-round.

Winter Home Maintenance

  • Insulate pipes: Protect plumbing from freezing temperatures.
  • Check for drafts: Seal gaps around doors and windows to reduce energy costs.
  • Inspect heating systems: Make sure furnaces and fireplaces are in working order.

Spring Home Maintenance

  • Pressure wash siding and decks: Remove dirt and grime accumulated during winter.
  • Inspect the foundation: Look for cracks or signs of shifting.
  • Clean windows: Inside and out for better light and aesthetics.

Summer Home Maintenance

  • Trim landscaping: Keep bushes and trees away from your home to avoid pest issues.
  • Inspect and repair fences: Address broken or sagging sections.
  • Clean and repair outdoor furniture: Prepare for seasonal entertaining.

Fall Home Maintenance

  • Inspect the roof: Prepare for potential winter storms by fixing issues now.
  • Clean gutters: Prevent clogs that can cause water damage during rainstorms.
  • Service heating systems: Schedule professional maintenance to ensure efficiency.

FAQ: Home Maintenance Questions Answered

Why is home maintenance so important?

Home maintenance protects your investment, prevents costly repairs, and ensures your home is safe and comfortable. Regular maintenance can also increase your property’s resale value.

How can I keep my home safe while I’m away?

Secure all doors and windows, use timers for lights, and notify a trusted neighbor of your absence. For added security, install smart home systems for remote monitoring.

What are the signs my roof needs repair?

Watch for missing shingles, sagging sections, water stains on ceilings, or leaks during heavy rain. Addressing these issues early can prevent more extensive damage.

Stay Ahead with Preventative Home Care

Proactive maintenance is the cornerstone of residential care. Whether it’s following a monthly checklist or scheduling seasonal home improvement projects, staying organized ensures your property remains in peak condition. Professional home upkeep services can assist with larger tasks like HVAC servicing or roofing repairs. To simplify the process, consider creating a personalized maintenance schedule tailored to your home’s needs.

Maintaining a routine house check and staying proactive with preventative home care can preserve your home’s value and keep it market-ready. Ready to take your property upkeep to the next level? Stay on top of your maintenance schedule and contact a trusted real estate professional when it’s time to buy or sell.

About Toni Cafferty

Toni Marie Cafferty grew up immersed in the real estate industry, drawing inspiration from her mother, a dedicated Realtor®. Her commitment to delivering exceptional client care is a hallmark of her career.

Over the past five years, Toni has managed over $74 million in sales, consistently achieving record-breaking results for her clients. She has expanded her reach through Compass to connect more buyers with their dream homes and achieve outstanding outcomes for sellers.

Notably, Toni facilitated the highest-priced estate under contract in Windermere, Florida, since 2019 and set a new record for price per square foot in Isleworth Golf & Country Club. She provides a white-glove service approach tailored to the luxury real estate market.

Contact Toni Cafferty today for expert advice and personalized assistance navigating the Windermere, FL, real estate market.

*Header image courtesy of Toni Cafferty



Toni Marie Cafferty

Toni Marie Cafferty

Luxury Property Specialist

About the Author

A true native, Toni Marie Cafferty calls Florida home. Originally from Jacksonville, she moved to Central Florida while attending the private university of Stetson where she graduated with a degree in Marketing and International Business. With time spent in Austria, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, she loves to explore other cultures. In her real estate career, she’s had the pleasure to work with buyers from around the world.

As a Realtors® daughter, Toni Marie was raised in the real estate industry and contributes her high level of client care to that of her mother. Toni Marie caters to the luxury market with a white glove-style all her own. Just as the Golden Rule states, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” Toni Marie takes this to the next level offering superb client care. When asked, she says “it’s all about the details and being present with those you are working with whether it be in-person or over the phone. Be ahead of your client’s questions and help provide clarity and honest feedback.”

Toni Marie Cafferty’s Gold Standard (#tmcgoldstandard) has garnered respect from her colleagues and clients alike as she grows her real estate profession. In the past 5 years, she has managed over $74 million in sales and she’s not slowing down; rather she is expanding her reach with Compass to help more buyers find their place and continue to shatter records for her sellers. Most recently, Toni Marie has been the highest priced estate under contract in Windermere, Florida since 2019 and set a new price per square foot high in the exclusive community of Isleworth Golf & Country Club.

Toni Marie rounds out her career with a balance of time spent with her friends and family. Her husband, Brett, and their two dogs are looking forward to growing their family over the next few years as they continue to call Central Florida their home.

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