Clean under and behind any appliances, and in all closets.
Clean out the kitchen and pantry. Remove everything from the pantry, toss out stale and expired foods and wipe down the shelves before putting everything back.
Check your emergency supplies.
Check batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Check caulking and grout around sinks, showers, and tubs; repair as needed.
Clean and vacuum curtains, window blinds, and ceiling fans.
Clean gutters: make sure they are flowing properly.
Inspect roof for damaged shingles.
Check flashing, and re-seal as needed.
Re-nail any loose siding or trim boards.
Check house and garage for any rotting wood, and repair as needed.
Check porch flooring, and repair as needed.
Check and replace any bad caulking around windows, doors, siding joints, or anywhere else needed.
Scrape loose window glazing, and replace as needed.
Clean windows and their frames when installing screens. Wash and repair screens at this time.
Check caulk or seal between house and drive, and repair as needed.
Oil garage door tracks.
Trim trees, bushes, and shrubs. (Wait until spring-flowering shrubs have finished blooming.)
Scrape, prime, and paint any areas on house or garage that are in need, especially any bare wood. (Note: Observe precautions for reducing exposure to lead-based paint.)
If the house or garage doesn't need paint, wash exterior off at least once
Look for visible signs of carpenter ants, termites, or any other destructive insects.
Check all flat roofs, and recoat or seal as needed, especially flashing.
Check for mortar that needs repair (including chimney mortar and inside fireplace,) and tuckpoint or repair as needed.
Check concrete drive, sidewalks, patios, and landings for condition and level; patch cracks, level, and/or replace, as needed.
Clean carpets and wax tile and hardwood floors.
Add copper sulfate to basement floor drain and downspout drains to control tree roots in main sewer.
Patch and seal driveway (asphalt or concrete), and concrete steps/ landings.
Check tuckpointing on all brick areas, then seal masonry with silicone sealant.
Check weatherstripping on all doors and windows, and repair as needed.
Check all areas that need to be caulked, and repair as needed.
Make sure all garage floor or driveway drains are flowing properly.
Clear gutters of leaves, check for leaks, and repair as needed.
Inspect roof for loose or missing shingles, and check flashing seals; repair as needed.
Clean and reseal decks, fences, or other structures made of pressure-treated wood.
Oil garage door tracks.
Prune bushes, trees, and shrubs (except spring-flowering shrubs.)
Have furnace checked or tuned up, and change filter.
Have the chimney cleaned (yearly if wood burning; every 5 years if just for gas appliances.) Check damper in the fireplace for obstructions, such as birds' nests.
Shut off interior valves supplying outdoor water pipes to prevent them from freezing.
Change furnace filters monthly.
Repair any interior wall damage; touch up or repaint as needed.
Check and re-grout tile in all bath and kitchen areas, as needed, and apply a silicone sealer.
Clean Your Dryer Vent.
Clean Your Garbage Disposal.
Clean Range Hood Filter and Fan.
Inspect and clean light fixtures, and change any lightbulbs that need replacing.
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