A home maintenance checklist can help new owners spot neglected details

Having a home maintenance checklist helps you keep your property in good condition. You'll also avoid costly repairs down the line. Instead of waiting until something breaks to call a technician, inspect different areas like your roof, plumbing, and windows regularly.

According to a 2026 Hippo survey, 69% of homeowners have unfinished maintenance or repair tasks. Keeping up with your property isn't always easy, especially for many first-time homebuyers. If you keep postponing small repairs, they'll cost you more later.

What Qualifies as Home Maintenance?

Any task you do regularly to keep your home looking great. Home maintenance is also crucial if you want your property to be energy efficient and safe for your family.

Some of the tasks will only take a few minutes of your time. You have to call professionals for others.

Does Home Maintenance Affect the Value of a House?

Yes. Even if you aren't planning to sell your new home anytime soon, you should still maintain it.

This way, you won't have to spend a lot of money on renovations years later. Preventive maintenance often helps homeowners attract buyers. Always take it seriously.

Avoid Neglecting Your Home With a Maintenance Checklist

It can be overwhelming to keep track of all the things you need to do to ensure your home stays functional. You don't have to memorize anything. Create a detailed home upkeep list and consider setting reminders for each task on your phone.

Inspect Your Windows and Siding

If you neglect your windows and siding, you won't have enough protection from the elements. Take a look around your home and check if there are any cracks in the windows. You should also watch out for loose frames and damaged seals during the home inspection.

These might allow insects to get into your home. You'll also spend more money on cooling and heating.

If you notice damage, don't wait until it gets worse. Contact Best Buy Windows & Siding for quality products and installations.

Check Your Roof for Signs of Damage

You don't have to climb onto your roof to inspect it. Use binoculars to check visible areas from the ground. If you see shingle granules or some parts that look uneven, your roof might be damaged.

Let building inspectors do a thorough check at least twice a year.

You also need to book an inspection after a storm or when something falls on your roof. By doing so, you can spot damage early instead of waiting until you see water dripping into your home.

If your home has an attic, don't forget to maintain it. Watch out for issues like:

• Water stains
• Daylight coming through the roof
• Damp insulation

Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts

Leaves and debris will keep building up in your gutters if you don't remove them. If it rains or snows, the water won't flow down freely. It can even get absorbed by your fascia boards.

Cleaning gutters and downspouts should always be in your maintenance checklist. Do it twice a year. However, if you have many trees near your home, you may need to get rid of the debris more often.

Always be careful when cleaning your gutters and downspouts. Use a stable ladder and wear protective equipment.

If you don't have it, don't risk doing the work by yourself. It might be better to hire professionals instead of risking a bad fall.

Inspect Your Plumbing for Leaks

A small plumbing leak will waste water and cause your bill to spike. It may even damage your items and other parts of your home. Never wait until you notice mold on the walls to start checking where the moisture is coming from.

Keep all your plumbing fixtures in the best condition. If you notice a pipe dripping water, get it fixed as soon as possible. Ensure your toilets and drains are always working as they should.

Don't forget to pay attention to your water bill. If there is an unexplained change in your usage, you might be dealing with a leak.

Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are important safety devices in your home. They alert you when there's a possible fire or dangerous gas buildup. Check every device and ensure you can hear its alarm.

If one of them isn't working, replace the batteries. You should also get new detectors as often as the manufacturers recommend. Don't wait until there's a fire to discover that you were relying on faulty devices.

Many people remove the batteries in their detectors if the alarm keeps going off. That's not a good idea. You need to know what caused it.

When you address the issue that's falsely triggering the alarm, you'll have peace of mind knowing it can help you stay safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Do Home Maintenance Without Professional Help?

Yes. You can handle several basic maintenance tasks without hiring someone, but there are some things you should leave to the pros.

If a job requires you to have special skills or tools, don't DIY. There's no point in causing more damage while trying to save money.

Should I Keep Home Inspection Reports After Buying a House?

Yes. Don't throw away the report you got from the experts who inspected your home when you were first buying it. You might need it later on.

Keep the report somewhere you can easily access it and use it when planning your repairs.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Maintenance Problems?

No. If you neglect your home and the issue then causes damage, your insurance company won't compensate you. Your policy is only meant to cover certain unexpected events.

Protect it by maintaining your home. You should keep the records too. Insurers often ask for these when homeowners file claims.

Maintain Your Home Before It Costs You

Maintaining your home as a new owner might seem challenging, but it becomes so much easier once you plan it out. Create a home maintenance checklist and follow it. Inspect all the parts of your home or have a professional do it.

If you come across any damage, address it as soon as you can. You should also keep records of all the maintenance and repairs you do. Browse our page to read more articles on home maintenance.

This article was prepared by an independent contributor which helps us continue delivering quality content to our audiences.