Home Ownership

Home maintenance checklist

Couple reviewing their home maintenance checklist

Regular home maintenance is essential to ensure a safe and efficient home. It’s a good idea to set aside some money in your budget each month for home maintenance and repair. As a rule of thumb, homeowners spend between 1% and 4% of their home’s value on maintenance and repair each year.

You may be able to earn the Cashback Bonus® on your maintenance expenses at participating retailers when you use your Discover® card. Or, if you’re regular maintenance leads to a bigger remodeling project, you might consider taking out a home equity loan from Discover Home Loans to cover the cost.

Doing a yearly home maintenance check

Following this maintenance checklist on a regular basis can help your home look its best, keep utility bills down and prevent more costly repairs in the future.

  • Foundation – Check for moisture and cracks that are expanding.
  • Roof – Inspect for loose tiles or shingles and signs of leaks around vents, skylights, and chimneys.
  • Paint – Touch up any interior or exterior paint that is cracking or peeling.
  • Gutters – Clean out gutters and downspouts to remove leaves and other blockages.
  • Chimney – Clean out the chimney to remove buildup of flammable substances.
  • Water Heater – Drain the water heater until it is clear of sediment and refill with clean water. (This will extend the life of your water heater.)
  • Heating and Cooling System – Change all filters. (Depending on the type of filters you use, this may need to be done as often as once a month.)
  • Clothes Dryer – Vacuum the lint from ducts and surrounding areas.
  • Refrigerator – Vacuum condenser coils to increase energy efficiency.
  • Exhaust Fans – Clean grill and fan blades.
  • Garbage Disposal – Flush with hot water and baking soda.
  • Doors and Windows – Lubricate hinges and moving parts; polish metal hardware.
  • Garage Door – Clean and lubricate hinges, rollers, and tracks.
  • Flooring – Shampoo carpets and wax floors.
  • Caulking and Grout – Inspect caulking and grout around tubs, showers, and sinks and reapply if necessary.
  • Fire Extinguishers – Check to see if they are fully charged and recharge or replace if necessary.
  • Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors – Test batteries and replace if necessary.

Did you know?

The home equity you’ve earned
can be used in a multitude of
ways. 
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