Annual house maintenance checklist: what to check?

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Annual house maintenance checklist: what to check?

You'll learn, step by step, how to put together a practical checklist for looking after your home. The article shows you the materials, tools and PPE you need, the order of the checks and the safety measures before you start. You'll see how to inspect the roof and gutters, check the electrics, locate plumbing leaks, check air conditioning and heating, treat waterproofing, adjust doors and windows, take care of the façade and set up fire prevention - as well as knowing when to call in a professional. Simple. Straightforward. Ready to protect your home.

Main conclusions

• Check roof and gutters

• Inspect pipes and repair leaks

• Test heating and air conditioning

• Check smoke detectors and change batteries

• Sealing doors and windows and painting the façade

How to make an annual house maintenance checklist: what to check?

Put together a practical checklist to review your home once a year. Start with the areas that suffer the most: roof, gutters, plumbing, electrical, foundation, doors and windows, paint and heating/air systems. Take note of visible problems and simple measurements (leaks, gaps, leaks, gas smell, rust spots, loose sockets). Take photos and record dates - this history becomes your repair manual.

Plan inspections by season: before rain (roof and gutters), before winter (heating and sealing), before summer (air conditioning). Prioritize by risk: leaks > loose sockets > paintwork.

Materials, tools and why this annual home maintenance checklist will help you

Have essential materials and tools at hand before you start.

Following the list turns assumptions into actions and helps identify problems before they become emergencies, reducing costs and preserving the value of the property.

Practical steps and order of verification

Start at the top (roof) and work your way down: water and gravity do the damage.

Suggested order:

• Roof and gutters

• Facade and painting

• Windows and doors

• Electrical installations

• Plumbing

• Wet areas (bathrooms/kitchen)

• Heating/AC systems and filters

• Basement, attic and foundation

• Records and photos (document with date and priority)

Classify each item as urgent, short-term or routine. When it's out of your hands, arrange to hire a professional and ask for quotes.

Safety preparation before starting the check-list

Wear PPE: gloves, goggles, helmet and closed shoes. When working on electrical equipment, turn off the power. Secure the ladder to firm ground and ask for help when working at heights. In the case of gas, great heights or complex structures, call a professional. Safety comes before economy.

How to inspect the roof and gutters: steps to identify problems

Look first from the ground: displaced tiles, stains on the walls and full gutters. Use binoculars to reduce unnecessary climbing. Only climb onto the roof with a firm ladder and PPE. Look for broken tiles, misaligned tiles, moss, loose purlins and dark spots (infiltration). Photograph and categorize the repair (DIY or professional).

For specific procedures, consult the guidelines on ceramic tile roof maintenance and practical methods to maintain clean gutters and downspouts without damaging the system.

What to check for roof tiles, flashings and waterproofing

• Roof tiles: missing pieces, cracked, damp, misaligned, presence of moss.

• Ruffles: fixing, cracked silicone, corroded metal.

• Waterproofing (flats/balconies): bubbles, soggy spots, loose adhesion.

Gutter cleaning

• Manual: thick gloves, debris bag, spatula; remove leaves and check drainage with hose.

• Mechanized: blowers or hydrojetting for heavy sludge - prefer professional hydrojetting (pressure can damage).

Essential tools/EPIs: helmet, gloves, goggles, safety belt, ladder, spatula, hose, rubber hammer, sealant.

How to safely carry out a home electrical check

Start with a visual inspection: exposed wires, burnt sockets, heat stains on the board, burning smell. Switch off the main circuit breaker before working, use insulated tools and do not work on an energized circuit alone.

Useful items: multimeter, non-contact voltage detector, socket tester, insulated switches, insulated gloves, goggles, flashlight.

For basic procedures and care, see the guide to simple repairs to residential electrical systems which describes safe tests and actions for common problems.

Simple tests

• Circuit breakers: turn them back on one by one, watch for tripping.

• Sockets: check polarity, voltage and earth continuity (multimeter/tester).

• RCD/GFCI: press the test button - it should disarm.

When to call an electrician

Burning smell, charred wires, repeatedly tripped circuit breakers, work on the main switchboard or increased load (air conditioning, heater) require a qualified professional. Ask for documentation, a written estimate and a post-service verification report.

Safety measures: switch off circuit breaker, confirm no voltage, use PPE and insulated tools, lockout/tagout where possible.

How to check plumbing and leaks

Visually inspect under sinks, behind toilets and near pipes: stains, mold, the smell of sewage and the sound of water when everything is closed. Record leakage points with photos and notes.

Get practical advice on maintaining hydraulic systems at home, quick repairs such as water pipe repair and solutions for leaks in old pipes.

Localization techniques:

• Exposed pipes: follow the line, touch the joints with a cloth.

• Hidden pipes: paper towels on the wall, listening for the sound of water, hygrometer or thermal camera for damp spots.

Simple repairs: tighten connections, replace washers, use thread sealing tape (Teflon). For uneven cuts, corroded steel or replacing sections, use a mechanized tool or call in a professional.

Basic kit: thread sealant tape, sealing compound, washers, clamps, quick connectors, spare pipe, adjustable wrench, pipe cutter.

Air conditioning and heating maintenance

Turn off the power before moving. Check the surroundings (foliage, dust) and stop if there is a strong smell, water leakage or noise. Keep a record of maintenance dates.

For routine procedures and cleaning, see the step-by-step guide to air conditioning maintenance and options to install a condensate collection system which prevents infiltration.

Cleaning and changing filters (1-3 months)

• Remove the filter, vacuum or wash (if washable) and leave to dry before replacing.

• Replace torn or saturated filters with those recommended by the manufacturer.

Quick procedure:

• Turn off the power.

• Remove and clean/replace the filter.

• Replace and test the air flow.

Inspection of ducts and coils

• Ducts: check for leaks, insulation and condensation.

• Coils: clean with a soft brush and suitable spray; dirty coils damage the compressor.

For the general ventilation of the house, include checks according to the guidelines of ventilation maintenance. Schedule a professional check-up at the slightest sign of leaks, abnormal noises, loss of performance or high consumption.

Waterproofing and seepage control

Identify where the water enters (internal walls, terraces, foundation). Diagnosis → cleaning → repairing cracks → applying the appropriate product.

If you need immediate solutions or moisture diagnostics, see the guide to practical solutions for leaks and how waterproofing balconies with a discreet finish. For damp problems that lead to mold, also check out the guide to identifying and resolving humidity.

Common materials: sealants, primer, liquid membranes, polymer mortars. Wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles).

Types of waterproofing

• Bathrooms: liquid membrane, polymeric mortar.

• Exposed roofs: polyurethane, asphalt blanket with UV protection.

• Foundation/soil: polyethylene membranes or specific products.

Practical steps

• Diagnosis.

• Cleaning the area.

• Repair cracks (open in V if necessary).

• Primer.

• Application of waterproofing according to the manufacturer.

• Protection/finishing and curing.

• Watertightness test (terraces: fill with water 24-72 h).

For areas such as garages, consider specific solutions for sealing and waterproofing garages, and protect your foundations with a perimeter French drain when necessary. If mold is present, apply the preventive measures described in measures to prevent mold and quick treatments in antifungal treatment.

Respect curing times and protect from rain during the process.

Door and window maintenance (sealing and security)

Assess gaps, leaks and loose fittings. Prioritize sealing against water and wind and fixing locks.

For glazing and frames, see tips on glass window maintenance, and for soundproofing and internal sealing see acoustic sealing in internal doors.

Adjustments and lubrication

• Tighten hinges, align doors, clean rails and check pulleys.

• Lubricate: Vaseline on rubbers, silicone spray on rails, light oil on locks.

• Replace cracked rubbers (EPDM).

Glass replacement and repairs

• Protect the area, use PPE.

• Remove broken glass, clean frame, measure and install new one with shims and sealing compound.

• For special glazing, call a professional.

Quick checklist: feel for draughts, check for damp spots, test zippers, check stability of fittings.

Painting and conservation of the façade

Assess façade in dry weather; prepare surface (scrape off loose paint, wash, repair cracks). Use primer on repaired areas.

For safe cleaning and preparation before painting, see the step-by-step guide on façade cleaning and techniques for crack repair without compromising the finish.

Choice of paint and application

• Acrylic: good durability and UV resistance.

• Elastomeric: flexible for facades with small cracks.

• Apply 2 coats when indicated; thin, well-applied coats preferable.

Protect windows and vegetation with tarpaulins; clean equipment immediately after use. Schedule annual inspections for touch-ups.

Residential fire safety and prevention

Identify risk points (kitchen, service area, heaters, gas installations). Draw up a plan with smoke detectors, suitable fire extinguishers and an escape route.

Detectors and extinguishers

• Detectors: test monthly; change batteries annually; replace units >10 years.

• Fire extinguishers: check pressure gauge, seal and integrity; recharge when necessary.

Procedure for using the extinguisher: PULL pin → AIM at the base of the fire → Squeeze trigger → TURN sideways.

Escape plan

• Two routes per room and an external meeting point.

• Simple signs and emergency lighting on routes.

• Train the family every six months.

Visually inspect the gas network (connections, valves, hoses); if there is a strong smell, leave and call a gas technician/company.

Conclusion

You now have a practical roadmap. Follow the checklist and turn inspections into actions, starting with the roof and working your way down in logical order: façade → doors and windows → electrical → plumbing → heating/air → foundations and attic. Use appropriate PPE and tools; turn off the power before tampering with circuits. Classify each item (urgent, short-term, routine) and record photos and dates. When something is beyond your ability, hire a qualified professional and ask for a written quote. Maintenance means saving money and protecting your assets.

Do you want to continue learning and putting together even more practical checklists? Read more at https://dicasdereforma.com.br

Frequently asked questions

• What to include in the annual house maintenance checklist: what to check?
  Check the roof, gutters, electrical and plumbing systems, door and window seals, smoke detectors, air filters and signs of infiltration in the foundation.

• How do I check the roof on my checklist?
  Observe from the ground, use binoculars, check for loose/cracked tiles, ruffles and gutters. Only climb on the roof if you know how and with PPE.

• What to do with gutters and drains?
  Clear leaves and debris, check slope and outlet; unclog fall pipe if necessary.

• How to overhaul the electrical system?
  Make a visual inspection, test sockets with a multimeter/tester and call an electrician for signs of burns or problems with the switchboard.

• Which hydraulic points to include?
  Sinks, toilets, registers, water tanks, drains and exposed and concealed pipes; check for leaks and pressure.

• How do I look after my water heater?
  Drain and clean the reservoir if indicated, check valves, anode and registers; follow the manufacturer's manual.

• What to check in air conditioning?
  Change/clean filters, clean coils, check ducts and air flow; schedule technician annually.

• How to test detectors?
  Press the test button monthly, change batteries once a year and replace units that are more than 10 years old.

• What to check on doors and windows?
  Seals, hinges, latches, rubbers and rails; lubricate and replace damaged parts.

• How to inspect attics and insulation?
  Check for damp, mold, pests and lack of insulating material; reinforce where necessary.

• What to look out for when painting the façade?
  Cracks, bubbles, efflorescence and mold; treat before repainting.

• How to check for foundations and leaks?
  Look for cracks, bubbles in the walls and external drainage problems; correct unevenness around the house.

• What to include in landscaping and drainage?
  Slope the land away from the house, clear drains and keep roots away from the foundation. For maintenance of garden tools and equipment, see tips on garden equipment maintenance.

Adalberto Mendes

Adalberto Mendes, a name that resonates with the solidity of concrete and the precision of structural calculations, personifies the union between engineering theory and practice. A dedicated teacher and owner of a successful construction company, his career is marked by a passion that blossomed in childhood, fueled by the dream of erecting buildings that would shape the horizon. This early fascination led him down the path of engineering, culminating in a career where the classroom and the construction site complement each other, reflecting his commitment both to training new professionals and to bringing ambitious projects to fruition.