{"id":46134,"date":"2024-07-17T09:55:00","date_gmt":"2024-07-17T13:55:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.plymouthrock.com\/?post_type=resources&#038;p=46134"},"modified":"2025-02-27T11:46:47","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T16:46:47","slug":"home-maintenance-checklist","status":"publish","type":"resources","link":"https:\/\/www.plymouthrock.com\/resources\/home-maintenance-checklist","title":{"rendered":"Home maintenance checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<a id=\"back-to-top\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"home-resources-orange-border\" style=\"width:100%;\"><strong>Table of Contents<\/strong> <ul style=\"list-style-type: padding-left:10px;\"><li style=\"color:#000; padding-left: 10px;\"><span style=\"color:#000; display:block;\"><a href=\"#quarterly-tasks\">Quarterly house maintenance checklist<\/a><\/span><\/li><li style=\"color:#000; padding-left: 10px;\"><span style=\"color:#000; display:block;\"><a href=\"#biannual-tasks\">Biannual home maintenance tasks: update your home<\/a><\/span><\/li><li style=\"color:#000; padding-left: 10px;\"><span style=\"color:#000; display:block;\"><a href=\"#spring-checklist\">Spring maintenance checklist<\/a><\/span><\/li><li style=\"color:#000; padding-left: 10px;\"><span style=\"color:#000; display:block;\"><a href=\"#summer-checklist\">Summer maintenance checklist<\/a><\/span><\/li><li style=\"color:#000; padding-left: 10px;\"><span style=\"color:#000; display:block;\"><a href=\"#fall-checklist\">Fall maintenance checklist<\/a><\/span><\/li><li style=\"color:#000; padding-left: 10px;\"><span style=\"color:#000; display:block;\"><a href=\"#winter-checklist\">Winter maintenance checklist<\/a><\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Being a homeowner is a big responsibility, but by properly maintaining your home throughout the year you can avoid costly repairs. Keep your home in prime condition by following these seasonal home maintenance checklists. Some of these tasks are potentially dangerous, so consider hiring a professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"quarterly-tasks\"><\/a><h2 style=\"margin-bottom:0px;\">Quarterly house maintenance checklist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Testing your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide every three months is an easy\u2014but very important\u2014task. Press the test button on the top of the detector. If the alarm sounds, you\u2019re good to go; if not, replace the batteries and try again. If it still doesn\u2019t sound, you may need a new detector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Smoke Detectors<\/strong> \u2013 Ideally, you should install a smoke alarm on every level of your home and outside each sleeping area. Many <a href=\"https:\/\/www.plymouthrock.com\/insurance\/home\/all-states\">home insurance<\/a> carriers offer special\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.plymouthrock.com\/insurance\/home\/discounts-benefits\">discounts<\/a>\u00a0if you install smoke detectors.<\/li><li><strong>Carbon Monoxide Detectors<\/strong> \u2013 Similar to a smoke detector, a carbon monoxide detector can be a vital, life-saving tool. If an odorless, deadly gas builds up in your home, these detectors will give you and your family time to escape.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"biannual-tasks\"><\/a><h2 style=\"margin-bottom:0px; margin-top:20px;\">Biannual home maintenance tasks: update your home<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some tasks that you should address twice a year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 style=\"margin-bottom:0px; font-size:18px;\"><strong>Change Batteries in Detectors<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Replace the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors every six months. With something as important as this, you can\u2019t be too careful, and batteries don\u2019t cost much. Any detector more than ten years old should be replaced entirely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 style=\"margin-bottom:0px; font-size:18px;\"><strong>Clean Your Gutters<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.plymouthrock.com\/resources\/8-tips-cleaning-gutters\">gutters and downspouts<\/a> play a huge role in protecting your home from various types of damage. Clogged gutters can lead to leaky roofs, cracked foundations, unwanted pests and even dangerous <a href=\"https:\/\/www.plymouthrock.com\/resources\/does-home-insurance-cover-mold\">mold growth<\/a>. For these reasons, you should hire a professional to remove leaves and debris from your gutters every six months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 style=\"margin-bottom:0px; font-size:18px;\"><strong>Check Your Foundation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A solid foundation is crucial to maintaining the structural integrity of your home. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to check your foundation at least twice a year. Here are some things to look for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #00078D6; margin-bottom:15px; margin-top:15px;\"><table style=\"margin-bottom:0px;\"><tr><td style=\"background-color:#0078D6; border-color:#ffffff; color:#fff; padding:10px 10px 10px 15px; text-align: left; width:50%;\"><strong>What to Look For<\/strong><\/td><td style=\"background-color:#0078D6; border-color:#ffffff; color:#fff; padding:10px 10px 10px 10px; text-align: left; width:50%;\"><strong>Potential Danger<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>\n\n<tr><td style=\"background-color:#e5f2fb; border-color:#ffffff; padding:10px 15px 10px 15px; text-align: left; vertical-align:top;\">Cracks, gaps or holes in the foundation<\/td><td style=\"background-color:#e5f2fb; border-color:#ffffff; padding:10px 15px 10px 15px; text-align: left; vertical-align:top;\">Groundwater, insects and radon gas may enter your home<\/td><\/tr>\n\n<tr><td style=\"background-color:#fff; border-color:#ffffff; padding:10px 15px 10px 15px; text-align: left;\">Cracks in your home\u2019s ceiling, walls or floors<\/td><td style=\"background-color:#fff; border-color:#ffffff; padding:10px 15px 10px 15px; text-align: left;\">Your foundation may be shifting<\/td><\/tr>\n\n<tr><td style=\"background-color:#e5f2fb; border-color:#ffffff; padding:10px 15px 10px 15px; text-align: left;\">Uneven or sloping floors<\/td><td style=\"background-color:#e5f2fb; border-color:#ffffff; padding:10px 15px 10px 15px; text-align: left;\">Your foundation may be shifting<\/td><\/tr>\n\n<tr><td style=\"background-color:#fff; border-color:#ffffff; padding:10px 15px 10px 15px; text-align: left;\">Windows or doors that don\u2019t open or close properly<\/td><td style=\"background-color:#fff; border-color:#ffffff; padding:10px 15px 10px 15px; text-align: left;\">Your foundation may be shifting<\/td><\/tr>\n\n<\/table><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Although you may want to fix these issues yourself, it\u2019s best to hire a foundation service expert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"width:100%; text-align:right; padding:15px 0px;\"><a href=\"#back-to-top\">Back to top >><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"spring-checklist\"><\/a><h2 style=\"margin-bottom:0px;\">Spring home maintenance checklist <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The winter months can be tough on your home\u2014both inside and out. After the ground has thawed, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.plymouthrock.com\/resources\/spring-home-maintenance-checklist\">complete these seasonal spring tasks<\/a> to maintain your property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 style=\"margin-bottom:0px; font-size:18px;\"><strong>Clean Your Appliances<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A well-maintained appliance can run well for years. The best way to keep the repairman away is to clean your appliances thoroughly each spring. Or if you prefer, you can always hire a service technician to do the job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"home-resources-orange-border2\"><strong>Appliances That Need Attention<\/strong> <ul style=\"list-style-type: '\\2713'; padding-left:10px;\"><li style=\"color:#FF7826;\"><span style=\"color:#000; margin-left:10px; display:block;\">Air conditioning unit<\/span><\/li><li style=\"color:#FF7826;\"><span style=\"color:#000; margin-left:10px; display:block;\">Kitchen and bathroom fans<\/span><\/li><li style=\"color:#FF7826;\"><span style=\"color:#000; margin-left:10px; display:block;\">Refrigerator<\/span><\/li><li style=\"color:#FF7826;\"><span style=\"color:#000; margin-left:10px; display:block;\">Dishwasher<\/span><\/li><li style=\"color:#FF7826;\"><span style=\"color:#000; margin-left:10px; display:block;\">Washer and dryer<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 style=\"margin-bottom:0px; font-size:18px;\"><strong>Check Your Attic and Basement<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.plymouthrock.com\/resources\/common-attic-venting-options\">attic<\/a> and basement are both important parts of your spring home maintenance checklist. Make sure that water isn\u2019t entering either place, as leaks could lead to costly repairs. Look for any signs of critters, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 style=\"margin-bottom:0px; font-size:18px;\"><strong>Examine Your Windows<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As you\u2019re swapping your storm windows for screens, be sure to inspect any wood trim or sills for signs of decay. Check the caulking around your windows annually too. If you see gaps or cracking, apply a new bead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 style=\"margin-bottom:0px; font-size:18px;\"><strong>Inspect Your Roof<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Hire a licensed roofing contractor to conduct a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.plymouthrock.com\/resources\/does-home-insurance-cover-roof-leaks\">roof inspection<\/a> each spring. They\u2019ll check your roof for any damage done by falling tree limbs and other hazards. A tiny leak can become a costly repair down the road, so be sure to replace any damaged shingles right away. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"home-resources-orange-border2\"><strong>Types of Roof Damage<\/strong> <ul style=\"list-style-type: '\\2713'; padding-left:10px;\"><li style=\"color:#FF7826;\"><span style=\"color:#000; margin-left:10px; display:block;\">Missing, torn or deteriorating shingles<\/span><\/li><li style=\"color:#FF7826;\"><span style=\"color:#000; margin-left:10px; display:block;\">Missing caulking around roof vents and pipes<\/span><\/li><li style=\"color:#FF7826;\"><span style=\"color:#000; margin-left:10px; display:block;\">Damaged or rusted flashing<\/span><\/li><li style=\"color:#FF7826;\"><span style=\"color:#000; margin-left:10px; display:block;\">Wood damage or dry rot<\/span><\/li><li style=\"color:#FF7826;\"><span style=\"color:#000; margin-left:10px; display:block;\">Rusted, damaged or loose gutters<\/span><\/li><li style=\"color:#FF7826;\"><span style=\"color:#000; margin-left:10px; display:block;\">Cracked or worn chimneys<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Ask your roofing contractor to examine the exterior of the chimney, too. If there\u2019s damage, it should be repaired right away. You may also want to hire a certified chimney sweep to clean your chimney\u2019s flue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 style=\"margin-bottom:0px; font-size:18px;\"><strong>Check for Termite Damage<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Look for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.plymouthrock.com\/resources\/does-home-insurance-cover-termite-damage\">termite damage<\/a> around your home\u2019s wooden sill plate every spring. On most homes, the sill plate anchors the house to the foundation. If it shows signs of damage, call a licensed exterminator right away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 style=\"margin-bottom:0px; font-size:18px;\"><strong>Maintain Your Lawn<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A beautiful front <a href=\"https:\/\/www.plymouthrock.com\/resources\/get-your-yard-ready-for-spring\">lawn<\/a> is one of the best ways to enhance your home\u2019s curb appeal. Check your lawn equipment to make sure it\u2019s ready for summer use. Sharpen any cutting tools and test your outdoor water spigots and garden hoses for leaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"width:100%; text-align:right; padding:15px 0px;\"><a href=\"#back-to-top\">Back to top >><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"summer-checklist\"><\/a><h2 style=\"margin-bottom:0px;\">Summer home maintenance checklist <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Complete these <a href=\"https:\/\/www.plymouthrock.com\/resources\/summer-home-maintenance-checklist\">summer maintenance tasks<\/a> to get your home ready for the extreme heat ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 style=\"margin-bottom:0px; font-size:18px;\"><strong>Get Rid of Pests<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have mice, squirrels or other critters living in your home, call a pest control professional right away. The best way to prevent them from entering your home in the first place is to eliminate food sources and seal up any openings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #0078D6; margin-bottom:15px; margin-top:15px;\"><table style=\"border-color:#fff;!important; margin-bottom:0px; padding-bottom:0px;\">\n<tr><td style=\"background-color:#ffffff; border-color:#ffffff; color:#fff; padding:15px 10px 10px 15px; text-align: left; width:15%;\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Hive.svg\">\n<\/td><td style=\"background-color:#ffffff; border-color:#ffffff; padding:10px 10px 10px 15px; text-align: left; width:85%;\"><strong>Beehives<\/strong><br \/>Bees should be left alone, if possible. However, if a beehive forms on or near your home, you should call a professional beekeeper. They&#8217;ll relocate the hive and save you from getting stung.<\/td><\/tr>\n<\/table><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 style=\"margin-bottom:0px; font-size:18px;\"><strong>Prep Your Grill<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you fire up your grill, be sure to remove any grease buildup and splatters. If you own a gas grill, remember to check for punctures in the fuel line. When you\u2019re ready to cook, be sure your grill is at least ten feet away from your home. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.plymouthrock.com\/resources\/our-ultimate-grilling-roundup\">Read more grilling tips.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 style=\"margin-bottom:0px; font-size:18px;\"><strong>Adjust Your Ceiling Fans<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>An energy-efficient ceiling fan can save you money on your home\u2019s electric bill. During the summer, the blades should blow the air down to keep your home cool. Rotate the direction of the blades by flipping the switch on the side of the fan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 style=\"margin-bottom:0px; font-size:18px;\"><strong>Keep Your Pool Safe and Swimmable<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Without regular maintenance, your swimming pool can become smelly and dirty\u2014so be sure to clean it thoroughly. Remember that your pool should be enclosed by a locked fence, too. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"home-resources-orange-border2\"><strong>Maintaining Your Pool<\/strong> <ul style=\"list-style-type: '\\2713'; padding-left:10px;\"><li style=\"color:#FF7826;\"><span style=\"color:#000; margin-left:10px; display:block;\">Clean the water<\/span><\/li><li style=\"color:#FF7826;\"><span style=\"color:#000; margin-left:10px; display:block;\">Scrub the walls<\/span><\/li><li style=\"color:#FF7826;\"><span style=\"color:#000; margin-left:10px; display:block;\">Check the filters<\/span><\/li><li style=\"color:#FF7826;\"><span style=\"color:#000; margin-left:10px; display:block;\">Clear around the pool<\/span><\/li><li style=\"color:#FF7826;\"><span style=\"color:#000; margin-left:10px; display:block;\">Keep your pool safe<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 style=\"margin-bottom:0px; font-size:18px;\"><strong>Inspect Your Fencing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Check your fence for any loose nails, screws or bolts. Make sure the gate is properly aligned and all latches and locks work properly. If your fence is designed to keep pets inside, look below the fence for any holes they can squeeze through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 style=\"margin-bottom:0px; font-size:18px;\"><strong>Look for Cracks in Your Driveway<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Over time, your driveway can form cracks, which can eventually lead to larger potholes. Repairing small cracks is easy enough; just use a tube of crack filler. If your driveway is covered with cracks, you may want to resurface it completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"width:100%; text-align:right; padding:15px 0px;\"><a href=\"#back-to-top\">Back to top >><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"fall-checklist\"><\/a><h2 style=\"margin-bottom:0px;\">Fall home maintenance checklist <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Follow this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.plymouthrock.com\/resources\/fall-home-maintenance-checklist\">fall home maintenance checklist<\/a> to prepare your house and yard for cooler temperatures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 style=\"margin-bottom:0px; font-size:18px;\"><strong>Seal Your Home<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Walk around your home and seal up any gaps around your windows and doors with caulk or weather-stripping. You should also check your basement and attic for exposed pipes. If you find one, wrap it in insulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 style=\"margin-bottom:0px; font-size:18px;\"><strong>Service Your Heating System<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Most experts recommend that you schedule an inspection of your heating system each fall\u2014just before the weather turns cold. Whether you have a furnace, boiler or heat pump, a service technician will make sure it\u2019s functioning properly so you can stay warm and save on energy costs.<strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 style=\"margin-bottom:0px; font-size:18px;\"><strong>Drain Outdoor Watering Pipes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Before the winter months close in, find the valve that controls the water leading to the outdoor faucet or spigot and turn the water off. Then disconnect any hoses and drain the outdoor spigots so there\u2019s no water left in the line. If you have an in-ground sprinkler system, remember to drain that, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 style=\"margin-bottom:0px; font-size:18px;\"><strong>Winterize Outdoor Equipment<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Harsh winter weather can wreak havoc on outdoor tools and furniture, such as snow blowers, lawnmowers, gas grills and patio furniture. Give them a good cleaning and then store them in a shed or garage until spring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 style=\"margin-bottom:0px; font-size:18px;\"><strong>Shut Down Your Pool<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Closing a swimming pool each fall is essential to maintaining its overall health and longevity. Remove any debris from the surface of the water, scrub the pool walls with a brush, then clean out the pool skimmer baskets. Lay a pool cover over the water if you have one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"width:100%; text-align:right; padding:15px 0px;\"><a href=\"#back-to-top\">Back to top >><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"winter-checklist\"><\/a><h2 style=\"margin-bottom:0px;\">Winter home maintenance checklist <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>No one likes expensive repair bills\u2014especially in the winter. Use this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.plymouthrock.com\/resources\/winter-home-maintenance-checklist\">winter home maintenance checklist<\/a> to keep your home warm and cozy as the mercury plummets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 style=\"margin-bottom:0px; font-size:18px;\"><strong>Prevent Frozen Pipes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Water pipes can freeze during harsh temperatures, causing serious damage to your home. Fortunately, they\u2019re avoidable. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.plymouthrock.com\/resources\/prevent-frozen-pipes\">Read these tips<\/a> to learn how to prevent frozen pipes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 style=\"margin-bottom:0px; font-size:18px;\"><strong>Avoid Ice Dams<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Heavy snowfall followed by a period of freezing temperatures can lead to ice dams at the edge of your roof. The good news is that you can avoid them by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.plymouthrock.com\/resources\/ice-dam-prevention\">following these steps<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 style=\"margin-bottom:0px; font-size:18px;\"><strong>Test Your Sump Pump<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s a smart idea to test your pump before the winter snow starts flying\u2014and melting. After all, it\u2019s the last line of defense against a flooded basement.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"section\" data-elementor-id=\"46136\" class=\"elementor elementor-46136\" data-elementor-post-type=\"elementor_library\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-d23bfe1 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"d23bfe1\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-d5dd1c4\" data-id=\"d5dd1c4\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-05c2705 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"05c2705\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>How to Test a Sump Pump<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b9a4bbb resource-slider elementor--h-position-center elementor--v-position-middle elementor-arrows-position-inside elementor-pagination-position-inside elementor-widget elementor-widget-slides\" data-id=\"b9a4bbb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;autoplay_speed&quot;:13000,&quot;navigation&quot;:&quot;both&quot;,&quot;autoplay&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;pause_on_hover&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;pause_on_interaction&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;infinite&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;transition&quot;:&quot;slide&quot;,&quot;transition_speed&quot;:500}\" data-widget_type=\"slides.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-swiper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-slides-wrapper elementor-main-swiper swiper\" role=\"region\" aria-roledescription=\"carousel\" aria-label=\"Slides\" dir=\"ltr\" data-animation=\"fadeInRight\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-wrapper elementor-slides\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-repeater-item-0f41a20 swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\"><div class=\"swiper-slide-bg\" role=\"img\"><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide-inner\" ><div class=\"swiper-slide-contents\"><div class=\"elementor-slide-description\"><strong style=\"color:#0092D2;\">Step 1:<\/strong> Pour water into the pump pit until the float rises.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"elementor-repeater-item-eb3115f swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\"><div class=\"swiper-slide-bg\" role=\"img\"><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide-inner\" ><div class=\"swiper-slide-contents\"><div class=\"elementor-slide-description\"><strong style=\"color:#0092D2;\">Step 2:<\/strong> Listen for the pump to turn on.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"elementor-repeater-item-adc1685 swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\"><div class=\"swiper-slide-bg\" role=\"img\"><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide-inner\" ><div class=\"swiper-slide-contents\"><div class=\"elementor-slide-description\"><strong style=\"color:#0092D2;\">Step 3:<\/strong> Make sure the pump turns itself off when the water is removed.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"elementor-repeater-item-c5ae8a7 swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\"><div class=\"swiper-slide-bg\" role=\"img\"><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide-inner\" ><div class=\"swiper-slide-contents\"><div class=\"elementor-slide-description\"><strong style=\"color:#0092D2;\">Step 4:<\/strong> Confirm that the water is directed away from your home\u2019s foundation.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-swiper-button elementor-swiper-button-prev\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"Previous slide\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"eicon-chevron-left\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-swiper-button elementor-swiper-button-next\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"Next slide\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"eicon-chevron-right\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-pagination\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\n\n<h3 style=\"margin-bottom:0px; margin-top:20px; font-size:18px;\"><strong>Secure Walkways and Steps<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep all outdoor staircases and walking paths around your home clear of snow and ice. While you\u2019re at it, make sure the railings around your steps are secure. If someone slips and lunges for the railing, you want it to be sturdy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 style=\"margin-bottom:0px; font-size:18px;\"><strong>Stock Up on Supplies<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You should prepare for a snowstorm the same way you would <a href=\"https:\/\/www.plymouthrock.com\/resources\/hurricane-preparedness-and-safety\">prepare for a hurricane<\/a>. Here are some things to stock up on in case the power goes out and you\u2019re stuck inside:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"home-resources-orange-border2\"><strong>Emergency Items<\/strong> <ul style=\"list-style-type: '\\2713'; padding-left:10px;\"><li style=\"color:#FF7826;\"><span style=\"color:#000; margin-left:10px; display:block;\">Water<\/span><\/li><li style=\"color:#FF7826;\"><span style=\"color:#000; margin-left:10px; display:block;\">Blankets<\/span><\/li><li style=\"color:#FF7826;\"><span style=\"color:#000; margin-left:10px; display:block;\">Non-perishable food<\/span><\/li><li style=\"color:#FF7826;\"><span style=\"color:#000; margin-left:10px; display:block;\">First-aid kit<\/span><\/li><li style=\"color:#FF7826;\"><span style=\"color:#000; margin-left:10px; display:block;\">Sidewalk salt<\/span><\/li><li style=\"color:#FF7826;\"><span style=\"color:#000; margin-left:10px; display:block;\">Flashlight and batteries<\/span><\/li><li style=\"color:#FF7826;\"><span style=\"color:#000; margin-left:10px; display:block;\">Gasoline<\/span><\/li><li style=\"color:#FF7826;\"><span style=\"color:#000; margin-left:10px; display:block;\">Medicine<\/span><\/li><li style=\"color:#FF7826;\"><span style=\"color:#000; margin-left:10px; display:block;\">Cell phone and charger<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 style=\"margin-bottom:0px; font-size:18px;\"><strong>Safely Hang Holiday Lights<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Hanging outdoor lights is a fun annual tradition, but it can also be dangerous. Make sure your light displays have tight connections and are labeled for outdoor use only. In addition, remember to unplug your lights before going to bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"width:100%; text-align:right; padding:15px 0px;\"><a href=\"#back-to-top\">Back to top >><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 style=\"margin-bottom:0px;\">Summary <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re like most homeowners, your home is your most valuable asset. It only makes sense then to maintain it year-round. Checking on your home\u2019s structure, interior systems and surrounding property will save you money and keep your home looking its best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While you\u2019re tending to your home, make sure you have adequate limits on your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.plymouthrock.com\/insurance\/home\/ma\">homeowners<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.plymouthrock.com\/insurance\/condo\/ma\">condo insurance<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Follow this home maintenance checklist to keep your home and yard in tip-top shape. Common sense tasks for every season.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":46135,"menu_order":0,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_oasis_is_in_workflow":0,"_oasis_original":0,"_oasis_task_priority":"","inline_featured_image":false,"_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":""},"products":[72],"state":[79,83,80,81,82,84],"class_list":["post-46134","resources","type-resources","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","products-home","state-ct","state-ma","state-nh","state-nj","state-ny","state-pa"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v25.8 (Yoast SEO v25.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What to Include in Your Seasonal Home Maintenance Checklist | Plymouth Rock Home Assurance<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Is your insurance company strict when claiming home insurance coverage? Organizing your home maintenance tasks every month ensures your home is in tip-top shape and will not affect your insurance policy. Avoid costly repairs by following these seasonal home maintenance checklists.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.plymouthrock.com\/resources\/home-maintenance-checklist\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Home maintenance checklist\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Is your insurance company strict when claiming home insurance coverage? Organizing your home maintenance tasks every month ensures your home is in tip-top shape and will not affect your insurance policy. 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