January: Interior Painting
Winter is a pretty good time to tackle any kind of interior project in your home. Just pay special attention to the temperature of the walls before you start painting because cool temperatures can affect the job. Here are some more ways to brighten up your home during the cold winter months.
February: Upgrading Countertops
Countertops can be a tell-tale sign of a dated house. Participants of the Maytag survey prioritized upgrading their countertops to something more on-trend. If your laminate kitchen countertops are worn but still sound, give them a fresh, new look by resurfacing them. A variety of colors are available, and the process is no harder than painting. Here’s the complete how-to for resurfacing your laminate countertops.
March: Gutters
It’s a good idea to check out your gutters in the spring as well because who knows what got into them during the winter. You can clean them out and maybe install gutter guards if you don’t have them already to prevent any kind of clogging during the spring rains. Here are some spring cleaning myths you definitely shouldn’t believe.
April: Exterior Paint
Updating your exterior paint is a big job so it’s important to get started early. That’s why April is a good month to start going after the job. Check out these exterior painting tips and techniques that will make the task go smoothly.
May: Siding
A long winter can leave your siding in rough shape so it’s important to clean it in the spring. Plus, you should inspect the health of your siding if you have wood siding. Be sure to add these frequently forgotten tasks to your spring cleaning list.
June: Driveway Repair
June is a good time to take a look at your driveway and make necessary repairs before it gets too hot. A little maintenance to your driveway can make it last a lot longer and prevent you from having to call the pros to completely re-do it. Once repaired, your driveway will be prepared for a summertime block party.
July: Check Insulation
Specifically, check on weatherstripping around your doors, windows and garage door. The felt strips seal these openings to prevent drafts, but they can wear down over time. Replace any faded weatherstripping and complete any other insulation tasks you’ve been putting off. You’re not going to want to do it when it gets colder. Looking for more DIYs? Take a look at these projects that only take $100 or less.
August: Carpets
August is a good time to clean up the interior of your home before winter starts. So take the time and clean your carpets to get the dirt and grime out from the summer. If you have allergies, be sure to follow these house cleaning tips for those with allergies.
September: Winter Prep Yard Work
September is the time to start tackling all that yard work so you’re lawn will look fresh in the spring. That means mulching leaves, cleaning gutters and aerating your lawn. Once outside is tidied up, go inside and try one of these 50 easy fall baking recipes.
October: Pest-Proofing
As the temperature drops, all sorts of pests start looking for warmer places. From bugs to rodents you should start preparing your defenses against them. Use these tips to keep your home bug-free for the winter.
November: Plumbing
When water freezes, it expands and can cause your pipes to burst. To prevent frozen pipes, insulate pipes near windows, doors and in areas of the home that are unheated. Disconnect your garden hose from the outside faucet. Finally, set the heat to no lower than 55 degrees F.
December: Furnace
Depending on the type of heating system you have, there are a few home maintenance things you should do before the temperatures really start to dip. If you have a high-efficiency system, PVC vent pipes need to be cleared of any obstructions. And those with a boiler system should have their system cleaned every year. Those with gas should have a cleaning about every three years. Next, check out these amazing kitchen upgrades that won’t cost you a pretty penny.
The post Home Maintenance Checklist: A Project for Every Month of the Year appeared first on Taste of Home.
Nick Gerhardt