Free resource from Urban Elements

The homeowner's
seasonal care checklist

A complete system for staying ahead of your home β€” organized by season, so nothing slips through the cracks. Items marked UE are ones we're ready to handle for you.

πŸ“‹ 60+ tasks across all four seasons 🏑 Built for single-family homes in the Pacific Northwest πŸ–¨οΈ Printable
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Spring

March Β· April Β· May β€” wake the house up after winter
Exterior walk-through
  • Walk the foundation and siding β€” look for winter cracks, gaps, or settled areasUE
  • Inspect roof for missing or lifted shingles after stormsUE
  • Check deck and fence boards β€” loose boards, nail pops, rot at postsUE
  • Inspect gutters and downspouts for debris and proper slopeUE
  • Check window and door caulk β€” reseal any cracked or missing sectionsUE
  • Test exterior outlet GFCI protectionDIY
Cleaning and pressure washing
  • Pressure wash driveway, walkways, and patio β€” remove winter moss and algaeUE
  • Clean deck surface and apply sealant or stain if neededUE
  • Rinse siding β€” moss grows fast on Eastside homesUE
  • Clear debris from window wells and area drainsDIY
Interior systems
  • Replace furnace and HVAC filtersDIY
  • Test all smoke and CO detectors β€” replace batteriesDIY
  • Run water through all infrequently used drains to clear trapsDIY
  • Inspect under sinks for slow drips β€” catch them before they become damageUE
  • Check clothes dryer vent for lint blockage β€” fire riskUE
Outdoor spaces and prep
  • Reconnect and test outdoor hose bibs after winter shutoffDIY
  • Bring outdoor furniture out of storage β€” check for any damageDIY
  • Inspect irrigation and sprinkler heads before the system turns onUE
  • Assess shed, outbuilding, or greenhouse condition after winterUE
β˜€οΈ

Summer

June Β· July Β· August β€” longer days, bigger projects
Big projects and builds
  • Best window for deck builds, pergolas, and outdoor structuresUE
  • Schedule sauna, ADU, or studio builds β€” longest usable daylightUE
  • Address any carpentry, cabinet, or built-in projects before fallUE
  • Paint and stain exterior trim while weather is dryUE
Cooling and comfort
  • Clean ceiling fan blades and reverse for summer airflow (counterclockwise)DIY
  • Install or inspect window AC units if applicableUE
  • Check attic ventilation β€” Eastside heat can push attic temps above 150Β°FUE
  • Replace HVAC filters (every 90 days if running AC regularly)DIY
Plumbing and water
  • Check water heater temperature (120Β°F recommended) and flush sedimentUE
  • Inspect irrigation system for broken heads and coverage gapsUE
  • Clean refrigerator coils β€” extends life and reduces energy useDIY
  • Test sump pump if your home has oneUE
Safety checks
  • Check fire extinguisher charge and expirationDIY
  • Test all GFCIs β€” bathrooms, kitchen, garage, and exteriorDIY
  • Inspect garage door auto-reverse β€” place a 2x4 on the floor and testDIY
  • Confirm smart locks, cameras, and doorbells are updated and workingUE
πŸ‚

Fall

September Β· October Β· November β€” button up before the rains
Weatherization β€” most important season in the Northwest
  • Inspect and reseal all exterior caulk β€” windows, doors, trim, and penetrationsUE
  • Replace door weatherstripping and threshold sealsUE
  • Insulate exposed pipes in garage and crawlspace before first freezeUE
  • Drain and shut off exterior hose bibsUE
  • Blow out irrigation systemUE
  • Inspect and repair deck for any raised nails, rot, or loose boardsUE
Gutters and drainage
  • Clean gutters after leaves have fallen (late October–November ideal)UE
  • Flush downspouts and confirm drainage away from foundationUE
  • Check area drains and French drains β€” clear any debrisUE
  • Grade soil away from foundation if settled over summerUE
Heating and interior prep
  • Schedule furnace inspection and tune-up before heating seasonUE
  • Replace all furnace and HVAC filtersDIY
  • Reverse ceiling fans to clockwise for heat distributionDIY
  • Test smoke and CO detectors β€” replace batteries at time changeDIY
  • Check fireplace or wood stove β€” clean firebox, confirm damper worksUE
  • Clean and inspect exhaust fans in baths and kitchenDIY
Storage and winterization
  • Store or cover outdoor furniture and cushionsDIY
  • Drain and store garden hosesDIY
  • Move potted plants or delicate containers insideDIY
  • Service and store lawnmower for winterDIY
❄️

Winter

December Β· January Β· February β€” protect and monitor
Cold weather and freeze protection
  • Know where your main water shutoff is β€” locate it before you need itDIY
  • Keep interior temperature above 55Β°F if traveling or leaving the home vacantDIY
  • Check crawlspace insulation β€” exposed pipes are a common freeze pointUE
  • Confirm exterior faucets are shut off and drainedUE
Interior condition checks
  • Watch for moisture or condensation on windows β€” can signal air seal issuesUE
  • Check basement and crawlspace for moisture intrusion after heavy rainUE
  • Replace furnace filter mid-winter if running heat continuouslyDIY
  • Inspect attic for ice dam signs if temperatures swing above and below freezingUE
Planning and prep for spring
  • Book spring projects now β€” popular schedule fills early (saunas, ADUs, decks)UE
  • Plan any interior updates for when landscaping is dormant and weather is closedUE
  • Assemble or set up anything new received as gifts (furniture, appliances, devices)UE
  • Review home warranties β€” know what expires this yearDIY
πŸ“…

Every month

Quick habits that prevent the expensive surprises
Monthly quick-check
  • Check under all bathroom and kitchen sinks for dripsDIY
  • Test smoke detectorsDIY
  • Run garbage disposal and clean with ice or disposal cleanerDIY
  • Wipe down range hood filter or run it through dishwasherDIY
  • Check door and window locks β€” tighten hardware if looseDIY
  • Note any new sounds, drips, or changes in how systems feel β€” then call usUE