The cheapest home repair is the one you prevent. Here's the season-by-season maintenance checklist we recommend to every Hamilton homeowner — most of it is DIY, some of it is worth calling a pro.
Spring: Inspect the roof for winter damage, clean gutters and downspouts, check exterior caulking around windows and doors, service the AC before first use, power wash decks and re-oil cedar, inspect exterior paint and touch up bare spots, check foundation for cracks or settlement.
Summer: Clean dryer vent (fire risk), inspect and reseal driveway if asphalt, check attic ventilation, wash windows inside and out, inspect and clean BBQ, check outdoor faucet for freeze damage.
Fall: Clean gutters again after leaves drop, disconnect and store hoses, shut off exterior faucets, service the furnace before first use, replace HVAC filters, check smoke and CO alarm batteries, inspect weatherstripping around doors and windows, drain and store lawn equipment.
Winter: Monitor for ice dams and remove promptly, check for interior condensation on windows (humidity too high), test GFCI outlets in bathrooms and kitchen, walk through basement after heavy rain or snowmelt to check for water.
Annually: Have chimney inspected if wood-burning, service furnace and AC by a licensed HVAC tech, snake main sewer line if home is 40+ years old, test sump pump.