Let’s be real: home maintenance is one of those things we *know* we should do, but sometimes it just feels like another thing to add to the to-do list, right? I get it. Between juggling work, kids, and trying to squeeze in a little “me time,” remembering to check the gutters or inspect your HVAC system can feel like the last thing on your mind. But here’s the deal—staying on top of a few simple tasks can save you major headaches (and serious cash) down the line. And don’t worry, I’ve got some easy DIY tips that’ll make it less of a chore.
I mean, not entirely. They’re still definitely CHORES. (EW.) But it’s all part of this crazy adulting thing we got tricked into, amirite??
So grab your coffee, maybe throw on a playlist, and let’s chat a few home maintenance tasks you can easily knock out—any time of year.
Show Your HVAC System Some Love
Your HVAC system works hard all year—keeping things toasty in the winter and cool in the summer, just like John McClane hustling through those Nakatomi Plaza vents. It deserves a little love, don’t you think? Before every season changes, you need to be checking your HVAC works the way that you want it to. A quick DIY air filter change goes a long way in keeping everything running smoothly. Trust me, you don’t want to wait until your AC taps out during a heatwave (been there, and let’s just say it’s no action-packed adventure).
DIY Tip: Set a reminder on your phone to check or change your air filters every three months. Need a hand? Grab some affordable replacement filters from Amazon or find a trusted HVAC pro through for a tune-up before your system pulls a McClane and jumps off the building.
The Roof: Keep an Eye on It (From Down Below)
Ok, I have a short roof story that you HAVE to hear first! 😂 (You’re not gonna believe this one. . . )
A few years ago, my husband and I were both downtown Chicago, working, when I got a random weird call I didn’t recognize. It was a roofing contractor, and he was REALLY nervous . . . he’d gotten my number from our neighbor and his reason for calling was UNBELIEVABLE.
He’d accidentally removed our roof!
No, seriously. He and his team and mistakenly gone to our house instead of another and just started ripping off shingles! They’d gotten a third of the way through before they realized their mistake! Can you believe that!?!
It all ended fine, after a tense few days, and we ended up with a brand new roof – for FREE! We won a little lottery with that crazy situation, but I don’t think this happens often, so its probably a better bet to take care of the one you’ve got.
Look, I’m not going to pretend that getting up there sounds like a fun time—it doesn’t. But, you can still give it a visual check from ground level. Just grab a pair of binoculars (or use your phone camera zoom) and scan for any missing shingles, cracks, or signs of wear. If there is an issue, then you might want to either try to fix it yourself if you know how, or get a professional roofer out to you as soon as you can. We know that this is a pain in the behind, but you’ve got to keep your home protected from all of the elements, which is exactly what your roof is for. Trust me, the last thing you want is to find out you’ve had a slow leak *after* it’s done a number on your ceiling.
DIY Tip: If something looks off and you’re not keen on pulling out the ladder, book a local pro to take a look for you. It’s worth it!
Baby, It’s Cold Outside… Protect Your Pipes!
There’s nothing quite as terrifying as the sound of a burst pipe in the middle of a freezing winter night. Don’t be that person. Take a little time to check your pipes—especially the ones that tend to freeze up during winter. A quick insulation job can save you from a soggy disaster.
This one is mostly important in the winter, but you should be doing it in the summer as well just to be on the safe side. It’s not always easy to know if there is a problem with your pipes unless you can actively see that there is a leak or something. In the colder months, pipes are prone to freezing when they are constantly exposed to freezing temperatures, and this can mean havoc for your hot water, and your heating. Some people even find that they need to head out with boiling water, and tip it over the pipes to defrost them. (Helloooooo, Midwest!) It’s a pain when this happens, but you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do! In the summer months you won’t have to check for things like this, but it’s recommended that you check for any sign of damage just to be on the safe side.
DIY Tip: You can pick up pipe insulation from Amazon or your local hardware store for a few bucks. It’s an easy fix—just wrap it around any exposed pipes, and boom, you’re good to go. No more panic at 2 a.m. when temperatures drop!
The Never-Ending Battle With the Garden
Here’s another area where I get a little lucky. . . I am TERRIBLE at any form of horticulture. Seriously. However, I’m very fortunate that my mother is blessed with a VERY green thumb, and her love language is to keep me with a beautiful garden all year ’round!
Judging by how diligently she focuses her attention on it, keeping the garden looking decent year-round feels like a losing battle sometimes. But if you stay on top of a few things—like trimming bushes, mowing the lawn, and raking up those leaves—it’s way easier to manage. At least, I’d assume so. . . thanks again, Mama!
You also need to make sure that you are avoiding leaves disintegrating into the ground, and are instead blowing them to the side, and putting them in a bag to get rid of. If you don’t, you could end up with mushrooms.
Pro Tip: Invest in quality lawn mowers if you haven’t already. You don’t need to spend a fortune; check out a few in some stores if you’re hesitant about purchasing from online without seeing the product. And if mowing feels like an epic saga, why not look into hiring a local lawn service to handle it for you?
Gutters: Don’t Ignore Them (I Promise, It’s Worth It)
Ugh, gutters. Not exactly glamorous, but keeping them clean is one of the best things you can do to prevent water damage to your home. I know, the thought of getting on a ladder makes me want to find anything else to do, but just think of how satisfying it’ll be to knock this out in one go. When the weather is windy and raining, this is when the gutters are put to use the most, so it’s good to check them every couple of weeks to ensure that they are not getting blocked. If they are, you need to scoop it out and get rid of it.
DIY Hack: If you’re like me and heights aren’t your thing, check out a gutter cleaning tool. It’s a nifty little gadget that lets you clean the gutters *from the ground*. Genius, right? Of course, if even that feels like too much, hire someone local to take care of it!
Quick Recap (Because We All Love a Checklist)
Here’s a little home maintenance checklist to keep handy:
– Check and replace HVAC air filters every three months.
– Inspect your roof (from the ground) for damage.
– Insulate your pipes to avoid winter plumbing disasters.
– Stay on top of garden maintenance with the right tools.
– Clean those gutters (or hire someone to do it).
Seriously, staying on top of these tasks will make you feel like a home maintenance rockstar. And you’ll thank yourself when you don’t have to deal with burst pipes or leaky roofs.
