Inside

• 1). Clean your house regularly, about once a week to once every two weeks. Vacuum carpets and sweep and mop floors. Thoroughly clean bathrooms by scrubbing toilets, sinks and showers to remove mold and residue buildup.
  
  
• 2). Keep an eye out for any deterioration or damage. Assess stairway railings and woodwork, and check for peeling wallpaper or paint. Pay attention to cabinets and drawers in the kitchen and bathrooms. The sooner you repair the flaws you find, the better.
  
  
• 3). Clean your oven and hood filters each month. Also clean out the refrigerator and wipe down shelves and drawers. In addition, take a look through your pantry to remove old items and check for ants or bugs.
  
  
• 4). Have the furnace or heating system checked by a professional every two years. Check heating system and ventilation filters every month to two months and change if necessary.
  
  
• 5). Check faucets regularly for any leaks and replace the washers immediately if needed. Run water in unused sinks or tubs about once a month to check the function of the faucet and drain.
  
  
• 6). Clean drains in sinks and tubs every year or as needed if they get clogged.
  
  
• 7). Take care of the problem immediately if you suspect bugs or rodents are in your home. An exterminator can help with the problem or offer advice.
  
  

Outside

• 1). Prepare and renew landscaping each spring with items such as mulch and new plants. Clean up fallen branches and leaves, and regularly pull weeds as they appear throughout the summer months.
  
  
• 2). Mow and trim the lawn throughout the warm weather months, when it will likely be needed once a week to once every two weeks. Fertilize in the spring and/or autumn if you like.
  
  
• 3). Check the function of your air conditioning unit each spring and clean or replace the filters.
  
  
• 4). Rake up leaves once a week or as needed during autumn. Clean out gutters at least once a year, and check drains and filters for buildup of leaves and debris regularly.
  
  
• 5). Check sidewalks, driveways and steps each spring for cracks that may need repair.
  
  
• 6). Look over the paint on garage doors, entry doors and the trim of the house each year and determine if a new paint job is required.
  
  
• 7). Clean windows and check window and door frames to ensure there are no cracks or places allowing air flow at least once per year.
  
  
• 8). Check the chimney and fireplace each year, and clean and remove any debris.
  
  
• 9). Evaluate the roof and pay attention to signs that you may need a new one, such as buckling, curling and missing shingles. Repairing problems quickly will prevent damage from leaks. Most new roofs last about 20 years.