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Home Maintenance Calendar | Smart Move Des Moines
Free Resource

🏠 Home Maintenance Calendar

Stay on top of essential tasks that protect your home's value and prevent costly repairs. Perfect for Des Moines area homeowners!

Why Home Maintenance Matters

Regular home maintenance isn't just about keeping your house looking good—it protects your investment, prevents expensive emergency repairs, and keeps your home safe and comfortable year-round.

Benefits of following this calendar:

  • Catch small problems before they become major (expensive!) repairs
  • Maintain your home's value for when you sell
  • Lower insurance claims and keep premiums down
  • Extend the lifespan of major systems (HVAC, roof, appliances)
  • Stay comfortable and safe in your Iowa home through all four seasons

⚠️ From Sarah's 10+ Years in Property Insurance

As a former property insurance professional, I've seen how preventable maintenance issues lead to denied claims and costly out-of-pocket repairs. Many homeowners don't realize that neglected maintenance can void your insurance coverage for certain damages.

Insurance red flags I've seen: Old roofs (15+ years) with hail damage denied, water damage from uncleaned gutters not covered, HVAC failures due to lack of maintenance excluded. This calendar helps you avoid these pitfalls!

📅 Monthly Maintenance Tasks

Do these simple tasks every month to stay ahead of problems

🌡️

HVAC Filter

  • Check and replace air filter (every 1-3 months depending on pets, allergies)
  • Improves air quality and system efficiency
  • Prevents costly HVAC failures
💧

Plumbing Check

  • Look for leaks under sinks, around toilets, near water heater
  • Check for drips from faucets
  • Early detection saves thousands in water damage
🔥

Smoke/CO Alarms

  • Test all detectors (press test button)
  • Replace batteries annually
  • Replace entire units every 10 years
🚪

Safety Check

  • Test garage door auto-reverse
  • Check door locks function properly
  • Ensure windows open/close smoothly
🧹

Exhaust Fans

  • Clean bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans
  • Remove dust buildup
  • Prevents fire hazards and moisture issues
🗑️

Garbage Disposal

  • Clean and deodorize disposal
  • Run ice cubes and citrus peels through
  • Check for leaks underneath

🍂 Seasonal Maintenance

Critical tasks for each Iowa season

🌸

Spring (March-May)

  • HVAC: Schedule AC tune-up before summer heat
  • Gutters: Clean out winter debris, check for damage
  • Roof: Inspect for winter damage, missing shingles
  • Windows: Check screens, caulk any gaps
  • Foundation: Look for cracks, ensure proper drainage
  • Lawn: Seed bare spots, first mowing, fertilize
  • Deck/Patio: Power wash, seal/stain if needed
☀️

Summer (June-August)

  • AC: Change filters monthly during heavy use
  • Gutters: Check for clogs from spring storms
  • Driveway: Seal cracks, reseal asphalt if needed
  • Sprinklers: Check for leaks, adjust coverage
  • Exterior: Inspect siding, trim, paint touch-ups
  • Chimney: Schedule cleaning before fall/winter
  • Pest Control: Check for wasps, ants, termites
🍁

Fall (September-November)

  • HVAC: Schedule furnace tune-up before winter
  • Gutters: Clean leaves thoroughly (critical!)
  • Winterize: Drain outdoor faucets, sprinklers
  • Windows: Install storm windows, check weatherstripping
  • Fireplace: Inspect chimney, clean if needed
  • Lawn: Final mowing, aerate, fall fertilizer
  • Trees: Trim dead branches before winter storms
❄️

Winter (December-February)

  • Furnace: Change filter monthly during heavy use
  • Ice Dams: Remove snow from roof edges if needed
  • Pipes: Keep heat on, open cabinet doors during deep freezes
  • Humidity: Run humidifier to prevent wood cracking
  • Drafts: Check for cold air leaks, seal gaps
  • Water Heater: Flush sediment (annual task)
  • Safety: Keep walkways clear, salt ice

📆 Annual Maintenance

Important tasks to do once per year

🏠

Roof

  • Professional inspection
  • Check for damage
  • Iowa hail season!
💨

Dryer Vent

  • Professional cleaning
  • Prevents fires
  • Improves efficiency
🔥

Chimney

  • Professional sweep
  • Prevents fires
  • If you use fireplace
💧

Water Heater

  • Drain and flush
  • Check pressure valve
  • Extends lifespan
🔌

Electrical

  • Test GFCI outlets
  • Check breaker panel
  • Look for issues
🌳

Trees/Shrubs

  • Professional pruning
  • Remove dead limbs
  • Protect from storms
🪟

Windows

  • Deep clean inside/out
  • Check seals
  • Recaulk if needed
🚿

Septic System

  • Pump every 3-5 years
  • If applicable
  • Prevents backups

🌪️ Iowa-Specific Maintenance

Special considerations for Des Moines area homes

⛈️

Storm Season

  • Hail damage: Inspect roof after every major storm (April-August)
  • Document damage: Take photos immediately for insurance
  • Know your rights: Iowa law protects homeowners from insurance pressure
  • Act fast: Most policies require claims within 1-2 years
🧊

Freeze Protection

  • Pipe insulation: Wrap exposed pipes in crawl spaces, attics
  • Cabinet doors: Open during sub-zero nights (below -10°F)
  • Drip faucets: During extreme cold to prevent freezing
  • Heat tape: Consider for problem areas
💧

Basement Moisture

  • Dehumidifier: Run in spring/summer to prevent mold
  • Sump pump: Test quarterly, have battery backup
  • Foundation: Keep gutters clean to prevent water intrusion
  • Grading: Ensure ground slopes away from foundation
🌾

Pest Control

  • Boxelder bugs: Seal entry points before fall invasion
  • Termites: Annual inspection in older homes
  • Mice: Check for entry points before winter
  • Carpenter ants: Look for sawdust near wood

🏡 Thinking About Buying or Selling?

As a REALTOR® with 10+ years of property insurance expertise, I help buyers identify maintenance issues BEFORE they become deal-breakers—and help sellers prepare homes to maximize value.

Schedule a Free Consultation

📞 (563) 513-8771 | ✉️ [email protected]

Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES®

Sarah Ingles

REALTOR® SRES® | 10+ Years Insurance Expertise

I help Des Moines area homeowners protect their investment with my property insurance background. Whether you're buying, selling, or maintaining your home, I ensure you avoid costly surprises.

📞 563-513-8771
✉️ [email protected]