The cheapest home repair is the one you prevent. This checklist is tuned to Washington, where rowhomes, historic districts, and strict permits shape the calendar.
Seasonal Home Checklist
- Service heating in fall and cooling in spring.
- Clear gutters twice a year.
- Seal drafts before winter to cut bills.
- Check the roof and exterior after storm season.
Year-round basics
- Test smoke and CO detectors twice a year.
- Change HVAC filters every 1-3 months.
- Check under sinks and around the water heater for leaks.
- Walk the exterior each season for cracks, gaps, and worn caulk.
When to call a pro
Roof, electrical panel, gas, and anything structural. A $105-$210 inspection is cheaper than the repair it prevents.
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