A practical plan for caring for your home

Homeowner Care & Maintenance Plan

Use this month-by-month guide to protect your home, catch small issues early, and keep important financial decisions connected to your family’s plan.

Personalize the checklist and track your progress

The interactive page lets you select the systems and property features in your home, check off completed tasks, retain completion dates by year, and review monthly and annual progress. Profile and progress details stay on the user’s device.

The complete planning library contains 95 maintenance, financial, and homeowner-support reminders. Personalized plans add or remove tasks for features such as pools, fireplaces, irrigation systems, septic systems, wells, generators, gutters, gas appliances, crawlspaces, and acreage.

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Download the complete homeowner checklist calendar

The interactive “Download My .ics” control creates a calendar based on the home features saved on that device.

Monthly essentials that help prevent surprises

Test smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms.
Check the HVAC filter and record its size.
Clean the dryer lint screen and washing-machine filter.
Complete a quick leak and moisture check.

The schedule also includes twice-yearly dryer vent cleaning, twice-yearly HVAC condensate drain flushing, seasonal HVAC service, roof and drainage checks, insurance reviews, homestead reminders, lender and PMI reviews, and annual equity planning.

Year-round homeowner checklist

January

Test smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms (Monthly)
Press the test button on every alarm. Replace ordinary batteries at least yearly unless the unit has a sealed 10-year battery, and follow the manufacturer's replacement date for each alarm.
Check the HVAC filter (Monthly)
Inspect the filter monthly and clean or replace it when dirty or as your system and filter manufacturer direct. Record the size near the return so the correct replacement is easy to find.
Clean dryer lint screen and washing-machine filter (Monthly)
Clean the dryer lint screen before or after every load; use this monthly reminder to vacuum the lint-screen housing and confirm strong airflow outside. Clean the washer's user-serviceable filter and run its cleaning cycle according to the owner manual.
Complete a quick leak and moisture check (Monthly)
Look under sinks, around toilets, behind laundry appliances, near the water heater, and below visible HVAC drain lines. Investigate new stains, odors, soft flooring, or unexplained water use promptly.
Map shutoffs and emergency contacts (Annual)
Confirm the main water shutoff, gas shutoff, electrical disconnect, fire extinguishers, and emergency contacts. Make sure every adult in the home knows where they are.
File your Homestead Exemption (Annual)
File with your county appraisal district as soon as you are eligible. Keep confirmation with your home records, and call Collin if you need help identifying the right office or next step.
Q1 wealth-advisor check-in (Quarterly)
Review your financial plan, investment allocations, insurance needs, and major goals for the year. Collin can connect you with a trusted advisor when helpful.

February

Test smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms (Monthly)
Press the test button on every alarm. Replace ordinary batteries at least yearly unless the unit has a sealed 10-year battery, and follow the manufacturer's replacement date for each alarm.
Check the HVAC filter (Monthly)
Inspect the filter monthly and clean or replace it when dirty or as your system and filter manufacturer direct. Record the size near the return so the correct replacement is easy to find.
Clean dryer lint screen and washing-machine filter (Monthly)
Clean the dryer lint screen before or after every load; use this monthly reminder to vacuum the lint-screen housing and confirm strong airflow outside. Clean the washer's user-serviceable filter and run its cleaning cycle according to the owner manual.
Complete a quick leak and moisture check (Monthly)
Look under sinks, around toilets, behind laundry appliances, near the water heater, and below visible HVAC drain lines. Investigate new stains, odors, soft flooring, or unexplained water use promptly.
Inspect caulking and weather seals (Annual)
Check exterior windows, doors, tubs, showers, and countertop seams for gaps, cracking, or mildew. Repair failed sealant before water or conditioned air finds a path through.
Inspect the water heater (Annual)
Check for corrosion, moisture, unusual sounds, or age-related concerns. Follow the manufacturer instructions for flushing and anode-rod service, or use a qualified plumber when the procedure is unfamiliar.
Full insurance portfolio review (1 of 2) (Twice yearly)
Review homeowners, auto, life, and umbrella coverage. Confirm limits reflect your current home, improvements, vehicles, and family needs, then compare rates before renewal.
Request trusted insurance contacts (Annual)
If you want a second coverage opinion or competitive quotes, contact Collin for introductions to trusted insurance professionals.

March

Test smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms (Monthly)
Press the test button on every alarm. Replace ordinary batteries at least yearly unless the unit has a sealed 10-year battery, and follow the manufacturer's replacement date for each alarm.
Check the HVAC filter (Monthly)
Inspect the filter monthly and clean or replace it when dirty or as your system and filter manufacturer direct. Record the size near the return so the correct replacement is easy to find.
Clean dryer lint screen and washing-machine filter (Monthly)
Clean the dryer lint screen before or after every load; use this monthly reminder to vacuum the lint-screen housing and confirm strong airflow outside. Clean the washer's user-serviceable filter and run its cleaning cycle according to the owner manual.
Complete a quick leak and moisture check (Monthly)
Look under sinks, around toilets, behind laundry appliances, near the water heater, and below visible HVAC drain lines. Investigate new stains, odors, soft flooring, or unexplained water use promptly.
Schedule the spring HVAC tune-up (Seasonal)
Have a licensed technician inspect cooling performance before North Texas heat arrives, including controls, coils, refrigerant, electrical connections, airflow, and the condensate system.
Flush the HVAC condensate drain line (1 of 2) (Twice yearly)
A blocked line can cause water damage and humidity problems. Follow the equipment manual and shutoff instructions, or ask your HVAC professional to clear and flush the drain safely.
Inspect the roof, gutters, and flashing (Seasonal)
From the ground or with a qualified professional, look for storm damage, loose or missing materials, clogged gutters, and failed seals around vents, skylights, and chimneys.
Test the garage-door auto-reverse (Quarterly)
Test both the photo-eye and contact-reversal features according to the opener manual. Lubricate approved moving parts and arrange service if the door does not reverse correctly.
Annual lender and PMI review (Annual)
Review refinance options, interest rate, loan structure, home-equity access, and possible PMI removal. Collin can connect you with a trusted lender for a no-pressure review.

April

Test smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms (Monthly)
Press the test button on every alarm. Replace ordinary batteries at least yearly unless the unit has a sealed 10-year battery, and follow the manufacturer's replacement date for each alarm.
Check the HVAC filter (Monthly)
Inspect the filter monthly and clean or replace it when dirty or as your system and filter manufacturer direct. Record the size near the return so the correct replacement is easy to find.
Clean dryer lint screen and washing-machine filter (Monthly)
Clean the dryer lint screen before or after every load; use this monthly reminder to vacuum the lint-screen housing and confirm strong airflow outside. Clean the washer's user-serviceable filter and run its cleaning cycle according to the owner manual.
Complete a quick leak and moisture check (Monthly)
Look under sinks, around toilets, behind laundry appliances, near the water heater, and below visible HVAC drain lines. Investigate new stains, odors, soft flooring, or unexplained water use promptly.
Confirm your Homestead Exemption filing (Annual)
Verify that your county appraisal district received and approved the filing. Save the confirmation with your tax and closing records, and contact Collin if you need help finding the correct office.
Check irrigation and outdoor drainage (Seasonal)
Run every sprinkler zone, repair leaks or misdirected heads, and make sure downspouts and grading move water away from the foundation without creating erosion or standing water.
Trim vegetation and look for pest entry points (Seasonal)
Keep branches and shrubs off the roof and siding. Look for termite tubes, damaged screens, gaps around penetrations, and signs of rodents or insects before activity increases.
Q2 wealth-advisor check-in (Quarterly)
Review progress toward annual goals, tax planning, cash reserves, and any major household or real-estate decisions expected later in the year.

May

Test smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms (Monthly)
Press the test button on every alarm. Replace ordinary batteries at least yearly unless the unit has a sealed 10-year battery, and follow the manufacturer's replacement date for each alarm.
Check the HVAC filter (Monthly)
Inspect the filter monthly and clean or replace it when dirty or as your system and filter manufacturer direct. Record the size near the return so the correct replacement is easy to find.
Clean dryer lint screen and washing-machine filter (Monthly)
Clean the dryer lint screen before or after every load; use this monthly reminder to vacuum the lint-screen housing and confirm strong airflow outside. Clean the washer's user-serviceable filter and run its cleaning cycle according to the owner manual.
Complete a quick leak and moisture check (Monthly)
Look under sinks, around toilets, behind laundry appliances, near the water heater, and below visible HVAC drain lines. Investigate new stains, odors, soft flooring, or unexplained water use promptly.
Clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct (1 of 2) (Twice yearly)
Disconnect and clean the duct and exterior vent, remove lint behind the dryer, and confirm the outside flap opens with strong airflow. Use rigid or semi-rigid metal ducting and call a professional when access is difficult.
Test GFCI outlets (Quarterly)
Use the test and reset buttons on protected outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, laundry rooms, and exterior locations. Arrange replacement if an outlet will not trip or reset.
Check attic ventilation and visible roof penetrations (Seasonal)
Make sure soffit and ridge vents are unobstructed, powered ventilators operate as designed, and there are no new daylight gaps, stains, or moisture near penetrations.
Wash exterior windows and inspect screens (Annual)
Clean accessible windows, clear weep holes, and repair torn screens or failed seals. Use a qualified service for high or difficult-to-reach areas.

June

Test smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms (Monthly)
Press the test button on every alarm. Replace ordinary batteries at least yearly unless the unit has a sealed 10-year battery, and follow the manufacturer's replacement date for each alarm.
Check the HVAC filter (Monthly)
Inspect the filter monthly and clean or replace it when dirty or as your system and filter manufacturer direct. Record the size near the return so the correct replacement is easy to find.
Clean dryer lint screen and washing-machine filter (Monthly)
Clean the dryer lint screen before or after every load; use this monthly reminder to vacuum the lint-screen housing and confirm strong airflow outside. Clean the washer's user-serviceable filter and run its cleaning cycle according to the owner manual.
Complete a quick leak and moisture check (Monthly)
Look under sinks, around toilets, behind laundry appliances, near the water heater, and below visible HVAC drain lines. Investigate new stains, odors, soft flooring, or unexplained water use promptly.
Exercise accessible water shutoff valves (Annual)
Confirm the main shutoff and accessible fixture shutoffs move and are clearly labeled. Do not force corroded or stuck valves; have a plumber service them before an emergency.
Clean refrigerator coils and check water connections (Twice yearly)
Follow the appliance manual to remove dust from accessible coils. Inspect the ice-maker line, filter, drain pan, and surrounding floor for leaks or deterioration.
Annual equity review with Collin (Annual)
Review your home's current market position, estimated equity, neighborhood activity, and whether the property still supports your family's plans. The conversation is complimentary and focused on clarity, not pressure.

July

Test smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms (Monthly)
Press the test button on every alarm. Replace ordinary batteries at least yearly unless the unit has a sealed 10-year battery, and follow the manufacturer's replacement date for each alarm.
Check the HVAC filter (Monthly)
Inspect the filter monthly and clean or replace it when dirty or as your system and filter manufacturer direct. Record the size near the return so the correct replacement is easy to find.
Clean dryer lint screen and washing-machine filter (Monthly)
Clean the dryer lint screen before or after every load; use this monthly reminder to vacuum the lint-screen housing and confirm strong airflow outside. Clean the washer's user-serviceable filter and run its cleaning cycle according to the owner manual.
Complete a quick leak and moisture check (Monthly)
Look under sinks, around toilets, behind laundry appliances, near the water heater, and below visible HVAC drain lines. Investigate new stains, odors, soft flooring, or unexplained water use promptly.
Inspect exterior paint, siding, and trim (Annual)
North Texas sun and storms are hard on exterior materials. Look for peeling paint, cracks, open joints, hail damage, soft wood, and vegetation touching the structure.
Review the foundation moisture plan (Seasonal)
Watch for new interior cracks, sticking doors, plumbing leaks, or soil pulling away from the slab. Keep drainage consistent and consult a qualified professional before making structural conclusions.
Inspect pool and spa equipment, if applicable (Seasonal)
Check pumps, filters, skimmers, barriers, gates, and visible leaks. Follow the equipment and chemical-safety instructions or use a qualified pool professional.
Q3 wealth-advisor check-in (Quarterly)
Review mid-year performance, tax planning, cash reserves, insurance, and any investment or real-estate opportunities you are considering.

August

Test smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms (Monthly)
Press the test button on every alarm. Replace ordinary batteries at least yearly unless the unit has a sealed 10-year battery, and follow the manufacturer's replacement date for each alarm.
Check the HVAC filter (Monthly)
Inspect the filter monthly and clean or replace it when dirty or as your system and filter manufacturer direct. Record the size near the return so the correct replacement is easy to find.
Clean dryer lint screen and washing-machine filter (Monthly)
Clean the dryer lint screen before or after every load; use this monthly reminder to vacuum the lint-screen housing and confirm strong airflow outside. Clean the washer's user-serviceable filter and run its cleaning cycle according to the owner manual.
Complete a quick leak and moisture check (Monthly)
Look under sinks, around toilets, behind laundry appliances, near the water heater, and below visible HVAC drain lines. Investigate new stains, odors, soft flooring, or unexplained water use promptly.
Inspect exterior-door weather stripping (Annual)
Replace torn, compressed, or brittle weather stripping and adjust doors that no longer seal evenly. Check thresholds for daylight and signs of water entry.
Clean the range-hood filter and exhaust path (Quarterly)
Clean reusable filters or replace disposable filters according to the manufacturer instructions. Confirm the fan vents correctly and remove grease buildup from accessible surfaces.
Full insurance portfolio review (2 of 2) (Twice yearly)
Revisit homeowners, auto, life, and umbrella coverage after renovations, purchases, family changes, or shifts in replacement costs. Compare rates before your next renewal.
Review whether your home still fits (Annual)
A new school year is a useful time to discuss space, commute, accessibility, and longer-term plans. Contact Collin for a low-pressure conversation about your options.

September

Test smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms (Monthly)
Press the test button on every alarm. Replace ordinary batteries at least yearly unless the unit has a sealed 10-year battery, and follow the manufacturer's replacement date for each alarm.
Check the HVAC filter (Monthly)
Inspect the filter monthly and clean or replace it when dirty or as your system and filter manufacturer direct. Record the size near the return so the correct replacement is easy to find.
Clean dryer lint screen and washing-machine filter (Monthly)
Clean the dryer lint screen before or after every load; use this monthly reminder to vacuum the lint-screen housing and confirm strong airflow outside. Clean the washer's user-serviceable filter and run its cleaning cycle according to the owner manual.
Complete a quick leak and moisture check (Monthly)
Look under sinks, around toilets, behind laundry appliances, near the water heater, and below visible HVAC drain lines. Investigate new stains, odors, soft flooring, or unexplained water use promptly.
Schedule the fall HVAC tune-up (Seasonal)
Have a licensed technician check heating operation, controls, electrical or gas components, airflow, and safe startup before colder weather arrives.
Flush the HVAC condensate drain line (2 of 2) (Twice yearly)
Clear buildup before the cooling season winds down. Follow the equipment manual and shutoff instructions, or have your HVAC professional complete the service.
Complete a post-storm roof and gutter check (Seasonal)
Look for displaced materials, hail marks, clogged drainage, or new ceiling stains after the summer storm season. Use a qualified roof professional when closer inspection is needed.
Shop your insurance renewal (Annual)
Begin comparing coverage and premiums 30 to 60 days before renewal. Contact Collin if an introduction to a trusted insurance professional would help.

October

Test smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms (Monthly)
Press the test button on every alarm. Replace ordinary batteries at least yearly unless the unit has a sealed 10-year battery, and follow the manufacturer's replacement date for each alarm.
Check the HVAC filter (Monthly)
Inspect the filter monthly and clean or replace it when dirty or as your system and filter manufacturer direct. Record the size near the return so the correct replacement is easy to find.
Clean dryer lint screen and washing-machine filter (Monthly)
Clean the dryer lint screen before or after every load; use this monthly reminder to vacuum the lint-screen housing and confirm strong airflow outside. Clean the washer's user-serviceable filter and run its cleaning cycle according to the owner manual.
Complete a quick leak and moisture check (Monthly)
Look under sinks, around toilets, behind laundry appliances, near the water heater, and below visible HVAC drain lines. Investigate new stains, odors, soft flooring, or unexplained water use promptly.
Clean gutters and downspouts (Twice yearly)
Remove leaves and debris, confirm downspouts discharge away from the foundation, and repair loose sections before winter rain and freeze-thaw cycles.
Inspect driveways, walkways, and exterior steps (Annual)
Look for trip hazards, settlement, open joints, loose railings, and drainage problems. Repair developing issues before winter moisture makes them worse.
Schedule fireplace and chimney service (Annual)
Before regular use, have wood-burning systems inspected and cleaned as needed. Confirm the damper, flue, screen, and surrounding clearances are safe.
Q4 wealth-advisor check-in (Quarterly)
Review year-end tax planning, charitable giving, cash needs, insurance, and progress toward the family's longer-term financial goals.

November

Test smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms (Monthly)
Press the test button on every alarm. Replace ordinary batteries at least yearly unless the unit has a sealed 10-year battery, and follow the manufacturer's replacement date for each alarm.
Check the HVAC filter (Monthly)
Inspect the filter monthly and clean or replace it when dirty or as your system and filter manufacturer direct. Record the size near the return so the correct replacement is easy to find.
Clean dryer lint screen and washing-machine filter (Monthly)
Clean the dryer lint screen before or after every load; use this monthly reminder to vacuum the lint-screen housing and confirm strong airflow outside. Clean the washer's user-serviceable filter and run its cleaning cycle according to the owner manual.
Complete a quick leak and moisture check (Monthly)
Look under sinks, around toilets, behind laundry appliances, near the water heater, and below visible HVAC drain lines. Investigate new stains, odors, soft flooring, or unexplained water use promptly.
Clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct (2 of 2) (Twice yearly)
Remove lint from the full duct, exterior outlet, and area behind the dryer. Confirm strong airflow and have a professional clean long, concealed, or difficult-to-access runs.
Winterize irrigation and protect the backflow assembly (Seasonal)
Follow local and manufacturer guidance to shut down or protect irrigation components. Disconnect hoses and insulate exposed plumbing before the first hard freeze.
Inspect attic insulation and air sealing (Annual)
Look for disturbed insulation, blocked vents, pest activity, moisture, and obvious gaps around penetrations. Use qualified help around wiring, gas appliances, and hard-to-reach areas.
Test exterior faucets and freeze protection (Seasonal)
Check hose bibs for leaks, disconnect hoses, protect exposed piping, and make sure you know how to isolate a damaged exterior line during freezing weather.

December

Test smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms (Monthly)
Press the test button on every alarm. Replace ordinary batteries at least yearly unless the unit has a sealed 10-year battery, and follow the manufacturer's replacement date for each alarm.
Check the HVAC filter (Monthly)
Inspect the filter monthly and clean or replace it when dirty or as your system and filter manufacturer direct. Record the size near the return so the correct replacement is easy to find.
Clean dryer lint screen and washing-machine filter (Monthly)
Clean the dryer lint screen before or after every load; use this monthly reminder to vacuum the lint-screen housing and confirm strong airflow outside. Clean the washer's user-serviceable filter and run its cleaning cycle according to the owner manual.
Complete a quick leak and moisture check (Monthly)
Look under sinks, around toilets, behind laundry appliances, near the water heater, and below visible HVAC drain lines. Investigate new stains, odors, soft flooring, or unexplained water use promptly.
Review your pipe-freeze plan (Seasonal)
Before a hard freeze, protect exposed pipes, keep the home heated, open sink cabinets where appropriate, and follow local guidance for faucets. Know how to shut off water quickly if a pipe fails.
Update the home inventory for insurance (Annual)
Photograph rooms, valuable contents, improvements, and major systems. Store receipts, model numbers, and images securely off-site or in trusted cloud storage.
Clean refrigerator coils and check water connections (Twice yearly)
Complete the second yearly appliance check. Follow the owner manual, remove dust from accessible coils, and inspect the ice-maker line, filter, and surrounding floor for leaks.
Year-end home review with Collin (Annual)
Review how the home performed this year, the maintenance you completed, your updated equity picture, and any family goals that should shape next year's plan.

Maintenance guidance

Always follow the instructions for your specific equipment and use qualified professionals for unfamiliar or safety-sensitive work.

Need a trusted service contact or an annual equity review?

Collin remains a resource after closing. Call (903) 268-4294 or email collin.roberts@compass.com.