A month-by-month maintenance roadmap you can download and keep handy
At Dotty Brothers, every home we craft is designed to stand strong for generations with minimal effort from you. But even the most thoughtfully engineered spaces deserve a little TLC. Think of these touch-ups as quick, inexpensive habits that protect resale value, indoor air quality, and that fresh-built feeling you fell in love with on move-in day.
Below you’ll find an expanded walkthrough of our Caring for Your Home checklist. Feel free to download the full printable PDF, tack it on the fridge, and check items off as you go.
Why a Monthly Checklist Matters
Season-specific focus – Tackling tasks just before weather shifts (such as blowing out sprinkler lines in fall) prevents damage and saves energy.
Bite-size commitments – Breaking upkeep into 10- to 30-minute jobs keeps weekends free for lake time instead of marathon clean-ups.
Peace of mind – Regular micro-inspections catch issues—like a tired sump-pump or loose garage-door spring—long before they become emergencies.
Your Month-by-Month Game Plan
January – Deep-Clean & Detect
Swap furnace filters (our homes breathe easier on fresh media).
Test smoke and CO detectors—batteries are cheap, while family safety is priceless.
Inspect the basement to spot moisture early and tidy up post-holiday storage.
February – Bed & Bath
Wash curtains and blinds to reduce dust.
Inspect bathroom caulking; steamy showers plus freezing temps outside test those seals.
March – Spring Cleaning Essentials
Vacuum refrigerator coils for more efficient cooling.
Book carpet cleaning—winter grit is brutal on fibers.
Clear gutters, downspouts, and roof valleys to keep April showers outside where they belong.
April – Out with the Cold
Test the sump pump—a five-gallon bucket of water is cheaper than a flooded lower level.
Change the snowblower oil and clean it before tucking it away for the summer.
Clear window weep holes so summer rains drain properly.
May – Summer Prep
Test the dehumidifier or stock up on moisture-absorbing products to keep humidity in check as temps rise.
Give the A/C a test run—or schedule a tune-up—before summer heat really hits.
June – Garage Door & Driveway TLC
Lubricate garage-door rollers and springs (a silent door is a happy door).
Fill driveway cracks or schedule resurfacing before heat widens them.
July – Irrigation & Exterior Plumbing
Fertilize the lawn while soil temps rise.
Top up water-softener salt to banish hard-water spots.
August – Efficiency Boost
Check window insulation and replace any failing caulk or weather-stripping.
Schedule a chimney sweep for wood-burning fireplaces before cooler weather arrives.
September – Fall Readiness
Fire up the furnace to make sure it's ready before the first cold snap.
Check door sweeps and weather stripping for wear—stop drafts before they start.
Clean corrosion off your car battery for stronger starts as the weather cools.
October – Seal & Soothe
Blow out sprinkler lines if you haven’t already done so.
Drain exterior hose bibbs to prevent hidden leaks.
Clear the dryer vent—dryer-lint is a fire risk we’d rather avoid.
November – Winter Readiness
Sharpen the lawn-mover blade and change the oil before storing it away for the winter.
Clean and protect A/C condenser and window units.
December – Kit It
Restock the winter car kit—jumper cables, blanket, snacks, the works.
Relocate temperature-sensitive liquids in the garage (paint, windshield fluid) to a warmer spot.
Download the Full Checklist
Ready to start checking boxes? Click here to download the PDF guide and keep it on hand all year long. Print it, laminate it, and use a dry-erase marker to turn it into a reusable tracker—or share it with new homeowners in your circle!
For Decades to Come
A well-cared-for home doesn’t just look better; it lives better. From cleaner indoor air to lower utility bills, these quick monthly habits extend the life of every surface and system—so your Dotty Brothers home can keep hosting family milestones for decades to come.
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