The winter season can be hard on a home.  For that reason, either spring or fall is the best time to perform annual maintenance tasks.  Preventative maintenance is vital to the long-term value of your home, as well as, to saving you and your renters from vacation-ruining catastrophes. 

Exterior
□ Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.
□ Pressure-wash wood siding to prevent mold.
□ Check the exterior paint for bare spots.
□ Inspect and replace exterior caulk.
□ Check window and door sills for leaks and caulk where necessary.
□ Clean air-conditioning unit.
□ Check the foundation.
□ Trim trees and bushes.
□ Check the sprinkler system.
□ Check all decks for loose boards, railings, and stairs.
□ Inspect the condition of the roof.
□ Check window screens.
□ Check fences and gates.
□ Check the automatic garage door opener.
□ Examine the septic system for flooding or unusual odor.
□ Check the latches on storm windows.
□ Inspect the grading around house to make sure that water drains away from the house on all sides.
□ Check outside walls for termite tubes and damaged wood.

Kitchen
□ Clean and seal tile and grout.
□ Check and fix leaky faucets.

Bathroom
□ Clean and seal tile and grout.
□ Make sure that all toilets are properly secured to the floor.
□ Check and fix leaky faucets and toilets.

Attic
□ Check the attic for signs of moisture (i.e. water stains on the underside of the roof sheathing).
□ Check all wooden materials for mildew and rot.
□ Look for indications of a pest infestation.

Misc. Interior
□ Clean out ashes from the fireplace.
□ Replace the batteries in your smoke detectors.
□ Replace batteries in clocks.
□ Clean furnace ducts.
□ Change furnace filters.
□ Check doorframes for square-ness.  Inspect door frames.
□ Check the main electrical panel for rust and/or water marks.
□ Test circuit breakers.
□ Inspect fire extinguisher.
□ Check walls for condensation and mildew.

7 Things to Clean Regularly at Your Vacation Home Cleaning prolongs the life of many appliances. Here's a list of things to consider cleaning.   Handling Maintenance at Your Vacation Rental Your one-stop-shop for learning the necessary maintenance tasks to keep your home up and renting.   Going Green at Your Vacation Home, Part 1 Easy tips for saving money and helping the environment while maintaining your vacation rental property.   How to Decrease Your Electricty Bill by Lowering Appliance Costs Learn how to lower the cost to power your refrigerator, washer, dryer, and dishwasher. © Copyright 2006, HomeAway, Inc., U.090421.AF