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Your 31-Point Checklist for Seasonal Home Maintenance in Sonoma County

Written by: Somo
Published on: March 18, 2024

Your 31-Point Checklist for Seasonal Home Maintenance in Sonoma County

Woman mowing a lawnOwning a home comes with a long to-do list.

As a homeowner, you’re responsible for the overall care and maintenance of the house. Doing so, especially when staying on top of seasonal tasks, helps you save money, prevent damage, and enhance the house’s comfort and longevity. 

Keeping up with all of these tasks can be tough. So, we’ve put together a 31-item checklist to get you started. 

31 To-Do Items for Your Seasonal Home Maintenance in Sonoma County

Each season in Sonoma County brings its own unique set of home maintenance musts. Here’s what you need to keep in mind for each of them.

Sonoma County Home Maintenance for the Spring

Man changing the siding on a houseOnce spring hits, temperatures start to increase making it easier to do things around your house. It’s a time to focus on post-winter recovery to ensure there’s no damage from winter cold and precipitation. Though some rain is to be expected, homeowners can already begin focusing on setting up for the dry season.  

Key tasks: 

  • Inspect the roof: Look for winter damage, missing shingles, and signs of leaks.
  • Clean gutters and downspouts: Remove debris to ensure proper drainage for continued rain throughout the spring.
  • Examine exterior paint: Check for chipping, possibly caused by rain, and plan for touch-ups once the weather dries up. 
  • Service the HVAC: Clean or replace filters and schedule a professional inspection so it’s ready when warm weather hits.
  • Check irrigation systems: Repair any freeze damage and adjust settings for the growing season.
  • Prepare the garden: Prune dead branches and start spring planting once the weather warms up.
  • Inspect fences: Ensure there’s no weather damage to fences and make necessary repairs so they’re strong and stable. 

Sonoma County Home Maintenance for the Summer Months

Woman working in a gardenThe summer season brings warm and dry weather, ideal for enjoying the great outdoors (check out our favorite regional parks for ideas). It’s a prime opportunity to work on exterior house projects like yard work or painting. It can get hot, especially inland Sonoma County, so also prioritize maintenance of cooling systems and don’t push yourself too hard in the hot weather. 

The dry, warm weather also, unfortunately, increases the chance of wildfires in Sonoma County. Reduce the risk by clearing brush and dead vegetation on your property. 

Key tasks: 

  • Inspect and repair the deck: Look for weather damage and treat wood surfaces for longevity. Prioritize this once the weather is dry so you can use it throughout the summer months.
  • Create a defensible space: Clear brush and dead vegetation on your property to protect against wildfires.
  • Consider home hardening upgrades: Along with clearing brush to create a defensible space, you can increase your home’s chance of survival in a fire by using a fire-rated deck, fire-resistant siding, and tempered windows. 
  • Check windows and doors: Seal gaps and ensure latches work to keep cool air in and pests out.
  • Maintain cooling systems: Ensure fans and air conditioners are working efficiently to stay cool during heat waves.
  • Conserve water: Adjust irrigation schedules to early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation in the heat of the day.
  • Control pests: Inspect for signs of termites, rodents, and other pests more active in warm months. Hire a professional or bring in a home inspector if you need help identifying potential issues.
  • Exterior painting: Give the outside of your home a refresh with some new paint. 
  • Yard maintenance: Care for your garden, mow the lawn, and landscape your yard.

Sonoma County Home Maintenance for the Fall 

Man caulking a windowFall brings cooler temperatures and is a pleasant time to enjoy what Sonoma County has to offer. You can expect some rain and this is the best time to get ready for more precipitation as the months go on. 

Most importantly, it’s the optimal time to get your home winterized with maintenance like:

  • Gutter maintenance: Clean out leaves and debris from all gutters and downpipes to prepare for rain.
  • Weatherproofing: Seal windows and doors to prevent drafts and water leaks.
  • Heating system check: Have the furnace or heating system inspected and serviced so it works efficiently as temperatures drop.
  • Prepare outdoor plumbing: Drain irrigation systems and outdoor faucets to prevent freezing.
  • Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Replace batteries and test functionality.
  • Tree care: Trim branches that could fall on your house during storms.

Sonoma County Home Maintenance for the Winter

Two people painting a wallWinter brings the coolest and wettest weather during the year, so it’s a good time to focus your attention indoors. Air quality and energy efficiency are two priorities, as is getting ready for outdoor projects once the weather improves. 

You may also choose winter to focus on indoor activities like painting, upgrading furniture and home decor, or planning upgrades and renovations. 

With the coolest and wettest months, focus on indoor air quality and energy efficiency. 

  • Pipe insulation: Prevent freezing and bursting with proper insulation. Prioritize this early on before reaching the coldest temperatures.
  • Get an energy assessment: Have a professional survey your house for energy efficiency. You’ll receive a home energy score (HES) and some suggestions for upgrades and improvements you can then prepare to implement later in the year. 
  • Roof inspection: Regularly check for damage after storms and heavy rainfall and clear off debris.
  • Store and cover outdoor furniture: Remove or cover items you don’t want damaged by wind and rain. 
  • Emergency supplies: Ensure you have flashlights, batteries, and backup power sources ready for power outages or other emergencies.
  • Heating efficiency: Use weather stripping and draft stoppers to keep heat inside.
  • Indoor air quality: Clean or replace HVAC filters and consider a humidifier to combat dry indoor air.
  • Garden tool maintenance: Clean, sharpen, and store tools properly​​ so they’re ready to use again in the spring. 
  • Interior painting: Give an outdated room a fresh coat of paint. 

Seasonal home maintenance is essential for keeping your home in great shape, both for the season ahead and well into the future. By investing in these key tasks season-by-season, you’re ensuring the safety and comfortability of your living space. 

If you’re interested in living in a sustainable community that fuses the best of city living with the country lifestyle and all the amazing things that Sonoma County has to offer, we invite you to visit SOMO Village. To learn more, download our residential project brief or get in touch with us today.