Annual Home Maintenance Guide: From Roof to Roots
Owning a home is more than a milestone—it’s a long-term investment that thrives on attention, maintenance, and care. Whether you’ve lived in your home for years or just closed on your dream house in Macon, Georgia, annual maintenance is the key to preserving both value and peace of mind. Protect your home and avoid costly repairs with JoJo Jones’ ultimate annual home maintenance guide—from roof inspections to root checks and dryer vent cleaning.
This guide walks you through a comprehensive, top-to-bottom inspection—from your roof shingles down to the roots near your foundation. With this once-a-year checklist, you’ll catch small issues before they become costly repairs and ensure your home stays safe, efficient, and strong for years to come.
Roof & Chimney: Your First Line of Defense
What to Inspect:
Shingles: curling, cracking, or missing pieces
Chimney flashing: look for cracked mortar or loose metal
Moss or leaf buildup: moisture-retaining debris can shorten roof life
Gutters and downspouts: check for clogs or leaks
What to Do:
Hire a roofing professional if the roof is more than 10 years old or showing signs of wear
Clear all debris and re-seal exposed nails and flashing
Install or maintain gutter guards
Have your chimney professionally cleaned if you use it annually
Attic: Heat, Insulation & Ventilation Check
What to Inspect:
Insulation depth and condition
Blocked attic vents or soffits
Signs of water leaks or mold
What to Do:
Add insulation where needed
Install or service attic fans for proper air circulation
Repair any leaks or water damage immediately
HVAC System: Prepare for Every Season
What to Inspect:
Filters and ductwork
Exterior condenser unit (for A/C)
Furnace and blower motors
What to Do:
Schedule a professional tune-up once per year
Replace or clean filters every 1–3 months
Clear debris from exterior A/C units
Clean vents and registers throughout your home
Dryer Vents: A Hidden Fire Hazard
What to Inspect:
Dryer vent hose and outdoor vent cap
Lint buildup inside and around the dryer
What to Do:
Vacuum inside the dryer vent hose annually
Clean the lint trap after every use
Hire a pro if the duct is long or has several bends
Replace flexible plastic hoses with rigid metal ones for better safety
Plumbing & Water Systems: Stop Leaks Before They Start
What to Inspect:
Under all sinks for drips or mold
Toilets and faucets for leaks
Water heater for rust or sediment
What to Do:
Flush your water heater to remove buildup
Replace worn-out washers and toilet flappers
Insulate exposed pipes for winter
Check for water pressure irregularities
Electrical Safety: Small Fixes, Big Protection
What to Inspect:
Light switches and outlets for heat or discoloration
Breaker panel for tripped or hot breakers
GFCI outlets (press the “test” and “reset” buttons)
What to Do:
Replace old outlets and switches
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Hire an electrician every few years for a safety audit
Label your breaker panel correctly
Bathrooms & Kitchens: Clean, Dry, and Sealed
What to Inspect:
Cracked or missing grout and caulking
Cabinet bases for signs of leaks or swelling
Exhaust fans for proper airflow
What to Do:
Re-caulk showers, tubs, and backsplashes
Check under sinks for active or slow leaks
Clean or replace range hood and fan filters
Look behind appliances for hidden damage or mold
Basement & Crawlspace: Hidden Threats Below
What to Inspect:
Standing water or moisture stains
Cracks in the foundation
Pests or signs of infestation
What to Do:
Use a dehumidifier in damp basements
Check that your sump pump (if you have one) is working
Seal visible cracks and insulate pipes
Remove any organic debris or cardboard storage
Windows, Doors, & Seals: Where Comfort Escapes
What to Inspect:
Weatherstripping and caulking
Window seals and locks
Drafts around door frames
What to Do:
Re-seal and replace cracked caulk
Adjust or replace weatherstripping
Clean window tracks and lubricate hardware
Upgrade to storm windows if needed
Siding, Paint & Exterior Surfaces: Guard the Shell
What to Inspect:
Peeling paint, mildew, or wood rot
Loose boards or warped siding
Deck and patio surfaces for cracks or rot
What to Do:
Power wash and repaint surfaces as needed
Re-seal decks and fences
Repair cracked concrete or pavers
Clean exterior light fixtures and replace burnt-out bulbs
Trees, Roots, & Foundation: Underground Trouble
What to Inspect:
Tree roots growing near the home
Soil grading—should slope away from the house
Shrubs or bushes pressing against siding
What to Do:
Trim tree branches back at least 10 feet from the roof
Regrade soil or add fill to direct water away from the foundation
Remove invasive roots or shrubs encroaching on pipes or walls
Consult an arborist for large or leaning trees
Garage, Workshop & Storage Areas: Don’t Neglect the Extras
What to Inspect:
Garage doors for proper closing and spring tension
Stored items for pests or moisture
Extension cords or overloaded outlets
What to Do:
Lubricate garage door tracks and check reverse sensors
Clean out old chemicals and flammable items
Organize storage to allow airflow and prevent mold
Check outdoor power tools for rust and readiness
Safety & Emergency Systems: Stay Ready
What to Inspect:
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Fire extinguishers
Flashlights and emergency supplies
Exterior lighting and motion sensors
What to Do:
Replace all batteries and test each alarm
Replace expired fire extinguishers
Restock your emergency kit with fresh food, water, and first aid items
Walk through your emergency escape plan with the family
Seasonal Breakdown: Spread It Out
To make your checklist more manageable, break tasks into seasonal groups:
Spring:
Roof, attic, gutters, trees, foundation, HVAC check
Summer:
Exterior cleaning, dryer vents, attic ventilation, plumbing
Fall:
Chimney sweep, HVAC tune-up, insulation, door and window seals
Winter:
Emergency kits, safety checks, pipe protection, attic insulation
Final Thoughts
Whether you own a bungalow in Vineville or a new build in North Macon, one truth remains: your home rewards what you put into it. Neglected maintenance can lead to expensive repairs, safety risks, or even a drop in resale value. On the other hand, annual maintenance helps you enjoy your home more while protecting your investment.
Georgia’s humidity, storms, and heat are tough on homes, so staying proactive matters. As someone who’s helped hundreds of clients buy and sell in Macon, I’ve seen the difference between homes that are cared for and those that are not. The ones that shine are always the ones that are maintained.
If you need trusted local contractors for HVAC, roofing, plumbing, or tree removal—I’ve got the connections. And if you’re preparing to buy or sell and want to get your home market-ready, I’m just a call or click away.
Visit www.JoannaJoJoJones.com for more homeowner advice, Macon neighborhood guides, and the latest listings.
You don’t just live in your home—you take care of it. And when you do, it takes care of you right back.
New Listings: Macon Georgia
Sign up: Market Reports
Learn More: About JoJo
View More: Macon Listings
Featured: Macon Magazine
Contact Me: Sell Smart with JoJo™