Annual Home Maintenance Guide: From Roof to Roots

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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

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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.