> I'd like to assemble a list of all those house-maintenance tasks you
> are supposed to perform at regular intervals (like changing air
> filters, oiling the heater blower motor, cleaning the gutters,
> inspecting the foundation, etc.).  This list would include anything you
> are supposed to do once a year or more often.  Please MAIL me any
> entries you can think of for such a list; I'll post the resulting
> list.  Thanks!

<xyme...@suds.com> wrote in message

> This classic post can be found in Google Groups, but it's well worth
> reposting.

> Newsgroups: misc.consumers.house
> From: dav...@ssd.intel.com (David Levine)
> Subject: The Big List of regular house maintenance tasks
> Message-ID: <C2KB16....@SSD.intel.com>
> Sender: use...@SSD.intel.com
> Nntp-Posting-Host: geordi
> Organization: Supercomputer Systems Division (SSD), Intel
> Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1993 22:12:42 GMT
> Lines: 414

> Back in January, in article <C0CIz5....@SSD.intel.com>, I wrote:
> > I'd like to assemble a list of all those house-maintenance tasks you
> > are supposed to perform at regular intervals (like changing air
> > filters, oiling the heater blower motor, cleaning the gutters,
> > inspecting the foundation, etc.).  This list would include anything you
> > are supposed to do once a year or more often.  Please MAIL me any
> > entries you can think of for such a list; I'll post the resulting
> > list.  Thanks!

> Many, many people replied!  (The list of contributors is at the end of
> this article.)  Here is their distilled and collected wisdom.  The
> list
> of tasks is sorted into the following topics:

> YARD/GARDEN
> GARAGE
> EXTERIOR
> WINDOWS
> ROOF/ATTIC
> FIREPLACE/CHIMNEY
> HEATING/COOLING
> INTERIOR
> PLUMBING
> SEPTIC SYSTEM
> ELECTRICAL
> KITCHEN
> BATHROOM
> CLOTHES/LAUNDRY
> ANIMALS
> GENERAL/MISCELLANOUS

> In some cases I have folded together several related tasks into a
> single task (even so, there are 230 tasks!).  In other cases I have
> listed a task under more than one topic if it seemed to fit in both.
> Where there was dispute over the correct frequency for a task, I
> generally picked the shortest frequency (on the assumption that it's
> better to perform a task too often than not often enough, and besides
> hardly anyone will actually perform all these tasks exactly as
> scheduled).

> Tasks are sorted by increasing frequency within topics.  The frequency
> is separated from the task by a single tab, and each entry appears on
> one line.  The frequency is expressed in the form "n/xx" (where "n" is
> the number of times per "xx" to perform the task and "xx" is "da",
> "wk", "mo", or "yr" -- for example, "3/yr" for 3 times per year) or
> "xx/m" (where "m" is the number of "xx"s between tasks -- for example,
> "mo/3" for once every 3 months).  In some cases other frequencies may
> appear ("a.n." means "as needed", "rain" means "when it rains", and
> "once" means once -- probably right after you occupy the house).
> Information on when a task should be performed is indicated in
> parentheses at the end of the item.

>      NOTE

> I have not checked or verified any of this information for
> correctness, reasonableness, or suitability for any particular
> task.  This information is provided without warranty either
> express or implied.  Your mileage may vary.  Some assembly
> needed.

> And now, without further ado, The List:

> ================================= YARD/GARDEN
> =================================

> a.n. Change oil in tractor
> dy/3 Water lawn (summer)
> 1/wk Mow lawn, trim
> 1/mo Clean mower
> 2/yr Fertilize lawn
> 2/yr Have tractor serviced
> 2/yr Prune garden (spring and fall)
> 1/yr Aerate lawns
> 1/yr Change outdoor lightbulbs
> 1/yr Check snow removal equipment (fall)
> 1/yr Check to see if any dead trees or branches need to be removed
> 1/yr Clean and lubricate lawnmower before storing for winter (fall)
> 1/yr Clean and rustproof garden tools (fall)
> 1/yr Cut shrubbery back from air conditioners (spring)
> 1/yr Drain gasoline from lawnmower and other power tools (fall)
> 1/yr Drain outside hoses
> 1/yr Drain water from irrigation pump (fall)
> 1/yr Have lawnmower tuned (spring)
> 1/yr Mulch plants that need protection for the winter (fall)
> 1/yr Prune and fertilize trees and bushes
> 1/yr Repair and paint trellises
> 1/yr Take a soil sample and have it analyzed (early spring)
> 1/yr Take garden hoses, picnic table, etc. in (fall)
> 1/yr Take garden hoses, picnic table, etc. out (spring)
> 1/yr Trim back trees and shrubs
> 1/yr Tune-up mower
> 1/yr Winterize sprinkler system

> ==================================== GARAGE
> ===================================

> 1/mo Make sure automatic garage doors reverse safely
> 1/yr Lubricate and adjust garage door, check opener tension *
> yr/2 Clean out garage

> * One correspondent suggested oiling the garage door "points" (those
>   points where it's bolted) every other month.

> =================================== EXTERIOR
> ==================================

> a.n. Water foundation to keep dirt from pulling away (in dry
> climates)
> 1/yr Check and repair cracks in siding or stucco (use caulk where
> possible)
> 1/yr Check crawlspace for pests, standing water
> 1/yr Check fences, gates, posts; repair or replace cracked or
> broken parts
> 1/yr Check for rotten wood in the usual places; think about paint
> 1/yr Check outside water faucets, hoses, sprinklers (spring)
> 1/yr Check weatherstripping on all exterior doors
> 1/yr Clean and check culverts and ditches
> 1/yr Clean and seal wooden decks and steps; inspect for rot and
> loose boards
> 1/yr Close foundation vents (fall)
> 1/yr Do a visual checkup on roof, siding, and foundation (spring)
> 1/yr Fill/patch driveway potholes/cracks (spring or summer)
> 1/yr Inspect mailbox and post
> 1/yr Inspect overhead wires and relationship to trees
> 1/yr Inspect paths, terraces, and patios
> 1/yr Inspect shades and awnings
> 1/yr Open foundation vents (spring)
> 1/yr Put up holiday decorations
> 1/yr Seal sidewalk/driveway (depends on climate)
> 1/yr Take down holiday decorations
> 1/yr Work on retaining walls
> yr/2 Check foundation for cracks and misc. problems
> yr/2 Paint deck
> yr/2 Re-stain fence
> yr/2 Spray down outside of house and roof
> yr/2 Urethane the front door
> yr/3 Re-coat driveway (summer)
> yr/5 Paint cedar siding

> =================================== WINDOWS
> ===================================

> 2/yr Clean out drain holes in window frames
> 2/yr Wash windows, inside and out
> 1/yr Check caulk and weatherstrip around windows and doors, in and
> out (fall)
> 1/yr Inspect storm windows (fall)
> 1/yr Take down screens, put up storms, seal leaky windows (fall)
> 1/yr Clean screens; repair/replace damaged or broken screens
> (spring)
> 1/yr Take down storms, put up screens (spring)
> 1/yr Check windows for easy operation (spring)
> 1/yr Replace broken or badly cracked window panes

> ================================== ROOF/ATTIC
> =================================

> rain Look for leaks in roof, cellar
> 2/yr Clean gutters and downspouts, repair leaks (after leaves have
> fallen)
> 2/yr Sweep leaves, etc. off roof
> 1/yr Check for ice-dam conditions on roof
> 1/yr Clean attic
> 1/yr Clean out roof vents
> 1/yr Do a visual checkup on roof, siding, and foundation (spring)
> 1/yr Fix loose shingles (late summer)
> 1/yr Have roof, valleys, and flashings examined
> 1/yr Inspect attic for water leaks and patch ASAP with Henry's
> (fall/winter)
> 1/yr Inspect attic insulation
> 1/yr Inspect roof for heat loss (after snow -- look for unusual
> melting)
> 1/yr Inspect slate roof, replace broken tiles
> 1/yr Inspect the attic for leaks in the roof
> 1/yr Inspect top of plumbing vent pipes
> 1/yr Oil attic ventilation fan
> yr/2 Spray down outside of house and roof

> ============================== FIREPLACE/CHIMNEY
> ==============================

> 1/yr Inspect and clean (sweep) fireplace, flue, and chimney (fall)
> 2/yr Scrub fireplace walls, check for creosote, remove ashes, clean
> screen
> 1/yr Check and repoint brick mortar

> =============================== HEATING/COOLING
> ===============================

> 1/wk Check level of water in steam-heat boiler
> 1/mo Check water pressure in forced hot-water system (fall, winter)
> 1/mo Clean humidifier
> 1/mo Clean or replace furnace filters (fall, winter)
> mo/2 Hose off electronic air filter on heat pump
> 2/yr Drain rust from steam-heat boiler
> 2/yr Oil fan motor on forced-air furnace
> 1/yr Bleed air from radiators (fall)
> 1/yr Brush furnace burners clean
> 1/yr Clean and lubricate portable fans (spring)
> 1/yr Clean central AC filter and wash debris from outside condenser
> 1/yr Drain solar hot water system for the winter (some freeze
> otherwise)
> 1/yr Have furnace cleaned/checked by a professional (fall)
> 1/yr Inspect fuel storage tanks and lines
> 1/yr Oil circulator motor in forced hot-water system (fall)
> 1/yr Oil furnace pump
> 1/yr Reset programmable thermostats
> 1/yr Service humidifiers
> 1/yr Tune up air conditioners (spring)
> 1/yr Vacuum dust and debris from heat and cold-air-return vents
> 1/yr Vacuum radiators
> yr/2 Full professional inspection of heating/cooling system

> =================================== INTERIOR
> ==================================

> once Install smoke alarms and fire extinguishers
> 1/wk Dust; vacuum carpet; mop floor
> 1/wk Water plants
> 1/mo Test smoke detectors
> 1/mo Check pressure gauge on fire extinguishers
> 2/yr Change batteries in smoke detectors (when you change the
> clocks)
> 2/yr Hold a fire drill
> 2/yr Reverse direction of ceiling fans (fall, spring)
> 2/yr Steam-clean carpet, chairs, couches, Honda
> 2/yr Vacuum behind and under everything everywhere no matter how
> heavy
> 1/yr Check floors for squeaking, swelling, cracks, and sagging
> 1/yr Clean Venetian blinds
> 1/yr Clean and straighten closets and workshops
> 1/yr Clean and sun rugs
> 1/yr Clean drapes
> 1/yr Clean light fixtures
> 1/yr Clean switch plates
> 1/yr Inspect and lubricate locks
> 1/yr Lubricate hinges, check screws on every door from full-size to
> cabinet
> 1/yr Inspect stairs
> 1/yr Patch torn wallpaper and glue any loose edges
> 1/yr Polish brass (lamps, door hardware)
> 1/yr Repair cracked plaster and dented wallboard
> 1/yr

"k conover" <kirstenc...@yahoo.com> wrote in message

> Great list, thanks!
> <xyme...@suds.com> wrote in message
> news:lacjovs4timpkeuvillhl8g44mk6v34pr8@4ax.com...
> > This classic post can be found in Google Groups, but it's well worth
> > reposting.

> > Newsgroups: misc.consumers.house
> > From: dav...@ssd.intel.com (David Levine)
> > Subject: The Big List of regular house maintenance tasks
> > Message-ID: <C2KB16....@SSD.intel.com>
> > Sender: use...@SSD.intel.com
> > Nntp-Posting-Host: geordi
> > Organization: Supercomputer Systems Division (SSD), Intel
> > Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1993 22:12:42 GMT
> > Lines: 414

> > Back in January, in article <C0CIz5....@SSD.intel.com>, I wrote:
> > > I'd like to assemble a list of all those house-maintenance tasks you
> > > are supposed to perform at regular intervals (like changing air
> > > filters, oiling the heater blower motor, cleaning the gutters,
> > > inspecting the foundation, etc.).  This list would include anything
you
> > > are supposed to do once a year or more often.  Please MAIL me any
> > > entries you can think of for such a list; I'll post the resulting
> > > list.  Thanks!

> > Many, many people replied!  (The list of contributors is at the end of
> > this article.)  Here is their distilled and collected wisdom.  The
> > list
> > of tasks is sorted into the following topics:

> > YARD/GARDEN
> > GARAGE
> > EXTERIOR
> > WINDOWS
> > ROOF/ATTIC
> > FIREPLACE/CHIMNEY
> > HEATING/COOLING
> > INTERIOR
> > PLUMBING
> > SEPTIC SYSTEM
> > ELECTRICAL
> > KITCHEN
> > BATHROOM
> > CLOTHES/LAUNDRY
> > ANIMALS
> > GENERAL/MISCELLANOUS

> > In some cases I have folded together several related tasks into a
> > single task (even so, there are 230 tasks!).  In other cases I have
> > listed a task under more than one topic if it seemed to fit in both.
> > Where there was dispute over the correct frequency for a task, I
> > generally picked the shortest frequency (on the assumption that it's
> > better to perform a task too often than not often enough, and besides
> > hardly anyone will actually perform all these tasks exactly as
> > scheduled).

> > Tasks are sorted by increasing frequency within topics.  The frequency
> > is separated from the task by a single tab, and each entry appears on
> > one line.  The frequency is expressed in the form "n/xx" (where "n" is
> > the number of times per "xx" to perform the task and "xx" is "da",
> > "wk", "mo", or "yr" -- for example, "3/yr" for 3 times per year) or
> > "xx/m" (where "m" is the number of "xx"s between tasks -- for example,
> > "mo/3" for once every 3 months).  In some cases other frequencies may
> > appear ("a.n." means "as needed", "rain" means "when it rains", and
> > "once" means once -- probably right after you occupy the house).
> > Information on when a task should be performed is indicated in
> > parentheses at the end of the item.

> >      NOTE

> > I have not checked or verified any of this information for
> > correctness, reasonableness, or suitability for any particular
> > task.  This information is provided without warranty either
> > express or implied.  Your mileage may vary.  Some assembly
> > needed.

> > And now, without further ado, The List:

> > ================================= YARD/GARDEN
> > =================================

> > a.n. Change oil in tractor
> > dy/3 Water lawn (summer)
> > 1/wk Mow lawn, trim
> > 1/mo Clean mower
> > 2/yr Fertilize lawn
> > 2/yr Have tractor serviced
> > 2/yr Prune garden (spring and fall)
> > 1/yr Aerate lawns
> > 1/yr Change outdoor lightbulbs
> > 1/yr Check snow removal equipment (fall)
> > 1/yr Check to see if any dead trees or branches need to be removed
> > 1/yr Clean and lubricate lawnmower before storing for winter (fall)
> > 1/yr Clean and rustproof garden tools (fall)
> > 1/yr Cut shrubbery back from air conditioners (spring)
> > 1/yr Drain gasoline from lawnmower and other power tools (fall)
> > 1/yr Drain outside hoses
> > 1/yr Drain water from irrigation pump (fall)
> > 1/yr Have lawnmower tuned (spring)
> > 1/yr Mulch plants that need protection for the winter (fall)
> > 1/yr Prune and fertilize trees and bushes
> > 1/yr Repair and paint trellises
> > 1/yr Take a soil sample and have it analyzed (early spring)
> > 1/yr Take garden hoses, picnic table, etc. in (fall)
> > 1/yr Take garden hoses, picnic table, etc. out (spring)
> > 1/yr Trim back trees and shrubs
> > 1/yr Tune-up mower
> > 1/yr Winterize sprinkler system

> > ==================================== GARAGE
> > ===================================

> > 1/mo Make sure automatic garage doors reverse safely
> > 1/yr Lubricate and adjust garage door, check opener tension *
> > yr/2 Clean out garage

> > * One correspondent suggested oiling the garage door "points" (those
> >   points where it's bolted) every other month.

> > =================================== EXTERIOR
> > ==================================

> > a.n. Water foundation to keep dirt from pulling away (in dry
> > climates)
> > 1/yr Check and repair cracks in siding or stucco (use caulk where
> > possible)
> > 1/yr Check crawlspace for pests, standing water
> > 1/yr Check fences, gates, posts; repair or replace cracked or
> > broken parts
> > 1/yr Check for rotten wood in the usual places; think about paint
> > 1/yr Check outside water faucets, hoses, sprinklers (spring)
> > 1/yr Check weatherstripping on all exterior doors
> > 1/yr Clean and check culverts and ditches
> > 1/yr Clean and seal wooden decks and steps; inspect for rot and
> > loose boards
> > 1/yr Close foundation vents (fall)
> > 1/yr Do a visual checkup on roof, siding, and foundation (spring)
> > 1/yr Fill/patch driveway potholes/cracks (spring or summer)
> > 1/yr Inspect mailbox and post
> > 1/yr Inspect overhead wires and relationship to trees
> > 1/yr Inspect paths, terraces, and patios
> > 1/yr Inspect shades and awnings
> > 1/yr Open foundation vents (spring)
> > 1/yr Put up holiday decorations
> > 1/yr Seal sidewalk/driveway (depends on climate)
> > 1/yr Take down holiday decorations
> > 1/yr Work on retaining walls
> > yr/2 Check foundation for cracks and misc. problems
> > yr/2 Paint deck
> > yr/2 Re-stain fence
> > yr/2 Spray down outside of house and roof
> > yr/2 Urethane the front door
> > yr/3 Re-coat driveway (summer)
> > yr/5 Paint cedar siding

> > =================================== WINDOWS
> > ===================================

> > 2/yr Clean out drain holes in window frames
> > 2/yr Wash windows, inside and out
> > 1/yr Check caulk and weatherstrip around windows and doors, in and
> > out (fall)
> > 1/yr Inspect storm windows (fall)
> > 1/yr Take down screens, put up storms, seal leaky windows (fall)
> > 1/yr Clean screens; repair/replace damaged or broken screens
> > (spring)
> > 1/yr Take down storms, put up screens (spring)
> > 1/yr Check windows for easy operation (spring)
> > 1/yr Replace broken or badly cracked window panes

> > ================================== ROOF/ATTIC
> > =================================

> > rain Look for leaks in roof, cellar
> > 2/yr Clean gutters and downspouts, repair leaks (after leaves have
> > fallen)
> > 2/yr Sweep leaves, etc. off roof
> > 1/yr Check for ice-dam conditions on roof
> > 1/yr Clean attic
> > 1/yr Clean out roof vents
> > 1/yr Do a visual checkup on roof, siding, and foundation (spring)
> > 1/yr Fix loose shingles (late summer)
> > 1/yr Have roof, valleys, and flashings examined
> > 1/yr Inspect attic for water leaks and patch ASAP with Henry's
> > (fall/winter)
> > 1/yr Inspect attic insulation
> > 1/yr Inspect roof for heat loss (after snow -- look for unusual
> > melting)
> > 1/yr Inspect slate roof, replace broken tiles
> > 1/yr Inspect the attic for leaks in the roof
> > 1/yr Inspect top of plumbing vent pipes
> > 1/yr Oil attic ventilation fan
> > yr/2 Spray down outside of house and roof

> > ============================== FIREPLACE/CHIMNEY
> > ==============================

> > 1/yr Inspect and clean (sweep) fireplace, flue, and chimney (fall)
> > 2/yr Scrub fireplace walls, check for creosote, remove ashes, clean
> > screen
> > 1/yr Check and repoint brick mortar

> > =============================== HEATING/COOLING
> > ===============================

> > 1/wk Check level of water in steam-heat boiler
> > 1/mo Check water pressure in forced hot-water system (fall, winter)
> > 1/mo Clean humidifier
> > 1/mo Clean or replace furnace filters (fall, winter)
> > mo/2 Hose off electronic air filter on heat pump
> > 2/yr Drain rust from steam-heat boiler
> > 2/yr Oil fan motor on forced-air furnace
> > 1/yr Bleed air from radiators (fall)
> > 1/yr Brush furnace burners clean
> > 1/yr Clean and lubricate portable fans (spring)
> > 1/yr Clean central AC filter and wash debris from outside condenser
> > 1/yr Drain solar hot water system for the winter (some freeze
> > otherwise)
> > 1/yr Have furnace cleaned/checked by a professional (fall)
> > 1/yr Inspect fuel storage tanks and lines
> > 1/yr Oil circulator motor in forced hot-water system (fall)
> > 1/yr Oil furnace pump
> > 1/yr Reset programmable thermostats
> > 1/yr Service humidifiers
> > 1/yr Tune up air conditioners (spring)
> > 1/yr Vacuum dust and debris from heat and cold-air-return vents
> > 1/yr Vacuum radiators
> > yr/2 Full professional inspection of heating/cooling system

> > =================================== INTERIOR
> > ==================================

> > once Install smoke alarms and fire extinguishers
> > 1/wk Dust; vacuum carpet; mop floor
> > 1/wk Water plants
> > 1/mo Test smoke detectors
> > 1/mo Check pressure gauge on fire extinguishers
> > 2/yr Change batteries in smoke detectors (when