Safety and security are important in any stage of life. As we age, our need for safety and security evolves as well. As young homeowners, getting the lawn raked of fall leaves or climbing the ladder to check shingles and gutters may not take much time or effort. However, these tasks not only take longer and require more effort as we age, but they also pose several potential safety concerns. A fall could result in a simple broken bone which can not only impact a person’s independence but could have other health-related consequences. Home accidents are a genuine source of injuries and sometimes even worse.
One of the conveniences of life at Primrose is having skilled property maintenance technicians at the ready 24/7 if an emergency arises. No need to figure out who to call, when they can come, and if they are trustworthy enough to invite into your home. We can take care of it all for you, at no additional cost, while you enjoy coffee with your neighbors.
The following checklist contains many of the household and yard maintenance tasks that are needed throughout the year. It is also a list of things that you WON’T have to worry about if you make a move to a Primrose Retirement Community. In addition to home-cooked meals, transportation, fitness center, a variety of daily activities, and more, you will also have more free time with family and friends or to do other activities you enjoy. Without needing to take care of all the tasks on the following checklist, you too could experience why our residents exclaim… THIS IS LIVING!
Monthly:
- Vacuum/clean the stairs.
- Clean or replace the furnace filter.
- Check the water softener and replenish salt if necessary.
- Test smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and all ground-fault circuit interrupters.
- Check the fire extinguisher gauge and expiration date.
- Check that indoor and outdoor air vents are not blocked.
- Flush out hot water from the water heater to remove accumulated sediment.
Fall:
- Rake the leaves.
- Aerate and fertilize the lawn.
- Have the forced-air heating system inspected.
- Have your fireplace professionally cleaned and inspected.
- Clean window and door screens.
- Inspect exterior door hardware; fix squeaky handles and loose locks.
- Seal cracks and gaps in windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping.
- Replace old, drafty windows.
- Touch up paint exterior siding and trim.
- Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks.
- Remove any wasp nests hanging from eaves or overhangs.
- Pressure wash windows and siding.
- Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.
- Mend cracks and gaps in the driveway and walkway
- Drain and winterize exterior plumbing including hoses and in-ground sprinkler systems.
- Wrap insulation around outdoor faucets and pipes in unheated garages.
- Tune up major home appliances before the holidays.
- Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Vacuum heat registers and heat vents
- Vacuum lint from the dryer vent
- Check the water heater for leaks.
Winter:
- Cover the air-conditioning unit.
- Check the basement for leaks during thaws.
- Inspect the roof, gutters, and downspouts for damage after storms.
- Monitor roof vents for freezing over.
- Vacuum bathroom exhaust fan grill.
- Vacuum lint from the dryer vent.
- Vacuum heat registers and heat vents.
- Stock up on sidewalk salt and ice melt.
Spring:
- Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks.
- Check the attic for leaks.
- Change the air conditioner filter.
- Clean window and door screens.
- Make sure windows and door seals and operate properly.
- Refinish the deck.
- Pressure wash windows and siding.
- Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.
- Make sure gutters discharge water away from the house.
- Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Have a professional inspect and pump the septic tank.
- Inspect sink, shower, and bath caulking for deterioration.
- Vacuum lint from the dryer vent.
- Vacuum heat registers and heat vents.
- Repair or replace caulking and weather stripping around windows, doors, and mechanicals.
- Remove the insulation from outdoor faucets and check sprinkler heads.
- Service air-conditioning system.
- Drain or flush the water heater.
- Fertilize your lawn.
- Prune trees and shrubs
- Check that the sump pumps are working.
Summer:
- Regularly mow and edge the lawn.
- Water lawn and plants as needed.
- Oil garage door, opener, chain, and hinges
- Vacuum lint from the dryer vent
- Vacuum heat registers and heat vents
- Inspect the roof, gutters, and downspouts for damage after storms.
Other tasks that need attention as needed throughout the year:
- Clean the garbage disposal by grinding ice cubes, then flushing with hot water and baking soda.
- Clean sink, tub, shower, and dishwasher drains.
- Check toilet supply/shut-off valves.
- Remove mineral deposits from faucet aerators and showerheads.
- Dust furniture and light fixtures.
- Appliance maintenance or repairs.
- Repair kitchen or bathroom plumbing leaks.
- Replace washers in interior/exterior faucets and showerhead.
- Make sure water drains away from the house.
- Check the sidewalks for no tripping hazards.
- Monitor for bugs and pests such as mice, set traps, or contact a professional.
Did reading this list get you thinking that living at Primrose Retirement could be more relaxing and enjoyable than completing all these tasks year after year? You can either see if there is a community near you and browse the amenities and conveniences your local Primrose can offer you – or you can contact us today for more information!