Home Maintenance Advice

Security & access

Rekey or replace exterior locks, including smart locks. Reset garage opener codes, keypads, and alarm codes.
Remove the prior owner’s access to smart devices: thermostat, doorbell camera, locks, garage app, solar monitoring. Change the Wi-Fi password.
Check that all windows and doors latch securely. Add security bars to sliders if needed.

Life safety

Test all smoke and CO alarms. Replace any battery-only units with 10-year sealed alarms, and replace any alarm older than 10 years.
Make sure there’s a smoke alarm in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level, plus CO alarms where required.
Make a fire escape plan and confirm every bedroom has an operable exit window.
Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and garage.

Earthquake & wildfire

Confirm the water heater is double-strapped (required in CA).
Locate the gas shutoff and keep a shutoff wrench next to it. Consider an automatic seismic shutoff valve.
Anchor tall furniture, bookcases, and TVs.
If you’re near hillsides (Los Gatos, Saratoga, Almaden, etc.), clear 5 feet around the house of flammable material, clean the roof and gutters, and check that vents have ember-resistant screens.

Know your home

Locate the main shutoffs for water, gas, and electricity, and label your breaker panel.
Review the inspection report and disclosures. Schedule any urgent or “further evaluation” items.
Fix trip hazards on walkways, stairs, decks, and flooring.

Paperwork

File the Homeowners’ Exemption with the County Assessor.
Expect a supplemental property tax bill after purchase.
Review homeowners insurance each year, and decide consciously on earthquake coverage.
Save manuals, warranties, and permits in one folder or drive.

MONTHLY

EVERY 1–3 MONTHS

SPRING & FALL

Clean gutters and downspouts before the rainy season (Oct–Nov), and make sure water drains away from the foundation.
Inspect the roof, flashing, and chimney. Check the attic and crawl space for leaks, moisture, or pests.
Trim trees and shrubs away from the house, roof, and overhead lines.
Check the exterior walls, foundation, decks, and fences for cracks, rot, or termite signs. Keep soil and mulch away from wood siding.
Check irrigation for leaks and overspray, and adjust watering schedules for the season.
Clean windows, and refresh caulking and weather-stripping where needed.
Lubricate garage door hinges, rollers, and tracks.
Solar: check the app for output drops, and clean panels if dusty.

ANNUALLY

Service HVAC or the heat pump, and flush the water heater (have the TPR valve checked).
Clean the dryer vent all the way to the exterior. This is a leading fire cause.
Have the chimney inspected and swept if you use it.
Have a licensed pest inspection done, since termites are common here.
Have an electrician look at the panel if the home is 30+ years old or you notice flickering or warm outlets.
Have EV charger and battery systems checked per the manufacturer.
Well or septic, if applicable: service it and test the water.

EVERY 5–10 YEARS

Prevention pays. Small, regular maintenance heads off expensive surprises and protects your value when it’s time to sell.