Your home requires regular maintenance and attention in order to keep it in good shape, and also to keep small problems from becoming large ones. Use this checklist as a reminder of annual inspections and task, and to help you determine whether you can fix the problem yourself or if you need to call for the assistance of a professional. 

Before you get started, you want to take care of four important tasks.

1. Determine what is wrong or come as close as you can to defining the problem as you can.

2. Read the owner's manuals to help determine whether you can handle the problem yourself or if you need to call on a professional's help.

3. If you can handle the problem yourself, gather all the tools, equipment, and materials that you need, and follow the instructions found in the user's manuals. Remember to shut off water valves and to disconnect electrical equipment. Know your limitations when dealing with your home.

4. If you need help, call the supplier or certified service companies. Ask your Realtor for recommendations and references to reliable parties. Look for companies that are licensed, bonded, and insured.

Inspect your foundation for cracks. If there are cracks or irregularities, you'll definitely want to call on a professional. The problem may be caused by settling, the growth of trees whose roots are undermining the foundation, or by water. 

Clean out your gutters and drains regularly. Build up of debris in your gutters and drains will damage your home; from mold to damaging your foundation. 

Keep the exterior of your home clean by washing with a scrubber attached to a hose. Scrape off blisters of paint, sand, and repaint areas that call for it. Leaving unfinished or untreated wood exposed to the weather is a definite call for trouble. 

Is the mortar between the bricks on your home loose? Is the chimney straight, and is it clean? Does the fireplace damper close properly? 

Are your doors and windows straight and even? Is there any trace of mold? Is the caulk around the doors and windows looking in good shape? Do the windows and doors securely close and fasten? Are the doors and windows needing to be painted? Cracks and peeling in the paint need to be tended, the sooner the better. Are the locks and deadbolts sturdy and in good working order? Do you need to replace any locks or deadbolts? Do you need security stops to limit window openings? If the door is rubbing on the frame, check if the hinge screws are tight. And you want to check if the frame is pulling away from the wall.

Clean your roof annually. You do not want to have debris just sitting on your room. Replace missing roofing material. Check and repair leaks in the roof, and you want to provide adequate ventilation on your roof. If you have never repaired a roof, you want to call a professional to handle your roof issues because roofs are an important part of your home, and you don't want to make any mistakes because they will be costly. If your roof sags, you may have improper roof framing or ventilation. Is the flashing around your chimney and dormers in good condition? 

Clean and paint your walls as needed. When sanding old paint, you want to take proper precautions; wear a mask, don't allow unmasked individuals stick around, and vacuum the paint chips and dust because they are poisonous and harmful. Repair cracks and make them stable. You want to close any holes from dings, dents, and nail holes. Make sure that the stains that may appear on your wall are not from leaks.  

Are your stairs and banisters in solid shape? Repair handrails, stairs, and uprights as needed because this is really more for your well-being. If you have slippery stairs, you'd want to apply grip treads to prevent any accidents. 

Tap your floors and see if there are any spongy or hollow sounds. This may be a sign of rot if so. The subfloor and the joists will need to be replaced in order to repair the problem. Repair leaks and replace rotted material to stop the problem from worsening. Do your floors or stairs creak? If the creaks are found early, your floors can be salvaged with little work from a professional. 

Do you smell must in your basement? This can be a sign of rot or water leaking into your basement from a broken draining system. Since your basement is connected directly to your foundation, leaks can be small to large problems to your home. 

Is your plumbing in good condition? How about your electrical wiring. Does your water heater and furnace work properly? Do the light switches work? Is your whole home wired for internet access? Do your air vents properly vent outside? 

Do you see any signs of dampness around your chimney or skylights. Are there any signs of infestation from birds, bats, or other insects? Is the attic properly ventilated and insulated? Is light seeping through the roof?  

Give your home a thorough annual check-up by following this checklist. Take care of little problems early on so that they do not become big ones. If you decide to "DIY," be sure to read instruction manuals and use proper tools and materials. More than anything, remember to follow sound safety precaution because more important than your home is yourself. If you're going to be calling upon a professional, make sure that you define your problems as clearly as possible, and call a reputable repair or service company.