Build a preventive maintenance calendar

Emergency repairs are expensive, stressful, and almost always preventable. A simple seasonal calendar turns surprises into routine, budgeted tasks.

Work the seasons

• Spring: roof and gutter check, HVAC service, exterior caulk and paint touch-ups.
• Summer: pest control, landscaping, check for water intrusion.
• Fall: heating service, weatherstripping, drain and winterize outdoor lines.
• Winter: test smoke/CO detectors, watch for ice dams and frozen pipes.

Make it stick

Put each task on a recurring reminder and keep a one-line log per unit. The log becomes priceless at tax time and when you eventually sell.