In part two of our guide, we continue an easy break-down of must-do jobs that will not only improve your home's condition, but will enhance your home's appearance and increase value.

Thursday: continue inspecting the exterior of your house

On day 4, we list another break-down of our daily to-do house tasks. Depending on your daily schedule, revise this plan as you see fit.

Check all windows and doors:

  • Inspect the condition of all caulking on exterior windows and doors
  • Remove and replace old and hardened, cracked and failing caulk around exterior windows and doors
  • Use a putty knife to scrape and reseal

Next, organize garage and remove all clutter:

  • Look for heat-sensitive and combustible items, such as paint, solvents, automotive products, cleaners, toxic chemicals
  • Check labels for proper disposal instructions and research online where the nearest collection or exchange site is located
  • Collect and properly store dangerous tools and chemicals up high or preferably lock them away in safe compartment

Lastly, think about donating your used and in-good-condition items to local thrift stores, churches, or shelters. Another option is to have a garage sale to sell off items you no longer use.

Friday: start inspecting the interior of your house

On day 5, we start work on the interior of our home. Ideally, you want to start from the top floor and work your way to the bottom floor. Let’s continue!

Thoroughly assess your attic space:

  • Check for leaks, staining, discoloration, musty odor, wet areas, etc.
  • Check vents for obstructions and look for evidence of pests
  • Check caulking on all interior windows and doors
  • Use a putty knife to scrape away old and worn caulk
  • Replace, reseal and caulk areas including new cracks on all interior windows and doors
  • If applicable, check skylight areas for leaks; seal defects
  • If you can see daylight under the bottom of doors, add weather stripping to raise the threshold
  • Clean and secure screens and seal holes
  • Replace all broken or missing hardware and lubricate all hinges

Next, check for water damage:

  • Check plumbing and pipes and all places water comes from in your home
  • Ideally, start from the top floor and end in the basement
  • Check under sinks and around the dishwasher, toilets, bathtubs, showers, washing machine, check for leaky faucets, clogged drains, moist or sweaty pipes, seepage, cracked hoses and overall dampness
  • Do you see damages or any discoloration? Check floors, walls, ceilings
  • Remove and replace old and deteriorated caulk and grout
  • Call a plumber or remodeling contractor for all major repairs
  • Check the basement for signs of water seepage
  • Look around the water heater and sum pump. Are there leaks, rust, moisture?
  • Use a flashlight for hard-to access areas; look for signs of pests, openings, dampness
  • If you do not have one already, consider buying a battery-operated backup for your sump pump

Quick Tip: Contemplate donating your things you no longer use to a local thrift store, church, or shelter. Or, hold a garage sale to and sell your belongings and make some money!

Weekend: supplementary tasks

And we have made it to the final part of our guide! During the weekend, we conclude our week-long maintenance, repair and organizing agenda by working on yards, gardens, decks, patios, balconies, mechanical equipment and a few more household cleaning chores we tend to overlook, such as cleaning ceiling fans, washing windows and more!

Additional exterior home cleaning and maintenance chores:

  • Clean and get grill ready for use
  • Pull weeds and apply organic herbicide as needed
  • Wash all outdoor furniture
  • Clean and repair garden mechanic equipment and tools
  • Begin tilling your garden
  • Seal sidewalk and driveway cracks and holes
  • Patch or repair deck and patio areas
  • Check your fence and gates for damages, wash, repair and/or repaint

 Additional interior home cleaning and maintenance chores:

  • Dust and balance ceiling fans
  • Check all window locks repair/replace as needed
  • Vacuum, clean and sanitize all mattresses
  • Clean upholstered furniture
  • Vacuum, clean and/or wash draperies and blinds
  • Clean pillows, throws, comforters and quilts
  • Professionally clean/wash wall-to-wall carpeting and rugs (or DIY by renting one at your local big box hardware store)
  • Wash all windows inside and out

Quick tip: Remember, to take periodic breaks to relax and to nourish.

Also, if you do not live in a single-family home, there is no need to get discouraged! Most of these tasks can be applied to multi-family properties, such as condominiums, townhouses, apartment buildings, as well as commercial and industrial properties.

Lastly, consider calling a professional team – they have the knowledge, equipment, tools, expertise and experience. Hiring a pro can be well worth it! It will save you the energy and headaches! Always obtain at least 3 quotes from licensed, insured and bonded contractors before making a final decision.

With PRO Home 1 you get honest and straight-forward talk. We understand home pride. We know it isn’t just a repair or remodel, it is an extension of who you are as a homeowner – no one makes you prouder of your home than ProHome1.

Good luck!