Maintenance Checklist for East Coast Homes (That Actually Work)

Because waiting until something breaks is not a plan.

If you live in Halifax or anywhere along the Atlantic coast, your home isn’t just battling the usual wear and tear — it’s throwing hands with salt air, sideways rain, freeze-thaw cycles, and the occasional nor’easter that feels like it’s trying to peel your siding off.

Here’s a no-BS maintenance checklist to help you stay ahead of the damage — and maybe keep a little more money in your wallet (and your roof over your head).

🏠 1. Roof Check — Before It Checks Out

• Look for missing shingles, curling edges, or exposed nails

• Check flashing around chimneys and vents

• Make sure gutters are clear and not sagging (see below!)

• Bonus points: check your attic for signs of leaks, moisture, or daylight peeking in where it shouldn’t

Why it matters: One loose shingle in October = one wet living room in January.

🪟 2. Windows & Doors — Your First Line of Defense

• Check for drafts with the “candle test” (or just feel with your hand on a cold day)

• Replace cracked caulking or worn weatherstripping

• Make sure windows open, close, and lock properly

• Inspect thresholds and sills for rot or soft spots

Pro tip: A drafty door is like leaving a $20 bill on the front step every week. Close the gap.

💧 3. Gutters & Downspouts — The Unsung Heroes

• Clean out leaves, twigs, and that weird slime that magically appears

• Ensure downspouts point away from your foundation

• Add extensions if water is pooling near your home

• Install mesh guards if you’re surrounded by trees (aka: Halifax in fall)

Don’t skip this: Clogged gutters are the gateway drug to mold, rot, ice dams, and foundation cracks.

🔌 4. Electrical & Safety Must-Checks

• Test all smoke and CO detectors (change the batteries twice a year)

• Check outdoor outlets for proper covers (weatherproof is a must)

• Look for any flickering lights or outlets that feel warm — then call someone who knows what they’re doing

• Confirm that your panel is labeled correctly — future you will thank you

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🔨 5. Foundation, Siding & Exterior

• Walk the perimeter and look for cracks, rot, soft spots, or signs of pests

• Check where siding meets windows/doors — it’s a common leak zone

• Inspect decks, stairs, and railings for loose boards or wobbly railings

• Re-seal or stain wood structures if it’s been 2+ years

Bottom line: The outside keeps the inside dry. Keep it solid.

🧰 6. Seasonal Must-Dos

Spring:

• Gutter cleaning (again)

• Deck and dock inspection

• Check sump pump if you have one

• Touch-up exterior paint or caulking

Fall:

• Blow out hoses and shut off outdoor taps

• Clean chimney (if you’ve got one)

• Install window/door insulation kits if needed

• Stock up on salt before everyone else does

  
  

🧽 7. Don’t Forget the Little Stuff

• Replace furnace filters every 3–6 months

• Tighten loose cabinet hardware before it falls off

• Lube up squeaky door hinges (it’s not haunted, it’s dry)

• Make sure your bathroom fans actually vent outside

• Change the direction of ceiling fans with the seasons

👷 Don’t Have Time (or Tools)? That’s What We’re Here For.

You don’t need to crawl through your attic, clean your gutters, or shim a sagging deck stair. That’s our job.

At East Coast Handyman, we handle everything from seasonal maintenance to full-blown repairs — all done right, safe, and without judgment (even if you’ve been duct-taping things for way too long).

✅ Ready to Book a Maintenance Checkup?

📍 Serving Halifax & surrounding areas🔧 Local. Reliable. Built like it matters.

👉 Contact Us Now and let’s keep your home standing strong, no matter what the coast

throws at it.