New Year, No Hassle: The 2026 Homeowner's Maintenance Calendar (with Handy Reminders)
Starting 2026 with a solid home maintenance plan isn't just smart: it's your ticket to avoiding those expensive "surprise" repairs that always seem to hit at the worst possible time. Whether you're a homeowner in Sandy, managing rental properties in Herriman, or anywhere across the Salt Lake Valley, having a month-by-month maintenance calendar takes the guesswork out of keeping your biggest investment in tip-top shape.
As a licensed B100 General Contractor serving Utah Valley, Wasatch County, Summit County, Davis County, and Tooele County, we've seen what happens when small issues turn into big headaches. The good news? Most of these problems are totally preventable with the right maintenance schedule.
Your Monthly Must-Do List
These tasks should happen every single month, no matter what Mother Nature throws at us here in Utah:
Change Your HVAC Air Filters - Check filters monthly and replace every 30–90 days depending on filter type, pets, air quality, or if you live near an area with lots of construction (looking at you, West Valley.) In Utah, This is the #1 thing that gets forgotten, especially during our crazy weather swings.
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors - Push that little button! Change batteries twice a year: we recommend aligning this with Daylight Saving Time changes so you'll never forget.
Walk Your Property Perimeter - Take 10 minutes to stroll around your home's exterior. Look at your foundation, vents, gutters, and downspouts. Catching a small crack or loose connection now saves you from calling emergency services later.
Quick Grout and Caulk Check - Peek at your bathroom and kitchen caulking. See any gaps or cracks? Touch them up before water sneaks behind your tiles and causes expensive damage.
Twice-Yearly Tasks That Save Thousands
Spring and Fall: Clean Those Gutters - Utah's cottonwood season in spring and falling leaves in autumn can clog gutters fast. Clean gutters prevent water overflow, foundation damage, and that annoying soil erosion that undermines walkways and patios.
Foundation Inspection - Look for cracks wider than about ⅛ inch, growing over time, or allowing moisture intrusion. After heavy spring runoff or summer storms, check your crawlspace for moisture. If you're not comfortable doing this yourself, a home repair Salt Lake professional can spot issues before they become foundation nightmares.
Annual Deep Dives
Professional Roof Inspections - Our mountain weather is tough on roofing materials, and catching problems early prevents those emergency calls during snowstorms. Schedule one for every fall, but if there's a rough winter you may want to have an inspection conducted in the spring.
Major Appliance Leak Check - Once a year, pull out your refrigerator, check behind your washing machine, and inspect under your dishwasher. Water damage from appliance leaks is one of the top insurance claims we see across the Salt Lake Valley.
Plumbing System Review - Check all visible pipes and fixtures for leaks. If you have a sump pump (common in Magna and other areas with high water tables), test it annually: preferably before heavy spring runoff season.
Exercise Your Fixture Valves - Open and close shut-off valves for toilets, faucets, washing machines, dishwashers, and ice makers. Utah's hard water can cause these to seize up, turning a simple repair into a major plumbing emergency.
Professional Duct Cleaning - Have your heat ducts professionally cleaned and inspected. This is especially important in newer construction areas like Herriman, where construction dust can linger in HVAC systems for years.
Seasonal Salt Lake Valley Maintenance
Spring Tasks (March-May)
HVAC Tune-Up: Get your air conditioning system checked before those first hot days hit. Utah's temperature swings can be brutal on HVAC systems.
Outdoor Unit Maintenance: Trim grass and weeds around your outdoor HVAC unit. Our desert landscape grows fast once it gets going!
Sprinkler System Check: Test your irrigation system for leaks and proper coverage. With our water restrictions, you want every drop counting.
Summer Projects (June-August)
Deck and Patio Care: Inspect and stain wooden decks. Our intense UV exposure and temperature extremes are hard on outdoor wood. Tap down protruding nails and sand rough spots before someone gets hurt.
Siding Inspection: Pressure wash vinyl or fiber cement siding. Look for cracks or soft spots that could let moisture in during winter freeze-thaw cycles.
Fall Preparation (September-November)
Winterize Outdoor Water: Turn off water to non-frost-free exterior faucets and drain the lines. Our early freezes can catch you off guard!
Final Gutter Cleaning: Remove all leaves and debris before winter weather arrives.
Weather Stripping Check: Replace worn stripping around doors and windows before heating season kicks in.
Winter Maintenance (December-February)
Heating System Service: Have a qualified HVAC professional service your furnace. With our long heating season, you don't want breakdowns during a January cold snap.
Ice Dam Prevention: Keep gutters clear and ensure proper attic ventilation to prevent ice dams that can cause serious roof damage.
When to Call Your Handyman Pros
Some maintenance tasks are perfect DIY projects, but others are worth leaving to the professionals: especially when safety or major systems are involved. Here's when you should pick up the phone:
Electrical Issues - Any electrical work beyond changing light bulbs should be handled by licensed professionals. Utah electrical codes are strict for good reason.
Major Plumbing - While you can handle minor clogs and drips, anything involving main lines, sewer connections, or significant leaks needs professional attention.
Roof Work - Utah roofs face extreme weather conditions. Professional inspection and repairs ensure your roof can handle another brutal winter.
HVAC System Repairs - Modern heating and cooling systems are complex. Professional service ensures efficiency and safety.
Structural Concerns - If you notice cracks, settling, or other structural issues, don't wait. Early professional assessment can save you tens of thousands down the road.
Quick Wins: Small Fixes That Prevent Big Problems
These minor issues might seem insignificant, but addressing them early prevents major headaches:
Drafty doors and windows - A $20 weather stripping can noticeably reduce energy waste
Loose handrails and stairs - Safety first, and these fixes take minutes
Dripping faucets - That constant drip wastes water and can cause staining or damage
Squeaky or uneven floors - Often indicates minor settling that's easy to address early
Minor caulk gaps - Water infiltration starts small but grows into major damage
Staying Organized in 2026
The key to successful home maintenance isn't just knowing what to do: it's actually doing it consistently. Here are some strategies that work for busy Salt Lake Valley homeowners:
Digital Reminders - Set up recurring calendar alerts on your phone. Most people check their phones more than their printed calendars anyway.
Seasonal Supply Prep - Buy air filters, caulk, and basic maintenance supplies in bulk. Store them in a dedicated "maintenance kit" so you're never hunting for supplies when it's time for a task.
Professional Partnerships - Establish relationships with trusted contractors before you need emergency services. As a licensed general contractor Utah families trust, we always recommend having reliable pros lined up for specialized work.
Maintenance Journal - Keep a simple log of what you've done and when. This helps with warranty claims, insurance issues, and knowing when it's time for the next service.
Your 2026 Success Plan
Starting the year with a solid maintenance plan isn't just about preventing problems: it's about peace of mind. When you're proactive about home care, you're not constantly worried about what might break next or how much it might cost.
Whether you tackle these tasks yourself or work with professionals like Your Handyman Pros, having a plan makes all the difference. We're here to help Salt Lake Valley homeowners and property managers keep their investments in excellent condition, from routine maintenance to major renovations and everything in between.
Remember, a well-maintained home isn't just about avoiding repairs: it's about protecting your investment, ensuring your family's safety, and creating a comfortable space to enjoy for years to come. Here's to a hassle-free 2026 for your home!
Your Handyman Pros is a licensed B100 General Contractor serving Salt Lake County, Utah County, Davis County, Wasatch County, Summit County, and Tooele County. From routine maintenance to major remodels, flood repair, custom decks, landscaping, and everything in between: we handle the jobs you don't have time for.
