Home Maintenance Tasks You’re Probably Not Doing (and Should Be) – GWC Mag

A few weeks ago, GBA Senior Editor Kiley Jacques approached me with the idea for this article. I immediately agreed but realized that writing it would require me to admit my own shortcomings. If you struggle with filter changes, gutter cleaning, and fresh batteries for your smoke alarms, please know that you are not alone.

Before diving into the list, I’d like to think about what keeps us—people passionate about our buildings and our environment—from doing the maintenance tasks required to care for both. These barriers can include: 

Lack of awareness. It’s sometimes said that every home should come with an owner’s manual, a single resource that lists key tasks, explains why they’re important, and how (and how often) to do them. Ideally, the manual would be transferred to new owners when the house changes hands. When equipment is added or replaced, installers would educate occupants and update the manual. In practice, this rarely happens, and occupants are left to track maintenance tasks on their own.

Task aversion. Some tasks are unpleasant, like changing a furnace filter in a musty basement. Others are physically strenuous, like setting up an extension ladder to clean gutters. And any task involving ladders, fuel, or electricity comes with safety considerations.

Lack of confidence. Another obstacle is fear that we won’t be able to accomplish the task. Who hasn’t started an “easy” home project that took several hours (and a couple trips to the store) more than expected? Perfectionism can also be a barrier. I’ll sometimes put off a cleaning or repair task if I don’t think I can do an A+ job.

Limited time, energy, and attention. Work, family, and routine chores can leave us exhausted, and maintenance tasks compete with much-needed downtime. I…