Seasonal Home Maintenance: Costs to Expect Throughout the Year

Owning a home comes with the responsibility of regular maintenance, and the best way to stay on top of it is by tackling tasks season by season. Not only does seasonal maintenance help prevent costly repairs, but it also ensures your home stays in excellent condition throughout the year. Here's a breakdown of what to expect each season, along with the costs associated with keeping your home in tip-top shape in Morris, Essex, Bergen, and Union counties.

1. Spring Maintenance

As winter fades away, spring is the perfect time to inspect your home for any damage caused by harsh weather. This season focuses on cleaning, repairs, and prepping your home for warmer months.

Tasks to Consider:

• Gutter cleaning: Clean your gutters to remove debris and avoid water damage—costs typically range from $150 to $350 depending on the size of your home.
• Roof inspection: Winter weather can take a toll on your roof, so it’s essential to inspect for any damage. Professional roof inspections can cost $100 to $200.
• HVAC servicing: It’s a good idea to get your air conditioning system serviced before summer hits, costing between $100 and $300.

In areas like Montclair or Glen Ridge, where homes are older, consider adding exterior inspections to check for any cracks in the foundation or siding that might need repair.

2. Summer Maintenance

Summer is all about outdoor maintenance and prepping your home for the hotter months. Focus on your yard, cooling systems, and preventing issues that could arise during extreme heat.

Tasks to Consider:

• Landscaping: Regular lawn care, trimming bushes, and garden upkeep costs around $100 to $300 per visit, depending on the size of your yard.
• Deck or patio maintenance: Sealing and repairing decks costs between $300 and $700, depending on the material and size of the area.
• Pest control: Warmer weather often brings pests like ants or termites. Regular pest control services typically cost between $100 and $300.

If you live in areas like Madison or Short Hills, where outdoor living spaces are common, focus on keeping these areas in top shape to enjoy them during the warmer months.

3. Fall Maintenance

Fall is the season for prepping your home for the colder months ahead. You’ll want to focus on insulating your home and ensuring your heating system is in good working order before winter arrives.

Tasks to Consider:

• Furnace servicing: An annual furnace check-up costs between $80 and $150, ensuring your system runs efficiently all winter long.
• Chimney cleaning: If you use a fireplace, a chimney sweep will cost between $100 and $300, depending on its condition.
• Window sealing and caulking: Inspect windows and doors for drafts and reseal as necessary—this can cost $100 to $250.

In homes in towns like Morristown or Cedar Grove, which experience colder winters, it’s essential to insulate properly and make sure your heating system is functioning efficiently to avoid high energy costs.

4. Winter Maintenance

Winter brings cold temperatures, snow, and ice, which can cause damage if you’re not prepared. Winter maintenance focuses on protecting your home from freezing conditions and preventing costly repairs.

Tasks to Consider:

• Snow removal: Depending on the size of your driveway, hiring snow removal services can cost $50 to $200 per visit or up to $500 for the season.
• Insulation inspection: Make sure your home’s insulation is adequate to prevent heat loss—upgrading insulation can cost between $1,500 and $5,000, depending on the size of your home.
• Pipe insulation: Insulating exposed pipes to prevent freezing can cost $100 to $500, depending on the number of pipes and their location.

Homes in towns like Livingston or Franklin Lakes, which experience significant snowfall, should budget for snow removal and ensure proper insulation to avoid freezing pipes and heat loss.

Year-Round Costs to Keep in Mind

While many tasks are seasonal, there are ongoing maintenance costs that homeowners should account for throughout the year:

• Home cleaning: Regular cleaning services, especially for larger homes, can cost between $100 and $300 per visit.
• Appliance maintenance: Routine checks on major appliances like your refrigerator, washer, and dryer can help avoid costly repairs—expect to spend $50 to $200 annually on each.
• Pest control: Even if pests are more active in the summer, keeping them under control throughout the year is important—regular treatments cost about $300 annually.

Conclusion

By tackling home maintenance tasks season by season, you can prevent small issues from turning into expensive repairs. Planning for these expenses and creating a home maintenance budget will help keep your home in great condition year-round. Whether you’re in Bloomfield, Maplewood, or Ho-Ho-Kus, La Vaca General Contractors can assist with regular maintenance and ensure your home is ready for any season.