Setting up a maintenance checklist for your home or office is essential for ensuring that your property remains in top condition. You want to avoid and prevent potential problems that could turn into expensive major repair jobs. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to set up a maintenance checklist:

1. Identify Maintenance Categories: Start by categorizing maintenance tasks into different areas or systems of your home or office. Common categories include:
   
   ❒ Exterior (e.g., roof, siding, gutters)
   ❒ Interior (e.g., walls, floors, ceilings)
   ❒ HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
   ❒ Plumbing
   ❒ Electrical
   ❒ Appliances
   ❒ Landscaping (for homes)
   ❒ Security and safety systems
   
   
2. List Specific Tasks: Within each category, create a list of specific maintenance tasks that need to be performed regularly. Be as detailed as possible, and consider both seasonal and annual tasks. For example:
   
   Exterior:
   ❒ Clean gutters in the fall.
   ❒ Blow water out of sprinkler system and turn off timer in the fall.
   ❒ Inspect and repair roof damage annually.
   ❒ Check and clean outdoor vents in the spring.
   ❒ Mow, edge, fertilize lawn and rake leaves at the end of fall.
   
   HVAC:
   ❒ Replace HVAC filters monthly or seasonally depending on air quality.
   ❒ Schedule professional HVAC system inspection and maintenance annually.
   
   Plumbing:
   ❒ Check for leaks under sinks and water heater quarterly.
   ❒ Flush water heater every 1 to 3 years depending on water conditions.
   
   
3. Determine Frequency: Assign a recommended frequency to each task, whether it’s daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annually. Some tasks may be seasonal, so be sure to account for those as well.
4. Set Reminders: Use a calendar, smartphone app, or task management software to set up reminders for each task based on their frequency. You can also create a spreadsheet or print a physical checklist and manually mark off completed tasks.
5. Assign Responsibilities: If you share the responsibility for maintenance with others (e.g., family members, coworkers, outside vendors), assign specific tasks to individuals to ensure accountability.
6. Document Maintenance: Keep a record or log of completed maintenance tasks, including the date, who performed the task, and any relevant notes or observations. Especially note professional help and cost.
7. Stay Consistent: Consistency is key to effective maintenance.
8. Consider Professional Help: For some tasks, it’s best to hire professionals (e.g., annual HVAC maintenance). Include these appointments in your checklist and budget for them accordingly.
   Remember that a well-maintained home or office not only ensures a safe, comfortable, and attractive building, but also preserves the value of your property over time. Regularly following your maintenance checklist can save you time and money in the long run.
   
   Your LACOSTA team follows a detailed maintenance plan. Talk with you LACOSTA manager about any special requests or concerns you may have.