As a Charlotte handyman, I see the same preventable problems every year. Homeowners who follow a seasonal maintenance routine save thousands in emergency repairs and keep their homes running smoothly. This checklist is based on Charlotte's unique climate and the most common issues I encounter.
Your year-round Charlotte home maintenance guide
Spring (March-May): Recovery & Preparation
Spring in Charlotte means pollen, rain, and preparing for summer heat.
🌸 Exterior Tasks
- Clean gutters: Remove winter debris and pollen buildup
- Inspect roof: Look for winter damage, missing shingles
- Power wash: Siding, deck, driveway (pollen season!)
- Check deck/fence: Tighten loose boards, apply sealant if needed
- Service AC: Schedule professional inspection before summer
- Trim trees/shrubs: Keep them 3+ feet from house
🏠 Interior Tasks
- Test smoke/CO detectors: Replace batteries
- Clean dryer vent: Fire prevention
- Check caulking: Bathrooms, kitchen, windows
- Inspect attic: Look for signs of pests or leaks
Summer (June-August): Beat the Heat
Charlotte summers are HOT and humid. Your AC and moisture control are critical.
☀️ Cooling & Comfort
- Change AC filters: Monthly during heavy use
- Clear AC condenser: Remove debris, trim vegetation
- Check weather stripping: Keep cool air in
- Inspect windows: Consider window film for UV protection
- Test ceiling fans: Counter-clockwise for summer
🌧️ Storm Preparation
- Secure outdoor items: Furniture, grills, decorations
- Check sump pump: Test before storm season
- Clear storm drains: Prevent flooding
- Trim overhanging branches: Reduce storm damage risk
🎨 Annual Projects
- Exterior painting: Best weather for painting
- Deck staining: Low humidity days only
- Garage organization: Deep clean while weather is nice
Fall (September-November): Winterizing
Prepare for Charlotte's mild but unpredictable winters.
🍂 Exterior Prep
- Clean gutters AGAIN: Before leaves finish falling
- Inspect heating system: Professional tune-up
- Seal gaps: Caulk and weatherstrip before cold
- Store garden hoses: Drain and store inside
- Shut off exterior faucets: Prevent freeze damage
- Check chimney/fireplace: Clean if you use it
🏡 Indoor Comfort
- Reverse ceiling fans: Clockwise for winter
- Check insulation: Attic and crawl space
- Test heating: Before you really need it
- Drain water heater: Remove sediment buildup
Winter (December-February): Protect & Monitor
Charlotte winters are usually mild, but we get surprise freezes.
❄️ Freeze Protection
- Insulate pipes: Crawl spaces and exterior walls
- Drip faucets: During hard freezes (below 25°F)
- Check heating bills: Spikes indicate air leaks
- Monitor humidity: Keep 30-50% to prevent mold
🔧 Indoor Projects
- Deep clean: Time for indoor maintenance
- Organize: Garage, basement, storage
- Cabinet tune-up: Tighten handles, adjust doors
- Grout refresh: Bathrooms and kitchen
Monthly Year-Round Tasks
Some things need regular attention:
- ✅ Change HVAC filters
- ✅ Test GFCI outlets (bathroom/kitchen)
- ✅ Check for leaks under sinks
- ✅ Inspect water heater for leaks/corrosion
- ✅ Run garbage disposal with ice cubes
Charlotte-Specific Challenges
Pollen (Spring)
Charlotte's heavy pollen season clogs gutters, coats everything yellow, and affects HVAC systems. Clean frequently!
Humidity (Summer)
High humidity promotes mold. Use dehumidifiers in basements/crawl spaces. Monitor closely.
Freeze/Thaw Cycles (Winter)
Unpredictable temperature swings damage pipes, gutters, and concrete. Extra vigilance needed.
Professional vs. DIY
Most maintenance tasks are DIY-friendly. Consider pros for:
- 🔧 HVAC service (2x/year)
- 🔧 Roof inspection (annually)
- 🔧 Chimney cleaning (annually if used)
- 🔧 Electrical issues
- 🔧 Major plumbing
Create Your System
Pro tip: Set phone reminders for quarterly tasks. Take photos of completed work to track progress and catch problems early.
Consistent maintenance prevents expensive emergencies and keeps your Charlotte home comfortable year-round. Follow this checklist, and you'll avoid the panic calls I get from homeowners who skipped routine care. Need help catching up or tackling the big jobs? I'm here to help!
