Preventive maintenance is vital to the long-term value of your home...and crucial to preventing vacation-ruining disasters before they happen. The winter season in particular can be tough on a vacation home. For that reason, either spring or fall is the best time to perform annual maintenance tasks. Here's a checklist of maintenance tasks you'll need to attend to at least once or twice a year.

□ Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.
□ Pressure-wash wood siding to prevent mold.
□ Check the exterior paint for bare spots.
□ Inspect and replace exterior caulk.
□ Check window and door sills for leaks and caulk where necessary.
□ Clean air-conditioning unit.
□ Check the foundation.
□ Trim trees and bushes.
□ Check the sprinkler system.
□ Check all decks for loose boards, railings, and stairs.
□ Inspect the condition of the roof.
□ Check window screens.
□ Check fences and gates.
□ Check the automatic garage door opener.
□ Examine the septic system for flooding or unusual odor.
□ Check the latches on storm windows.
□ Inspect the grading around house to make sure that water drains away from the house on
    all sides.
□ Check outside walls for termite tubes and damaged wood.

Kitchen
□ Clean and seal tile and grout.
□ Check and fix leaky faucets.

Bathrooms
□ Clean and seal tile and grout.
□ Make sure that all toilets are properly secured to the floor.
□ Check and fix leaky faucets and toilets.

Attic
□ Check the attic for signs of moisture (e.g. water stains on the underside of the roof
    sheathing).
□ Check all wooden materials for mildew and rot.
□ Look for indications of a pest infestation and seek professional treatment as necessary.

Misc. Interior
□ Clean out ashes from the fireplace.
□ Replace the batteries in your smoke detectors.
□ Replace batteries in clocks.
□ Clean furnace ducts.
□ Change furnace filters.
□ Check door frames for squareness. Inspect door frames.
□ Check the main electrical panel for rust and/or water marks.
□ Test circuit breakers.
□ Inspect fire extinguisher.
□ Check walls for condensation and mildew.