The Handy Lender Tool

Home Health Planner

Stay ahead of your home, not behind it. A seasonal checklist built around long-term stewardship, not just quick fixes.

4
Seasons covered
40+
Maintenance tasks
$50k+
In damage this prevents
1–3%
Home value protected annually
0 tasks complete 0%
Spring Checklist
Inspect after winter.
Prepare for warmth.
March through May
Dean's tip

"A spring roof inspection costs $300. The water damage from skipping it can cost $30,000. Do the math."

Exterior & Roof4 tasks
Inspect roof for missing shingles, loose flashing & ice dam damage
Catching one missing shingle now costs $300. Ignoring it can mean $5,000–$15,000 in water damage repairs
High
Clean gutters & downspouts thoroughly
Prevent water overflow, foundation damage & fascia rot
High
Check exterior caulking around windows, doors & trim
A $15 tube of caulk today can prevent $2,000+ in mold remediation down the road
Med
Inspect siding & paint for cracks, rot or peeling
Peeling paint lets moisture into siding, what starts as a $200 paint job becomes a $3,000+ siding repair
Med
Landscaping & Drainage3 tasks
Check grading, water must drain away from foundation
Poor grading leads to basement leaks & foundation movement
High
Inspect sprinkler system for leaks & broken heads
Sprinkler overspray against siding slowly destroys wood and paint, a $75 head adjustment beats a $1,500 siding repair
Med
Trim trees & shrubs away from roof, siding & power lines
Overhanging branches cause storm damage & pest entry
Med
HVAC & Mechanical3 tasks
Replace HVAC filter
A clogged filter reduces air quality, efficiency & system lifespan
High
Schedule AC service before summer heat arrives
Refrigerant, coils, electrical connections & drain lines
High
Check exterior hose bibs for freeze cracks or leaks
A cracked hose bib from winter freeze can cause significant water damage, costs pennies to catch, hundreds to repair
Med
Summer Checklist
Efficiency, outdoor care
& storm preparation.
June through August
Dean's tip

"Sealing air leaks is one of the highest-ROI home improvements, often saving 10–15% on energy bills for just a few dollars in caulk."

Cooling & Energy4 tasks
Inspect & repair window screens
Torn screens let insects in and reduce airflow efficiency, a $10 fix that protects your summer comfort
Med
Clean ceiling fans & reverse to counterclockwise
Proper fan direction can reduce perceived temperature by 4°F, cutting AC usage and lowering energy bills meaningfully
Med
Inspect attic ventilation
Reduces cooling costs, attic heat buildup & extends roof life
Med
Seal air leaks around doors, windows & utility penetrations
Air leaks account for 25–40% of heating and cooling loss, sealing them is the highest-ROI home improvement most people skip
High
Exterior Maintenance3 tasks
Pressure wash siding, concrete, decks & patios
Mold remediation on siding or decking averages $1,500–$4,000, pressure washing once a summer costs $150
Med
Inspect decks & fences for rot, loose boards & rusted fasteners
A neglected deck can require full replacement in 5–7 years. Annual inspection and staining extends life by decades
Med
Seal concrete cracks before moisture causes expansion
Colorado's freeze-thaw cycles expand small concrete cracks aggressively, a $20 sealant now prevents $500+ in damage
Med
Safety & Storm Prep3 tasks
Test smoke & CO detectors, replace batteries
Working smoke detectors cut the risk of dying in a home fire by 50%, the most important item on any checklist
High
Check fire extinguisher pressure & expiration
Ensure proper pressure, accessibility & updated inspection dates
Med
Test sump pump before storm season
A failed sump pump during a Colorado spring storm can flood a basement, $5,000–$30,000 in damage from a $15 test
High
Fall Checklist
Prepare for cold weather
& winter storms.
September through November
Dean's tip, Colorado

"In Colorado, blow out your sprinklers before the first hard freeze, typically late September to mid-October. Don't wait. Burst lines are expensive."

Heating & Winter Prep3 tasks
Schedule professional furnace service
A failed furnace in January in Colorado is both dangerous and expensive, emergency HVAC calls cost 2–3x normal rates
High
Replace HVAC filters
Clean filters improve airflow, efficiency & indoor air quality
High
Inspect chimney & fireplace, remove creosote buildup
Creosote buildup causes 25,000+ house fires per year nationally, a $200 cleaning prevents a potentially catastrophic loss
Med
Plumbing & Freeze Prevention3 tasks
Disconnect hoses & winterize exterior faucets
A forgotten garden hose left connected in fall is one of the most common causes of burst pipes, takes 30 seconds to disconnect
High
Drain & blow out sprinkler system
Burst sprinkler pipes in Colorado cost $500–$2,500 to repair. A professional blowout costs $75–$125 and takes 20 minutes
High
Insulate exposed pipes in garage, crawlspace & basement
Foam pipe insulation costs $1–$3 per foot. A burst pipe causes an average of $5,000+ in water damage
Med
Roof & Exterior3 tasks
Clean gutters of fall leaves
Clogged gutters in winter cause ice dams & fascia damage
High
Inspect roof before snow season
Colorado snowpack is heavy. A minor flashing issue that costs $200 now can become a $10,000 leak after a hard winter
High
Check weatherstripping on all doors & garage doors
Worn weatherstripping on a single door can cost $200–$500 annually in lost heat, a $25 replacement pays for itself in weeks
Med
Winter Checklist
Prevent freeze damage,
moisture & heating issues.
December through February
Dean's tip

"On the coldest nights, open cabinet doors under sinks. It lets warm air circulate around pipes and can prevent a costly burst."

Interior Protection3 tasks
Monitor indoor humidity levels (30–50% is ideal)
Too high causes mold; too low damages wood floors & furniture
Med
Check for drafts around doors, windows & insulation gaps
A drafty home in Colorado can add $500–$1,500 to annual heating costs, identifying and sealing leaks pays back immediately
Med
Know your water shutoff location
The average water damage claim is $11,000. Knowing your shutoff location can reduce damage dramatically in those first minutes
High
Snow & Ice3 tasks
Watch for ice dams at roof edges
Ice dams cause $4,000–$8,000 in damage on average, and Colorado's rapid freeze-thaw cycles make them common
High
Keep walkways clear of snow & ice
Prevents slip hazards, ice accumulation & concrete damage
Med
Inspect attic for moisture & ventilation issues
Attic moisture in winter leads to mold that can cost $3,000–$10,000 to remediate, catch it early when it's just condensation
Med
Heating & Safety3 tasks
Test smoke & carbon monoxide detectors
CO poisoning is odorless and can be fatal, functioning detectors with fresh batteries are non-negotiable in Colorado winters
High
Keep furnace area clear, maintain safe clearance
Heating equipment fires peak in winter, maintaining clearance costs nothing and prevents one of the most common house fire causes
High
Inspect dryer vent for lint buildup
Dryer fires cause $238M in property damage annually. Cleaning the vent once a year takes 10 minutes and can save your home
High
Monthly Checklist
15 minutes keeps
problems at bay.
Every month, year-round
Dean's tip

"Build a home maintenance binder. Keep appliance manuals, paint colors, contractor contacts & repair receipts all in one place."

Monthly Recurring Tasks7 tasks
Replace or inspect HVAC filter
1" filters monthly; 4" filters every 3–6 months
High
Check for plumbing leaks and inspect under sinks
A slow leak under a sink causes $1,500–$5,000 in cabinet and flooring damage, caught early it's a $10 washer replacement
High
Test smoke detectors
A smoke detector with a dead battery offers zero protection, 30 seconds monthly protects everything
High
Walk exterior perimeter, look for anything unusual
Check foundation, siding, drainage & outdoor fixtures
Med
Monitor utility bills for unusual spikes
A 20% spike in your gas bill in winter often means a furnace efficiency problem, catching it early saves $200–$800
Med
Check gutters after storms
Post-storm gutter clogs cause overflow that saturates soil against the foundation, a 5-minute check prevents long-term damage
Med
Inspect caulking around tubs and showers
Bathroom water intrusion behind tiles causes mold that costs $2,000–$8,000 to remediate, a $6 tube of caulk prevents it
Med
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Coming soon: your personal Home Health Dashboard, track your home's history, equity impact, and maintenance value over time.