Winter has arrived in Ohio, and our first snowfall was a forgiving one—light, dry, and easy to clear. Hopefully your snow shovel was easy to find when it came time to clear your walkway and driveway. Mine was slightly buried in the shed, but not enough to cause trouble.
For my December post, I want to introduce Juniper to the Workflow Home team. She has only been with us a couple days after a rough start. I thought she would grab some peoples attention. Now I want to walk through how I prepare my home for winter, how I stay on top of routine home maintenance, and how these habits help me plan for bigger improvements. As a home inspector with Workflow Home Inspections, I see every day how seasonal upkeep helps protect your investment. My own process starts before Thanksgiving and runs through the start of spring.
Starting With a Deep Clean Before the Holidays
I use the timing of the holidays to do a full deep clean of the home. Cold weather means more time indoors, visits from family and friends, and more wear on the house. Deep cleaning gives me a chance to touch every surface, declutter, donate unused items, and evaluate maintenance needs.
As I clean, I take care of small repairs. I tighten loose doorknobs, paint damaged trim, and review my routine maintenance list. Appliances get detailed, filters get replaced, and I look for anything out of place. I clean the interior and door seal of the dishwasher, check for leaks, pull out the stove and refrigerator for a good vacuuming, clean burners, and replace or wash the range hood filters. I check the exterior dryer vent and run a brush through it if needed.
While I’m doing this, I’m also thinking about future improvements my wife and I want to make. We’re approaching nine years in our 1906 home—renovated in 2006—and keeping it updated requires steady attention.
Holiday Prep and Winter Readiness
After the Thanksgiving food coma wears off, the next phase of winter prep begins. For our family, that includes decorating for Christmas. This year we scaled down for the first time in decades, and while I enjoyed seeing old newspapers from 1991 wrapped around ornaments, it was time to let some things go.
Pulling decorations out of the attic reminded me of another task: insulation repairs. Two sections of insulation had fallen, and during a roof replacement last year, contractors displaced a bit more. Last winter we experienced minor ice damming at the front of the house. Correcting the insulation should help prevent a repeat. While I’m in the attic, I also check for signs of rodents or wildlife seeking warmth.
From my maintenance background, winter preparation also includes pulling out the shovels and ice melt, checking space heaters, and shutting off valves to exterior hose bibs. I hope never to use the space heaters, but they’re good to have for extremely cold days or emergencies.
By the time I get through this list, I’ve checked almost every major component inside and outside the home—which helps set the stage for longer-term maintenance planning.
Understanding the Life Cycle of Home Components
One thing I stress during Workflow Home Inspections is that every home has a maintenance timeline and replacement cycle. Our own house is a good example. Our report showed two layers of shingles on the roof; we replaced it six years after moving in when a windstorm caused damage. We also replaced an older HVAC system after five years. Appliances were dated and didn’t meet our needs, so we upgraded those too. Our shower had a failing tile floor that hinted at a deeper issue, and we replaced it around the same time.
We also modified the garage to fit my work truck and added fencing for the dog. On top of that came DIY projects: painting, building a shed, repairing the deck, and adding a patio—work that saved us a lot of money. Altogether we’ve invested close to $100,000 into keeping this 1906 house healthy and functional. So when it comes time to plan, my wife and I have thoughtful conversations about what’s next.
Creating a Maintenance Plan for the New Year
After the holidays, I start the year by pulling out a notepad where I track our priorities. My wife and I review what we completed, what we postponed, and what new items need attention.
We look at what’s doing harm or will cost more if delayed. We talk about what to save for, what repairs need bids, and what we can handle ourselves.
Last year we kept expenses low. I repaired cracks in the plaster and repainted our bedroom and first floor. This year looks similar, though we have aging appliances and a 20-year-old electric water heater. It still works, but it’s due for replacement. My goal is to replace it before it fails and becomes an emergency repair. Amy and I know the risk and are saving for that—and possibly a future kitchen renovation. We’ll see how things unfold.
Why This Annual Routine Matters
The point of sharing this routine is simple: annual home maintenance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. For me, it begins with a deep clean, continues with seasonal checks, and ends with clear information that helps my wife and I make practical decisions for our home.
If you’re a homeowner in Ohio, adopting a similar approach can help you stay ahead of repairs, avoid emergencies, and understand the long-term needs of your home. And as always, if you need help understanding the condition of your home, a professional inspection from Workflow Home Inspections can give you a clear picture of where you stand for the year ahead.