Many homeowners manage to stay on top of obvious repairs, but small, easy-to-miss maintenance tasks are often ignored until they turn into more expensive problems. These 8 commonly overlooked items deserve a spot on your seasonal or annual to-do list.

Dryer Vent Cleaning

Lint buildup reduces dryer efficiency and is a leading cause of household fires. Cleaning the vent improves safety, shortens drying time, and lowers energy costs.

Bathroom and Kitchen Caulking

Cracked or missing caulk around tubs, showers, sinks, and counters allows water to seep behind walls and cabinets, leading to mold and rot.

Gutter Downspout Extensions

Clean gutters are only part of the solution. Downspouts should carry water several feet away from the foundation to prevent drainage and basement issues.

Door and Hinge Adjustments

Sticking doors, loose hinges, and misaligned latches often get ignored, yet they affect security, airflow, and everyday convenience.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Placement

Many homes have alarms, but not always in the right locations or with fresh batteries. Proper placement and testing are critical for safety.

Exterior Trim and Caulk

Peeling paint, cracked trim, and failing exterior caulk allow moisture to enter and cause long-term damage to siding and framing.

Dryer, Dishwasher, and Appliance Connections

Loose hoses, worn fittings, and slow leaks behind appliances often go unnoticed until significant water damage occurs.

Attic and Basement Checks

Early signs of moisture, insulation problems, or pests are easiest to spot during a quick annual inspection.

Staying ahead of small maintenance tasks protects your home and saves money over time.
Addressing several of these items in one visit is more convenient and cost-effective than waiting for issues to appear and dealing with them one by one.