Before we bought our first home in Vancouver, I had no idea just how much maintenance was involved in homeownership. When we were renting, we never thought about things like servicing the boiler or checking the roof. If something broke, we just called the landlord. Easy. But once we bought a home, we quickly realized that home maintenance is a real thing, and that it never ends.

Practical Tips for First Time Home BuyersDepending on where you live, the specific tasks will vary.

We then purchased our new home in North Vancouver 2 years ago, and with our damp winters, lush greenery, and seasonal shifts, there are numerous things that need to be checked, serviced, or cleaned every year. And if you forget (like I’ve done in the past), it often ends up costing more in the long run. Like when we had our AC condenser drain line leak on our ceiling at our old home! 

Just this week, I had our boiler and air conditioning system serviced, something that needs to be done annually, and it reminded me how helpful it would’ve been to have a checklist when we first moved in. So, I thought I’d share one now!

Here’s a list of home maintenance tasks we tackle every year in our North Van home.

You can adjust depending on your location, if you have seasons, and what you have in your home:

Essential Annual Home Maintenance Checklist (North Van Edition)

1. Heating and Cooling Systems
✔️ Service your boiler and/or furnace
✔️ Service your air conditioning system (if you have one) – ensure the condenser drain line is free of clogs!
✔️ Change HVAC filters every few months (or at least seasonally)
These help keep your systems efficient, lower your energy bills, and prevent breakdowns during extreme weather conditions.

2. Gutter Cleaning
✔️ Clean gutters and downspouts, at least twice a year
Especially important here, given our beautiful trees. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage and roof issues.

3. Roof Inspection
✔️ Check for loose or missing shingles and any signs of wear
✔️ Look for moss buildup and consider professional moss removal
North Van’s wet climate can be rough on roofs, regular checks are key to preventing leaks.

4. Fireplace & Chimney
✔️ Get your chimney inspected and cleaned if you use your fireplace
✔️ Test your carbon monoxide detectors when using gas fireplaces

5. Window & Door Seals
✔️ Inspect and reseal windows and doors to prevent drafts and water leaks
This keeps your home warm in winter and cool in summer, plus it helps your energy bills.

6. Dryer Vent Cleaning
✔️ Clean the dryer vent duct once a year
Lint buildup can be a fire hazard. This one is easy to forget, but it’s incredibly important.

7. Plumbing Checks
✔️ Check for leaks under sinks and around toilets
✔️ Test your sump pump (if you have one)
✔️ Insulate exposed pipes before winter

8. Exterior Maintenance
✔️ Pressure wash patios, decks, siding, and walkways
✔️ Check for cracks in the foundation
✔️ Inspect and treat wood surfaces to prevent rot

9. Pest Control
✔️ Look for signs of rodents, ants, and other pests, especially in spring and fall
With forested areas nearby, this is just part of life in the North Shore.

10. Smoke & CO Detectors
✔️ Test and replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
✔️ Replace units entirely every 7–10 years or as required by your system

11. Lawn & Garden Prep
✔️ Winterize your irrigation system
✔️ Aerate and seed your lawn in spring or fall
✔️ Trim back trees and bushes away from the house

Owning a home is a joy, but it definitely comes with a long to-do list. I find that keeping a seasonal reminder in my phone helps, and we try to book service calls (like our recent boiler and AC checkup) ahead of time so things don’t get missed during busy months.

Whether you’re a new homeowner or a seasoned one looking to get more organized, I hope this list helps! Please let me know if there’s anything you’d like to add; I’m always looking to streamline our maintenance routine.

Happy home-owning!