Mile Square House

Seasonal maintenance checklist

Maintenance tasks to plan for in a Hoboken townhouse each season, with suggestions for who to contact. Every house is different, so treat it as a starting point.

SpringSummerFallWinterOnce a year

Spring

Spring (March to May)

  • Roof check: flat roof membrane, flashing, parapet walls, skylights. Winter is hard on all of them. Who can help: Roofing and gutters
  • Gutters and downspouts: clear spring debris; make sure water drains away from the foundation. Who can help: Roofing and gutters
  • Facade and stoop: look for cracked brownstone, loose mortar, rusty railings. Small fixes now prevent big ones. Who can help: Masonry and ironwork
  • Power wash the stoop, sidewalk and backyard. Who can help: Power washing
  • Backyard: clean-up, planting, turn irrigation back on. Who can help: Gardening and trees
  • Sump pump and backflow valve: if you have them, test them before the rainy season. Who can help: Plumber
  • Pest inspection: rodents and termites are more active in spring. Who can help: Pest control
  • Deep clean and window washing. Who can help: Cleaning
  • Carpet, rug and upholstery cleaning: get out winter salt, mud and allergens. Who can help: Carpet cleaning
Summer

Summer (June to August)

  • AC or mini-split service and new filters before the first heat wave. Who can help: HVAC
  • Flood prep: clear areaway and backyard drains, keep flood barriers ready, raise anything stored in the basement, review flood insurance before hurricane season. Who can help: Plumber, or do it yourself
  • Stoop and railing paint: summer is the dry window for exterior paint. Who can help: Painting · Masonry and ironwork
  • Check window boxes and tree pits for drainage and water them in heat waves. You can do this yourself
Fall

Fall (September to November)

  • Boiler or furnace service; bleed radiators. Who can help: HVAC · Plumber
  • Gutters and downspouts once the leaves have dropped. Who can help: Roofing and gutters
  • Chimney sweep and cap check if you use a fireplace. Who can help: Chimney sweep
  • Outdoor faucets: shut off and drain before the first freeze. Who can help: Handyman, or do it yourself
  • Windows: caulk and weatherstrip drafty ones. Who can help: Handyman
  • Smoke and CO detectors: test and replace batteries; clean the dryer vent. Who can help: Handyman, or do it yourself
  • Backyard: fall clean-up, cover furniture, turn irrigation off. Who can help: Gardening and trees
  • Arrange snow removal before the first storm. Who can help: Snow removal
Winter

Winter (December to February)

  • Clear the sidewalk within 6 hours after snow stops (fines run $250 to $2,000). Who can help: Snow removal, or do it yourself
  • Watch for ice dams and frozen pipes; keep the basement above freezing. Who can help: Plumber, or do it yourself
  • Tree pruning is easiest when trees are bare. Check city rules before touching a street tree. Who can help: Gardening and trees
  • Plan spring projects now; many contractors book up early in spring. You can do this yourself
Every year

Once a year

Any job with a truck, lift or dumpster on the street needs Hoboken no-parking signs booked ahead. See the Hoboken guide.