Owning a home in Austin is a unique experience. Between the scorching summers, surprise ice storms, expansive clay soil, and nonstop construction all around you, your home faces challenges that most maintenance guides don't account for. This checklist is built specifically for Central Texas homes — so you can stay ahead of costly repairs, protect your investment, and keep your family comfortable year-round. Bookmark this page. We recommend working through it once a year, ideally in late February or early March before the heat arrives.
Spring (March – May)
Spring is your most important maintenance window. You have a narrow stretch of mild weather before the summer punishes everything you've neglected.
Exterior
- Walk the full perimeter and look for foundation cracks, gaps where the slab meets the brick, and areas where soil has pulled away from the foundation.
- Inspect your roof for missing, curling, or cracked shingles — especially after any hail events over the winter.
- Clear all gutters and downspouts. Make sure downspouts direct water at least 4–6 feet away from the foundation.
- Check exterior caulking around windows, doors, and where siding meets trim. Re-caulk anywhere it's cracked or missing.
- Inspect your fence for rot, loose posts, or leaning sections.
HVAC
- Replace your air filter before cooling season begins.
- Schedule your annual AC tune-up before temperatures hit 90°F — HVAC technicians book out fast in April and May.
- Clear debris from around your outdoor condenser unit and ensure at least 2 feet of clearance on all sides.
- Test your thermostat to confirm it switches correctly to cooling mode.
Plumbing
- Check under sinks and around toilets for slow leaks — mineral staining, soft cabinet floors, or musty odors.
- Test your water heater's pressure relief valve and consider a flush to remove sediment (Austin's water is notoriously hard).
- Inspect all irrigation system zones for broken heads, leaks, or misaligned spray patterns.
Interior
- Test all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries even if they seem fine.
- Check window and door seals — hold your hand near the frame on a windy day for any air movement.
- Look at your attic insulation. Austin Energy recommends R-38 to R-60 for Central Texas homes.
Summer (June – August)
Exterior
- Water your foundation. Austin's drought conditions can cause clay soil to shrink and pull away. Use a soaker hose around the perimeter during extended dry spells.
- Trim trees and large shrubs away from the roofline and siding.
- Check your deck or porch for loose boards, popped fasteners, or soft spots.
HVAC
- Change your air filter monthly during peak cooling season.
- Watch your utility bills — a sudden spike often signals that your AC is working harder than it should.
- Make sure attic vents are unobstructed.
Fall (September – November)
Exterior
- Inspect the roof again, particularly after any late-summer hail or storm events.
- Seal any gaps or cracks in exterior walls, around utility penetrations, and along the roofline.
- Check weatherstripping on all exterior doors — you should not be able to see daylight around a closed door.
- Service your heating system before you need it.
Plumbing & Drainage
- Locate your main water shutoff valve and make sure it's accessible and functional.
- If you have exterior hose bibs (outdoor spigots), make sure you have foam covers ready for freezes.
- Insulate exposed pipes in the garage, under the house, or in unconditioned spaces.
- Do a final gutter clean before winter rains.
- Confirm that grading around your home still slopes away from the foundation.
Winter (December – February)
Freeze Prep
- Know where your main water shutoff is — and make sure it actually works.
- Stock up on pipe insulation and heat tape before a forecast freeze, not during.
- When temps drop below 28°F, let faucets drip and open cabinet doors under sinks.
- If you'll be away during a cold snap, set your thermostat no lower than 55°F.
Interior
- Have your fireplace flue cleaned and inspected every 1–2 years if you use it regularly.
- Look at caulking around tubs, showers, and backsplashes.
- Inspect your garage door weatherstripping.
Year-Round
- Walk your property after every significant storm and look for anything new.
- Keep a home maintenance log — dates and what was done helps enormously when you sell or file an insurance claim.
- Address small repairs promptly. A $50 caulking job ignored for two years can become a $3,000 water damage repair.
Not Sure Where to Start?
If your home has been on autopilot for a few years, the best first step is a comprehensive home assessment. The team at House Doctors of Austin can walk through your home with you, identify the highest-priority issues, and give you a clear, honest action plan.
Call us at (737) 371-8827 or request a visit at https://www.housedoctors.com/austin-tx/contact-us/.
House Doctors of Austin is a locally owned and operated handyman, home repair, and home renovation service serving Austin and the surrounding Central Texas area.