Home Enhancement Checklist

The Exterior

Tidy up

• Mow the lawn and trim trees and shrubs away from the house
• Rake leaves, pull weeds and remove dead plants, flowers and shrubs
• Store tools and equipment neatly in the garage

Clean up

• Wash windows, inside and out
• Sweep all sidewalks and driveways

Patch up

• Repair doors and windows
• Repair major cracks in sidewalks and driveways
• Repair roof shingles, gutters, siding, shutters and fencing
• Refresh yards with sod, plants, flowers and mulch if needed

Finishing touch

• Add a new doormat at the entrance
• Add a potted or hanging plant
• Add new house numbers

The Kitchen

Tidy up

• Clear extra gadgets from countertops
• Remove notes, photos and magnets from the refrigerator
• Clear away papers and mail

Clean up

• Clear the sink, stove and counters of dishes, pots and pans
• Wipe down cabinets and polish sinks
• Clean all appliances, inside and out
• Wash the floor
• Freshen the garbage area

Patch up

• Repair faucet and sink leaks
• Repair broken appliances
• Fix sticking cabinets and drawers
• Patch and paint walls and ceilings if needed

Finishing touch

• Add a new throw rug
• Add a plant

The Bathrooms

Tidy up

• Clear unnecessary items from countertops
• Organize linen closets and medicine cabinets

Clean up

• Clean sinks, toilets, tubs and showers; make sure they are mold-free
• Polish mirrors and fixtures
• Wash the floor

Patch up

• Repair faucet, sink and toilet leaks
• Re-caulk and re-grout tile if needed
• Patch and paint walls and ceilings if needed

Finishing touch

• Add coordinated towels and accessories
• Add a new shower curtain
• Add a subtle scent

Living Areas

Tidy up

• Remove piles of papers and magazines
• Rearrange furniture; store or discard extra and worn pieces
• Straighten bookshelves

Clean up

• Clean and deodorize carpets; wash all floors
• Polish furniture
• Wipe light fixtures and replace burned-out bulbs
• Wash window treatments
• Clean the fireplace, if applicable

Patch up

• Patch and paint walls and ceilings if needed

Finishing touch

• Add fresh flowers
• Rearrange art to highlight the best features
• Add lamps to dark rooms

The Bedrooms

Tidy up

• Straighten play areas and store extra toys
• Remove extra furniture to define each room
• Store out-of-season clothes to open up closets
• Hang up all clothing

Clean up

• Clean and deodorize carpets
• Wash window treatments
• Wipe light fixtures and replace burned-out bulbs

Patch up

• Patch and paint walls and ceilings if needed

Finishing touch

• Add decorative pillows to beds
• Add a plant

Basement & Garage

Tidy up

• Organize laundry, family, workshop and garden areas
• Box up, store or donate what you don’t need

Clean up

• Sweep and clean floors
• Remove cobwebs from walls, sills and ceilings
• Wash windows, inside and out

Patch up

• Make sure the furnace, A/C and water heater are in working order
• Replace the furnace filter