A family’s home is its castle, but it can end up in shambles quite easily.

That’s especially true in Upper Arlington, because the housing stock is growing old. Some stately manses are nearing 100 years old. Only a handful of homes have been around for less than 30 years, and aging houses slowly go downhill, even with the right amount of tender loving care.

The normal home maintenance list is long and the chores can be arduous, boring and easily ignored. That’s human nature. (There are two other alternatives: hire the work to be done or rent.)

David Tamny, owner of Professional Property Inspection whose business is located at 4857 Winterset Dr. near Upper Arlington, is familiar with the city’s aging housing after 19 years in the business. Like numerous sources on the Internet, he spouts an unending list of important tasks that need regular attention to slow the aging process.

Categorically, he and building industry sources agree on the standard check-list: furnace inspections, cleaning gutters and downspouts, periodically draining a few gallons from the hot water tank, checking window and door caulking and seals, cleaning sink and shower drains at least quarterly, and etc.

Tamny suggests an electrical inspection of aging and possibly outdated wiring. Extension cords, unfortunately, make for inadequate outlets. Safety concerns for seniors are numerous, he says, mentioning the need for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and testing for radon. Uneven walks and other trip edges, such as throw rugs, are issues, as well.
As an assist, here’s a list of a few quarterly chores to help you with ownership in 2010 and perhaps keep the home – and your family’s life – chugging right along. Of note: this is far from an ultimate honey-do list. Look around. There’s a lot more to do than this:

Winter
Clean the humidifier two or three times. Vacuum the bathroom fan grille(s). Remove dust and spiders from fire and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Buy Ohio State University football tickets (Michigan and Penn State will be home games this year). Vacuum grilles on the back of refrigerators and freezers. Pour water in basement floor drains. Check windows for cold air leaks. Read flower and plant catalogues. Run the air conditioner a couple times to keep its parts loose.

Spring
Summer-ize the snow blower as the manual explains. Wash windows, fix caulking and replace screens as needed. Re-paint a room or two. Turn off, drain and close humidifier. Have chimneys on wood burners cleaned. Make sure the sump pump is working before the thaw begins. Research vacation ideas. Make sure eaves and downspouts are still firmly joined and attached. Re-level any steps or decks that ice, frost or settling shifted. Spring-clean the yard. Check smoke or carbon monoxide detectors and alarm batteries. Join the swimming pool or country club. Seek out an industrious teenager to spread mulch. Check for insects or other pests. Play golf and tennis to relax after your spring cleaning list is complete.

Summer
Monitor and maintain basement humidity below 60 percent with a dehumidifier. Check pipes for condensation and insulate if necessary. Pour water in trap of seldom-used sink. Pour water in basement floor drain again. Repair or replace deteriorated caulking on windows and doors. Window putty too. Take that vacation. Lubricate the garage door opener, chain and casters. Repair, sand and touch up weather-worn siding, windows and doors. Check for roof sagging. If you’re capable of climbing ladders, examine roofing and flashing. Go to outdoor concerts or a Clippers game. Seek another industrious teenager for yard work and mowing. Play more golf and/or tennis.

Fall
Have your gas furnace serviced (every two years.) Replace filters monthly. Be sure the furnace works. Turn off the air conditioner and clean the filter. Remove grilles and clean heating ducts. Check the bathroom and range hood fans for proper exhaust. Tailgate at an OSU game. Remove window screens and install storm windows. Drain hoses, outside spigots and underground watering system. Paint and repair any wood fences. Test electric outlet circuit breakers (GFI) monthly. Keep leaves and debris out of drain openings. Winterize the yard and store lawn furniture. Seek yet another industrious teenager to rake leaves. Sign up for winter concert series. Start glancing Christmas gift catalogues.

Duane St. Clair is a contributing editor for Upper Arlington Magazine.