There are dozens of home maintenance apps. Most get uninstalled within a month. The ones that survive are usually the simplest — a spreadsheet that you own, that doesn't require a login, that doesn't have a subscription, and that doesn't get discontinued.
Here's how to build one that you'll actually use, and what it should include.
The problem with most home maintenance apps
The pitch is always the same: smart notifications, AI reminders, a beautiful interface. The reality is usually: you pay monthly for features you don't use, the app stops being supported after 18 months, or you simply forget to open it.
A spreadsheet has none of these problems. It's in Google Drive or on your computer. It doesn't push notifications you ignore. It doesn't require a subscription. It lives in a tab you can open whenever you want.
What a good home maintenance spreadsheet should include
A task list with frequency columns. The core structure is simple: task name, category (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, exterior, etc.), frequency (monthly/quarterly/annual), and a note on why it matters. Then month columns or checkboxes where you mark completion.
Estimated cost and DIY indicator. For each task, knowing whether it's a $10 DIY job or a $200 service call changes how you prioritize and budget. A column for estimated cost and a simple DIY/Pro indicator makes planning easier.
An appliance and systems log. A separate tab tracking every major system and appliance: item, brand, model, install date, last service date, and warranty expiration. This becomes invaluable when you're troubleshooting, getting quotes, or selling the home.
A contractor contacts tab. HVAC company, plumber, electrician, roofer, landscaper. You will need these numbers. Having them in your home's spreadsheet means you find them when you need them.
A maintenance log. Date, task completed, cost, who did the work. This gives you a maintenance history that's useful for insurance claims, selling the house, and troubleshooting recurring issues.
The limitation of a generic template
There are thousands of free home maintenance spreadsheet templates online. Most of them are the same — a comprehensive but generic list of tasks that applies to some hypothetical average home.
A useful spreadsheet starts with the right task list — one built for your specific home. That's what Connie generates. Enter your address, and we produce a personalized home maintenance checklist built around your home's age, type, and climate — pre-populated with monthly, quarterly, and annual tasks specific to your situation. It opens in Excel or Google Sheets, you own it forever, and there's no subscription. Free to preview, $14.99 to unlock.
For the full monthly task list, see: 12 monthly home maintenance tasks that take less than an hour total.