The Home Inspector's Maintenance Checklist

Your home is your biggest investment and if you do not give it the proper care and maintenance, it can become your biggest nightmare. There are many small tasks and projects that need to be attended to on a regular basis, but because they are small, it is easy for them to go unnoticed.

In the daily business of living, it can be easy to lose track of all of those little things. To help you out, here are some lists of tasks and projects to help you keep on top of your home maintenance.

SPRING AND SUMMER TASKS

1. Change your HVAC filters– this is something that should be done as often as the filter manufacturer specifies. Depending on the filter, some are only good for a month of use, while others can last three months or longer. Check the packaging to be sure.
2. Clean windows and screens so that they will be ready to let in cool breezes.
3. Power wash your siding. Grime builds up over time. Having a regular time to clean it off makes sure it does not build up for too long.
4. Inspect your deck or patio for any necessary repairs.
5. Inspect your roof for leaks or missing shingles.
6. Clean your dryer vent.
7. Check your bathroom caulk for deterioration.
8. Change the batteries in smoke and carbon detectors, and then test them to make sure they work.
9. Clean your kitchen hood.
10. Vacuum the refrigerator coils
11. Inspect the foundation of your house for cracks, drainage problems, insect activity or pest damage.
12. Test fire extinguishers. Make sure they are in working order.
13. Clean out the gutters to make sure they are ready for summer storms.
14. Mulch and prune trees, shrubs and other landscaping.
15. Give flooring a deep clean

FALL AND WINTER MAINTENANCE

You may notice that some of these items are the same as the spring and summer list. Some things need to be done twice a year. Doing them on a regular basis will ensure that when problems do arise, they do not have the chance to get too big.

1. Have your HVAC system inspected and cleaned. This should be done at the end of summer or beginning of fall, before there is a need for heat.
2. Change batteries and test carbon and smoke detectors. It is a good idea to check these every six months.
3. Drain the water heater to clear out old sediment that can damage it.
4. Have chimneys and flues inspected and cleaned.
5. Remove screens and install storm windows. This can help cut down on heating costs.
6. Check and fix caulk around windows and door. Also, apply or repair weather-stripping.
7. Insulate any exposed water pipes.
8. Make sure you and any family members who are old enough are familiar with where the utilities shut-off valves are located.
9. Make sure there is no gas left in all gas-powered lawn equipment.
10. Make sure the garden hose is emptied, coiled and put away.
11. Give the floors a thorough deep cleaning. This should be done every fall and spring.
12. Check hoses on washing machine, refrigerator and dishwasher to make sure there are no cracks or bubbles.
13. Check around your home for frayed cords or wires.
14. Clean the gutters to get rid of leaves and debris that have collected there in the last 6 months.
15. Make sure your siding is in good shape. Repair or replace it where it is needed.

This list may appear intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. If you take two or three of these items at a time, you will probably find that you get through the list pretty quickly.

Having a list in the first place will help you to focus so that you aren’t wasting time, wandering around, wondering what it is you should be doing. Should you ever decide to sell, keeping up on these tasks will make the process of getting your home ready to sell much easier.