Annual home maintenance checklist:10 Tips

By
Real Estate Agent

Kitchen: Check for leaks under and around the sink. Plumbing leaks can damage cabinetry and floors. Check and repair grout and caulking on tile countertops and around the sink. Also check wear and tear on wood floors, which periodically need to be refinished

· Bathrooms: Check for plumbing leaks and check grout on tiles. If the grout gets worn away water will start getting into the walls behind the bathroom, causing damage.

· Basement: Check for cracks in the foundation and leaks. Buildings settle over time and even after decades of having a dry basement leaks may suddenly occur.

· Attic: Check for signs of water leakage from the roof. Also look for any sign of termites or rodents. Squirrels or rats that nest in your attic can chew electrical wiring, which can lead to fires.

· Smoke alarms: Batteries need to be changed annually.

· Heating system: If yours has a filter, change it annually.

· Air conditioning system: Change all filters monthly or as recommended by the filter manufacturer.

· Roof: Note if any shingles have fallen off or if gutters or downspouts appear clogged or damaged. You can always hire a reliable roofing company to get on the roof and take a look. Reputable roofing companies won't try to sell you a new one unless you really need it. You can simply pay them for an inspection.

· House exterior: If your house is wood, check that the paint hasn't worn away so much that the primer paint is showing. If the primer also wears down, you can do damage to the wood. Brick houses should be inspected for damaged bricks or masonry. Check stucco houses and repair any cracks large enough to slide a nickel into.

Asphalt and concrete driveways: Repair any cracks or buckling.

Comments (3)

Michael Shalen
Chicago Office Advisers - Chicago, IL

Two items I would add are:

Check the caulk and weatherstripping around the doors and windows

Check that the dirt around your foundation is sloping away from the house.  Over time the dirt that has been backfilled around the foundation compacts and instead of diverting water away from the house it may directing water towards the house - which can mean water in the basement.

Nov 25, 2007 11:57 PM
Joyce "Joy" Mahaney Brewster
High Profile Realty - Glendale, AZ
Nice post!  Thank you!
Nov 26, 2007 01:51 AM
Marsha Cleaveland
No longer in the sales business - Glendale, AZ
GRI, AHWD, CNE

Thanks for sharing your list.  I'd add to check any mechanical systems = garage door opener, fireplace damper, stove & bathroom fans.  A loose screw or a bent hinge can bring the garage door crashing down.

Nov 26, 2007 02:20 AM