Home Maintenance Tip
Monthly, Spring, Fall, Annual Checklist
The enjoyment and protection of your investment in a home is directly related to how well you maintain your home. Home maintenance is a homeowner's responsibility. Listed for you below are some of the items to consider as part of your regular home maintenance to achieve long term benefits, safety and lower repair costs from your investment in a home. If you need professional help, give us a call.
Monthly
- Check that fire extinguisher(s) are fully charged. Re-charge or replace if necessary.
- Examine heating/cooling air filters and replace or clean as necessary.
- Inspect and clean humidifiers and electronic air cleaners.
- Clean gutters and downspouts. Ensure that downspouts are secure, splash blocks or gutter extensions are in place and that the discharge of the downspouts is appropriate.
- Carefully inspect the condition of bathtub and shower enclosures. Repair or replace deteriorated grout and caulk. Ensure that water is not escaping the enclosure.
- Check below all plumbing fixtures for evidence of leakage.
- Repair or replace leaking faucets or shower heads.
- Secure loose toilets, or repair flush mechanisms that become troublesome.
- If the home is equipped with an septic system (onsite waste disposal system), check all components for operation and check the drain field for odor and standing water. If a problem is discovered, contact a certified, licensed septic system specialist.
Spring and Fall
- Examine the roof for evidence of damage to roof coverings, flashings and chimneys.
- Look in the attic (if accessible) to ensure that roof vents are not obstructed. Check for evidence of leakage, condensation or vermin activity.
- Trim back tree branches and shrubs to ensure that they are not in contact with the house.
- Inspect the exterior walls and foundation for evidence of damage, cracking or movement. Watch for bird nests or other vermin or insect activity.
- Survey the basement and/or crawl space walls for evidence of moisture seepage or insect penetration.
- Look at overhead wires coming to the house. They should be secure and clear of trees or other obstructions. Hire a professional to trim tree limbs away from overhead electric lines.
- Ensure that the grade of the land around the house encourages water to flow away from the foundation. The top 4"-6" of the foundation wall should be visible.
- Inspect all driveways, walkways, decks, porches, and landscape components for evidence of deterioration, movement or safety hazards.
- Clean windows and test their operation. Improve caulking and weather-stripping as necessary. Watch for evidence of rot in wood window frames. Paint and repair window sills and frames as necessary.
- Test all ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) devices for operation.
- Shut off isolating valves for exterior hose bibs in the fall, if below freezing temperatures are anticipated.
- Test the Temperature and Pressure Relief (TPR) Valve on water heaters.
- Inspect for evidence of wood boring insect activity. Eliminate any wood/soil contact around the perimeter of the home.
- Test the overhead garage door opener, to ensure that the auto-reverse mechanism is responding properly. Clean and lubricate hinges, rollers and tracks on overhead doors.
- Replace or clean exhaust hood filters.
- Clean, inspect and/or service all appliances as per the manufacturer's recommendations.
Annually
- Replace smoke detector batteries.
- Have the heating, cooling and water heater systems cleaned and serviced.
- Have chimneys inspected and cleaned. Ensure that rain caps and vermin screens are secured.
- Examine the electrical panels, wiring and electrical components for evidence of overheating. Ensure that all components are secure.
- If the house utilizes a well, check and service the pump and holding tank. Have the water quality tested. If the property has a septic system, have the tank inspected (and pumped as needed). Normally, septic systems should be pumped every 4-6 years.
- If your home is in an area prone to wood destroying insects (termites, carpenter ants, etc.), have the home inspected by a licensed specialist. Preventative treatments may be recommended in some cases.
Professional Help
also known as a home checkup inspections. Keeping your home in good condition is a smart thing to do. Our experienced home inspector will review your property each year to provide a complete home maintenance inspection report that will identify major concerns, safety concerns, repair needs and items which should be monitored over time.
Selman Home Inspection,
"Accurate Investment Protection You Can Trust"
For more safety and home maintenance tips, I encourage you to take advantage of our free Home Maintenance Guide.
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