CHECKLIST FOR THE SEASONS
HERE ARE SOME CHECKLISTS FOR YOU TO FOLLOW TO HELP YOU MAINTAIN YOUR HOME PROPERLY. THE TASKS ARE CATEGORIZED BY SEASON.
ANNUALLY
Call your InterNACHI® home inspector to perform a home maintenance inspection as part of your routine home maintenance plan.
IN THE SPRING
-
Check for damage to your roof.
-
Check all the fascia and trim for deterioration.
-
Have a professional air conditioning contractor inspect and maintain your system as recommended by the manufacturer.
-
Check your water heater for rust, leaks, and other issues.
-
Check your home for water leaks.
-
Replace all extension cords that have become brittle, worn or damaged.
-
Check your fire extinguishers and replace, if necessary.
IN THE SUMMER
-
Check your children’s backyard play equipment for safety issues.
-
Check your wood deck or concrete patio for deterioration.
-
Check the nightlights at the top and bottom of all stairways.
-
Check the exterior siding.
-
Check all window and door locks.
-
Check the water hoses on the washing machine, refrigerator, icemaker, and dishwasher for cracks and bubbles.
-
Devise and practice an emergency escape plan with your family.
IN THE FALL
-
Check your home for water leaks.
-
Have a heating professional check your heating system every year.
-
Protect your home from frozen pipes.
-
Run all gas-powered lawn equipment until the fuel is gone.
-
Test your emergency generator.
-
Have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean the flues and check your fireplace damper.
-
Remove any birds’ nests from chimney flues and outdoor electrical fixtures.
-
Clean off the covers and change the batteries in the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors/alarms.
-
Blow out your lawn irrigation system.
-
Clean the gutters and downspouts.
-
Replace window screens with storm windows.
IN THE WINTER
-
Make sure that the caulking or weatherstripping around the windows and doors is adequate in order to keep down your heating and cooling costs.
-
Make sure any firewood stored outdoors is at least 20 feet away from your home’s foundation.
-
Familiarize responsible family members with the location and operation of the main gas valve and other appliance valves.
-
Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper, and the space under the dryer.
-
Make sure all electrical holiday decorations have tight connections.
-
Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air filter.
-
Test all GFCI devices.
-
Make sure that the caulking around your bathroom fixtures is adequate to prevent water from seeping into the sub-flooring.