CHECKLIST FOR THE SEASONS IN HOUSTON, TX

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

  1. Check for damage to your roof.

  2. Check all the fascia and trim for deterioration.

  3. Have a professional air conditioning contractor inspect and maintain your system as recommended by the manufacturer.

  4. Check your water heater for rust, leaks, and other issues.

  5. Check your home for water leaks.

  6. Replace all extension cords that have become brittle, worn or damaged.

  7. Check your fire extinguishers and replace, if necessary. 

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IN THE SUMMER (HOT SUMMER IN HOUSTON, TX)

  1. Check your children’s backyard play equipment for safety issues.

  2. Check your wood deck or concrete patio for deterioration.

  3. Check the nightlights at the top and bottom of all stairways.

  4. Check the exterior siding.

  5. Check all window and door locks.

  6. Check the water hoses on the washing machine, refrigerator, icemaker, and dishwasher for cracks and bubbles.

  7. Devise and practice an emergency escape plan with your family.

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IN THE FALL

  1. Check your home for water leaks.

  2. Have a heating professional check your heating system every year.

  3. Protect your home from frozen pipes.

  4. Run all gas-powered lawn equipment until the fuel is gone.

  5. Test your emergency generator.

  6. Have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean the flues and check your fireplace damper.

  7. Remove any birds’ nests from chimney flues and outdoor electrical fixtures.

  8. Clean off the covers and change the batteries in the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors/alarms.

  9. Blow out your lawn irrigation system.

  10. Clean the gutters and downspouts.

  11. Replace window screens with storm windows.

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IN THE WINTER

  1. Make sure that the caulking or weatherstripping around the windows and doors is adequate in order to keep down your heating and cooling costs.

  2. Make sure any firewood stored outdoors is at least 20 feet away from your home’s foundation.

  3. Familiarize responsible family members with the location and operation of the main gas valve and other appliance valves.

  4. Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper, and the space under the dryer.

  5. Make sure all electrical holiday decorations have tight connections.

  6. Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air filter.

  7. Test all GFCI devices.

  8. Make sure that the caulking around your bathroom fixtures is adequate to prevent water from seeping into the sub-flooring.

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