One-Time Tasks

Install smoke detectors (usually one on each level and neay any sleeping areas) If you have gas units in the home-Carbon monoxide detectors according to manufacturer's recommandations.

Remove any wood/soil contact to prevent rot and insect damage.

Check, change, or fix any locks on all doors for better security.

Remove or correct trip hazards (ie, broken or uneven walk ways, patios, or driveways- Loose or torn carpet or flooring should be repaired promptly).

Check treads, uneven, or loose stairways, landings, and bannisters.

Have all chimneys inspected and serviced before operating any appliances.

Locate and mark shut-offs for the heating, electrical, and plumbing systems.

Label the circuits in the electric panel box.

Regular Maintenance Items

Check basement and crawl space for dampness after wet weather.

Clean gutters, leaders, strainers,window wells, drains. Be sure downspouts are directed away from foundation.

Check siding, shingles, and trim for damage, looseness, warping or decay.

Trip circuit breakers every 6 months and GCFI plugs every 3 months.

Check faucets, hose bibs, and valves for leakage.

Draw off sediment in water heater per manufacturer's recommendations

Change or clean furnace and A/C filters monthly.

Clean around heating and cooling equipment, removing leaves, dust, overgrown shrubbery, and debris.

Check bathroom tile joints, tub grouting and caulking. Be sure these joints are kept well sealed to prevent damage to walls, floors and ceilings below.

Check attics for evidence of leaks and condensation and make sure vents are not obstructed, at least twice a year.

Spring

Check foundation walls, steps, retaining walls, walks, patios driveways, garage floors, etc., for cracks, heaving, crumbling.

Check chimneys, deteriorated chimney caps, loose or missing mortar

Check for damaged, loose, blistered, or missing shingles.

Check for leaks, misaligned or damaged gutters, downspouts, hangers, gutter guards or strainers.

Clean out vents, louvers, and chimneys of bird, squirrel, or insect nests.

Check fascias and soffits for paint flaking, leakage or decay.

Cut back any plants or trees from house and roof

Close crawl vents in winter and open in the summer

Check siding for opening that allow for moisture inside (ie, cracks in mortar, tears in siding, flaking on wood) Seal to avoid moisture damage to structure.

Fall

Cut back plants and trees from house exterior

Check caulking for decay and shrinkage around doors, windows, corner boards, joints. Remove old caulk and recaulk as needed.

Check glazing putty around windows and weatherstripping around doors.

Drain exterior water lines, standard hose bibs, sprinklers, and pool equipment.

Close crawl foundation vents.

Check vents, louvers, and chimneys for birds, squirrels and insects nests.

Check chimney and chimney caps for loose and missing mortar.

Check for damaged, loose, or missing shingles.

Check flashings around roof stacks, vents, skylights, chimneys as sources for leakage.

Clean and check for leaking, misaligned or damaged gutters, downspouts, hangers, gutter guards and strainers.

If you are in a situation that limits your ability to maintain your home and you would like the security of knowing that things are working efficiently: Call us or fill out the request form.

We will call you to set up a time to come out and do a maintanance check and give you a list of recommendations so that you can catch a problem before it becomes a expensive repair.