Regular maintenance is key when it comes to protecting your investment and preserving home equity. Use the following Home Maintenance Checklist as a guideline to keep your home in tip-top shape for years to come!
Monthly Home Maintenance Checklist
- Check that fire extinguisher(s) are fully charged. Re-charge if necessary.
- Replace your HVAC filters.
- Inspect and clean humidifiers and electronic air cleaners if present on HVAC systems.
- Clean gutters and downspouts. Ensure that downspouts are secure and that the discharge location is moving water away from your home foundation. Remove debris from window wells.
- Carefully inspect the condition of shower and tub enclosures. Repair or replace deteriorated grout and caulk. Ensure that water is not escaping the enclosure when the shower is in operation.
- Check below all plumbing fixtures for evidence of leakage.
- Repair or replace leaking faucets or shower heads.
- Secure loose toilets and repair flush mechanisms if they become troublesome.
Seasonal Home Maintenance Checklist
- 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. Level out insulation if needed.
- 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. If you notice signs of foundation settling, contact a Licensed Professional Engineer for an unbiased structural foundation evaluation.
- Watch for bird nests or other vermin or insect activity.
- Survey the basement and/or crawl space walls for evidence of moisture seepage.
- Perform a visual inspection of overhead wires that lead to your house. All wires should be secured and clear of trees and other obstructions.
- Ensure that the grade of the land around the house encourages water to flow away from the foundation.
- 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, as identified in the home inspection report.
- 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 service all appliances as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- The furnace unit should be inspected, cleaned, and serviced in the fall and the HVAC system should be inspected, cleaned, and serviced in the spring.
Annual Home Maintenance Checklist
- Replace smoke detector batteries.
- The water heater systems should be flushed once per year. This will remove any build up in the unit and help to extend the life of the unit.
- Have chimneys inspected and cleaned. Ensure that rain caps and vermin screens are secure.
- Examine the electrical panels, wiring, and electrical components for evidence of overheating.
- Ensure that all components are secure. Flip the breakers on and off to ensure that they are not loose or failing.
- If the property has a standard septic system, have the tank inspected (and pumped as needed).
Termite Inspection Dallas TX - If your home is in an area prone to wood-destroying insects (termites, carpenter ants, etc.), have the home inspected by a licensed termite inspector. Preventative treatments may be recommended in some cases.
- Walk the perimeter of your home and seal any openings around doors, windows, wall penetrations of other openings. Be sure that you do not seal weep holes found in the base line of the brick in most slab homes.
Termite Inspection Dallas TXWhether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned homeowner, follow these guidelines to maintain a beautiful and safe home for years to come. For more guidance, check out our article on 12 Things To Do Immediately After Buying a New Home and Tips on Maintaining Your Home Foundation.