It's Your Home: Check It Out

Between annual visits from a Your Home Check Technician, homeowners should perform their own regular maintenance on their dwelling and property to prevent problems and maintain the value of the home.We recommend the following procedures:

Your Monthly Checks

• Check fire extinguisher(s) are fully charged. Re-charge if necessary.
• Examine heating/cooling system air filters and replace or clean as necessary.
• Inspect and clean humidifiers and electronic air cleaners.
• If the house has hot water heating, bleed radiator valves.
• Clean gutters and downspouts. Ensure downspouts are secure, and that the discharge from the downspout is appropriate. Remove debris from window wells.
• Carefully inspect the condition of shower enclosures. Repair or replace deteriorated grout and caulk. Ensure that water is not escaping the enclosure during showering. 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.

Your Spring & Fall Checks

• 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. Watch for bird nests or other vermin/insect activity.
• Survey the basement and/or crawl space walls for evidence of moisture seepage.
• Look at overhead wires coming to the house. They should be secure and clear of trees or 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 Your Home Check report.
• 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.

Your Once a Year Checks

• Replace smoke detector batteries.
• Clean and service heating, cooling and water heater systems.
• Have chimneys inspected and cleaned. Ensure rain caps and vermin screens are secure.
• Examine electrical panels, wiring and electrical components for evidence of overheating. Ensure all components are secure. Flip the breakers on and off to ensure they are not sticky.
• 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).
• 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.