Check that fire extinguisher(s)
are fully charged. Re-charge if necessary.
Examine heating/cooling 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 that downspouts are secure, and that the
discharge of the downspouts 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.
Spring & Fall
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
or 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
inspection 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.
Annually
Replace smoke detector batteries.
Have the heating, cooling and
water heater systems cleaned and serviced.
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 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.
