DLH

Home Inspection Services

P.O. Box 9588

Boise, Idaho 83707-3588

208-867-0162

Annual Home Maintenance Checklist

Keeping your home in good repair and safe condition prevents loss and damage to your home and it’s systems thus saving you time and money in the future. The following table lists tasks that should be performed on a regular basis to keep your home and its systems in peak operating condition. Not all conditions will apply to all homes. This in not an exhaustive list but gives you basic suggestions for tasks that should be a part of good home maintenance. Maintenance performed on a regular basis provides optimum longevity and helps prevent potential breakdowns and malfunctions. In addition, the primary reason for checking, inspecting and constantly tuning up your home is to ensure maximum safety.

How to Use the Checklist

The white boxes in the columns to the right of the items indicate when a task should be performed. When the maintenance check or test is completed, record the date in the box.

Questions?

If you have questions about the procedure for performing the maintenance or just what the maintenance check entails, please call DHL Home Inspection Services. We will be happy to discuss the procedure with you and provide you any necessary guidance. This is a service provided by DLH Home Inspections to each of our clients.

Home Maintenance Checklist

ITEM TO BE CHECKED	WINTER	SPRING	SUMMER	AUTUMN
Exterior - Roof
Check for damaged, loose or missing shingles
Check vents louvers and chimneys for bird nests, squirrels and insects. Make sure rain caps are in place.
Check for leaks around roof stacks, vents, skylights and chimneys. Caulk where needed.
Check chimney, bricks, mortar, caulk and spark arrestor for deterioration.
Inspect roof and chimney flashings for damage or evidence of deterioration
Check fascias and soffits for paint failure and decay. Assure that the area is properly vented and that vents are open.
Trim tree limbs away from roof.
Exterior – Gutters and Downspouts
Check for leaking, loose, misaligned or damaged gutters, downspouts, extensions and splash blocks.
Remove debris from gutters and downspouts.
Make sure run off water is being delivered at least six feet away from the house to an area graded away from the house.
Exterior – Siding or Walls
Check brick walls for cracks and deteriorating bricks and mortar.
Check and clean masonry weep holes.
Check siding for damage (cracks and holes), deterioration, warping, swelling and rot.
Check painted surfaces for flaking or damage especially at the bottom of the siding.
Check trim for tightness of fit at all joints. Caulk where necessary.
Doors and Windows
Check caulking and weather-stripping around doors, windows, and trim. Touch up as necessary.
Check for cracked or broken glass.
Check glazing putty around windowpanes. Replace and repaint cracked putty.
Check window and door screens.
Open and close all windows. Check closers, latches, locks and other hardware.
Check for torn or damaged screens. Repair or replace.
Clean window weep holes.
If interchangeable, remove screens and install storm windows.
If interchangeable, remove storm windows and replace screens.
Lawn and Garden
Remove tree limbs, branches, or debris that can attract insects.
Maintain grading sloped away from the foundation walls.
Driveways, Walks and Patios
Check for cracks, heaving or deterioration.
Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Check operation, change batteries and clean according to manufacturers specifications.
Fire Extinguishers
Check pressure and shake dry extinguisher to make sure that powder has not caked.
Pest Control
Check for evidence of insects, spiders, rodents, and animals – nests, droppings, live specimens – in the crawl space, basement, attic, chimney, vents, eaves, as well as in the home. Remove or contact specialist for assistance.
Heating and Cooling
Remove debris and stored items from around heating and A/C units, indoors and out.
Remove window air conditioner or protect with weatherproof cover.
Replace or clean A/C and furnace filters.
Have HVAC system serviced by a qualified HVAC technician.
Inspect air conditioning system, including overflow pan, condensate line, and insulation wrap on the return line.
Check air temp. from operating A/C unit. Air temperature at outlets should be 10-15 degrees less than at intakes.
Check the condition of the heat ducts. Remove the vent covers, examine and vacuum.
Check the condition of the humidifier. Clean and service the unit.
Plumbing – Water Filters
Replace as needed.
Plumbing – Water Heater
Check for signs of leaking or corrosion.
Operate pressure relief valve on water heater.
If the water heater has not been used for several weeks, run hot water at each faucet to bleed off hydrogen.	Perform as Needed
Check for leaks at the base of hot water heater.
Flush the hot water heater.
Plumbing – Faucets
Check interior and exterior faucets for leaks from nozzle and around valve stems.
Check supply lines and drain lines under sinks. Use your hand to feel for leaks on lines or valves.
Clean faucet aerators if water flow is low.
Disconnect hoses and drain non frost-free hose bibs.
Plumbing – Drains
Add at least a pint of water to any drain not regularly used to keep the trap primed.
Add ½ cup of white vinegar to drains to keep free flowing.
Clean out hair and other debris.
Plumbing – Septic
Have system professionally inspected annually and pumped if necessary.
Plumbing – Irrigation
Have pump and lines winterized (drained and blown out).
Check operation of all sprinklers when activating system.
Electrical
Check all wiring and plugs for wear or damage. Replace receptacles when plugs to not fit tightly.
Test GFI receptacles and reset.
Check condition of all cords and extension cords to all appliances.
Check all interior and exterior lights for proper functioning.
Check security and burglar alarms.
Interior
Ceilings – Examine ceiling and lower walls for leaks, discoloration or watermarks, especially inside window openings and beneath windows.
Walls – Check all painted and natural finishes for dirt, finish failure and necessary repairs.
Floors – Check floors for wear, damage, evenness, and sponginess.
Stairs – Check handrails and balusters to make sure they are secure. Check for loose treads or coverings.
Attic
Check for evidence of leaks, condensation, and mildew on bottom of roof deck.
Check for rodents and insects and remove.
Check insulation. Replace as necessary. Take care not to compact the insulation.
Check for ventilation. Make sure gables, ridges, and soffit vents are clear.
Basement or Crawlspace
Check for dampness and leakage after wet weather or over watering next to the house. Do not store boxes, wood, or clothing on basement floor.
Check foundation vents. Leave vents open unless conditions such as extreme cold or humid weather exist.
Look for evidence of rodents and insects and remove.
Check for pulled back vapor barrier, fungus and mold.		Ongoing
Monitor relative humidity
Clean and cove window wells.
Open window wells and clean.
Bathrooms
Check for evidence of leaking around the toilet, under toilet tank, around supply valve and supply line.
Check for leaking around the shower and tub.
Clean exhaust fan and grill.
Make sure non-slip mat is in place and grab bar is secure.
Check grout on ceramic tile for holes and mildew.
Kitchen
Check for leaks around sink. Feel supply and drain lines with hands.
Remove kick panel and check under dishwasher for leaks.
Clean refrigerator coils, drain pan, and check drain.
Inspect behind and under refrigerator and icemaker for leakage.
Check stove hood and fan. Listen for damper closing when fan shuts off. Clean filters and fan blades.
Laundry
Check under the washing machine for water or oil leaks.
Check for leaks around the connections and hoses for the washing machine. When replacing hoses, use stainless steel braid protected hoses.
Inspect the wall behind the washing machine for moisture.
Remove and clean hose screens if washer is filling slowly.
Clean lint form clothes dryer vent hose and from around dryer vent opening.
Garage
Lubricate garage overhead door and tighten bolts.
Check safety reverse and electric sensor on the garage door.
Examine springs, track and rollers for wear.
Fireplace/Wood Stove/Insert
Have system professionally cleaned and inspected.	At least once a year

Safety Tips:

1. Know the location and operation of the main water shut-off valve.
2. Know the location of the main electrical disconnect or breaker.
3. Know the location of the main emergency shut-off switch for the cooling system.
4. Know the location of the main emergency shut-off switch for the heating system.
5. Mark and label each circuit in the electrical panel box.
6. Call a licensed electrician if a fuse blows frequently or a circuit breaker trips frequently.
7. When you are not confident of making a proper and safe repair, call a professional.

DLH Home Inspection Services takes pride in providing accurate and helpful information to our clients. We can provide you with fact sheets for a broad range of maintenance and home ownership information.

Including:

· Foundation Vents

· Crawl Spaces

· Air Conditioning Systems

· Electronic Air Filters

· Floor Coverings

· Pocket Doors

· Freeze-Proof Hose Valves

· Rust Stains on Concrete

· Draw String Window Coverings

· Overhead Garage Door Operator Safety Functions

· Winterizing Sprinkler Systems

· Guarding Against Molds, Mildews and other Fungi

· Removing Rust Stains from Dishwasher Interiors

· Trip Hazards on Right-of-Way Sidewalks

· Importance of GFI Devices

· Making the Most of Incandescent Light Bulbs

· Loose Door Knobs and Door Pulls

· Laundry Valves

· Air Conditioner Condensate Leaks

DLH

Home Inspection Services

4125 N. 36^th Street

Boise, Idaho 83703

208.867.0162