This page is to help you maintain a safe home and also these tips will help you keep your home in good condition. Following these visual tips will help keep up the apperance of your home and most importantly the value. If you have any further questions on home maintenance please email or call us and we can schedule a home maintenance and safety inspection for you home. Each home is different, however maintaining you home is very simple and can save you money in the long term. Out maintenance inspection will provide you with a clear understanding of your home and when things should be cleaned our serviced.
Grounds
Proper drainage should always be away from house
Ensure there is no evidence of standing water
Look for leaks from infected tank or leach field
Keep yard, landscaping, trees and walkways in good condition
No branches or bushes should be touching house or overhanging the roof
Keep exterior structures in good condition
Make sure railings on stairs and decks are adequate and secure
Keep driveways, footway, portico, doorway landings in good condition, and pitched away from structure
Downspout drainage should be directed away from structure
Structure
Check for any crest and front board lines on the flat surface
House is straight and there is not sagging or bowing.
Window and door frames appear square
Look for cracks around doorways and windows
Exterior Surfaces
Look for;
Adequate clearance between ground and wood siding materials
Siding cracking, curling, loose, rot or decay
Condition of Masonry veneers
Stucco: should have no large cracks
Vinyl or aluminum siding for any dents or damage
No vines on the surface of structure
Check the condition of exterior paint or stain
No stains on exterior surfaces
Interior Rooms
Look for;
Floors, walls and ceilings appear straight and plumb and level
No stains on floors, walls or ceilings
Flooring materials in good condition
No significant cracks in walls or ceilings
Windows and exterior doors without any decaying paint and broken glass
Interior doors operate easily and latch properly
Paint, wall covering, and paneling in good condition
Wood trim installed well and in good condition
Lights and switches operate properly
Adequate number of three pronged electrical outlets in each room
Electrical outlets test properly
Heating/cooling source in each habitable room
Evidence of adequate insulation in walls
Fireplace properly constructed
Bathrooms
Look for;
Exhaust fan is in proper working condition
All fixtures are in good condition
Sink, tub and shower have proper draining system
Plumbing and cabinet floors are in good condition
There is no signs of rusting on metal sink
Toilet operates properly
Toilet stable, no rocking, no stains around base
Caulking in good condition inside and outside of the tub and shower area
Tub or shower tiles secure, wall surface solid
No stains or evidence of past leaking around bath showers
Attic
Look for;
Stains on underside of roofing
No evidence of decay or damage to structure
Sufficient insulation and properly installed insulation
Adequate ventilation
No plumbing, exhaust or appliance vents terminating in attic
No open electrical splices
Roof
Look for:
Composition shingles without any problem
Wood shingles or shakes without any decay or damage
Flat roofs without any obvious patches or water stains
Flashing around roof penetrations should be sealed
Evidence of excess roofing cement/tar/caulk
Soffits and fascia: no decay, no stains
Exterior venting for eave areas: make sure vents are clean and not painted over
Gutters: without any prominent decay or damage and clear of leaves
Chimneys without any evidence of damage or dacay
Kitchen
Look for;
Working exhaust fan that is vented to the exterior of the building
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (“GFCI”) protection
Dishwasher: drains properly, no leaks, baskets, door spring operates properly
No leaks in pipes under sinks
Floor in cabinet under sink solid, no stains or decay
Water flow in sink adequate
No excessive rust or deterioration on garbage disposal
Built-in appliances operate properly
Cabinets in good condition
Windows, Doors and Wood Trim
Look for;
Wood frames and trim pieces are secure, no cracks, rot or decay
Joints around frames are caulked
No broken glass or damaged screens
Storm windows or thermal glass used
Drip caps installed over windows
Crawl Space
Look for;
Exterior is properly vented
Water supply and vent pipes are in good condition
Crawl space and heated areas have proper insulation
There is no insect damage and moisture damage
Basement or Mechanical Room
Everything is free from moisture
Insulation is in good condition
Miscellaneous
Check
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Stairway treads and risers aresolid
Stair handrails where needed and in good condition
Automatic garage door opener operates properly
Heating/Cooling System
Look for;
Systems to function well throughout the home
Flues without open seams
No rust around cooling unit
No burning gas odor
Air filter(s) clean
Ductwork in good condition
No asbestos on heating pipes, water pipes or air ducts
Separate flues for gas, oil, propane and wood or coal
Plumbing
Look for;
Visible pipes without any damage
Water heater without rusting
Water pump: does not short cycle
Galvanized pipes do not restrict water flow
Well water test is acceptable
Hot water temperature between 118 – 125 degrees Fahrenheit
Electrical
Look for;
Visible wiring
Service panel location
No aluminum cable for branch circuits
Outlets that have blackened holes.
Home maintenance and Safety tips
