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Home Maintenance
Guidelines The following list is a basic
summary of the components of your home that will need regular monitoring and
maintenance. This list guides you through the basic needs of your home. Please
remember, the way to keep costs and repairs at a minimum is through regular and
proper maintenance. The majority of these maintenance issues can be performed
by you, the homeowner. Use this tool properly, and you should have years of
excellent home ownership experience. SITE 1)
Maintain drainage
away from the foundation- Verify
proper drainage is present or correct any negative drainage present at
sidewalks, patios, driveways and decks. Also, verify that soil levels pitch
away from the house structure/foundation or correct the drainage at these areas.
(Annually) 2)
Keep vegetation
trimmed- Vegetation
should be trimmed and controlled to a clearance of a minimum of three feet from
the house systems. Remove vines from all exterior walls and components. Cut any
dead tree branches for safety. Remove dead trees from the property. (Quarterly) 3)
Balconies and
Decks- Treat
or maintain finishes to the exterior decks and balconies. Secure or replace any
deteriorating or rotted materials. Verify the ledger board as well as the
flashings are in safe and properly draining conditions. Check sub-structures
for proper securing and safety. Verify steps and railings are safe and secured.
(Spring and Fall) 4)
Hose Faucets- Winterize
or shut off for the cold conditions. (Fall) EXTERIOR 1)
Exterior- Inspect
all siding, trim, soffit and fascia for aging, repairs and maintenance. Check
doors and windows for proper operation and caulking of open joints. Look for
damaged or deteriorating areas. Verify doors and windows open and close
properly, as well as sealants being in good condition. Check all weather-stripping
areas for open gaps and proper function. (Spring and Fall) 2)
Debris- Clean
debris away from the house’s exterior environmental areas. Remove leaves, cut
back grasses and clean the exterior landscape. Clean window wells and exterior
drainage plains (this includes gutter discharges). (Spring and Fall) 3)
Caulk/Sealant- Seal
all exterior openings especially around trim, siding, doors, windows and
utility penetrations. (Spring and Fall) 4)
Exterior
Electrical- Verify
all exterior electrical is in safe operating condition. This includes overhead
and underground service lines. Keep all trees and vegetation cut back from
these service lines. (Spring and Fall) ROOFING 1)
Roof Inspection- Walk
the roof and inspect the systems often. Look for nail pops, loose or damaged
flashings, damaged or loose shingles. Look for premature wear of shingles.
Inspect for evidence off past intrusion, ponding water or ice dam evidence.
Check for soft spongy areas or sag in the ridge or rooflines. Watch for moss
growth and areas of wear due to the moss growth. (Spring and Fall) 2)
Chimneys and
Flues- Have
the chimneys and flues inspected annually. Look for cracks and deterioration of
flues, brick, stone, mortar and wood. Check the rain cap and chimney cap for damage
or rusting. Look for pest or animal intrusion and cracks. (Spring and Fall) 3)
Gutters and
Drainage- Gutters
and downspouts should be clean and free of debris, joints sealed, pitched
correctly and draining a minimum of 5 feet from the foundation and all
driveways, sideways, outbuildings, decks and patios. Any underground discharges
should be free and clear to drain and flushed periodically. If heat tapes are
present and used for ice and snow issues, check to make sure they are in safe
condition and won’t be a safety issue. (Quarterly) FOUNDATIONS (INTERIORS AND EXTERIORS) 1)
Steps and
Guardrails- All
steps and guardrails should be in safe operating condition. Secure loose rails,
replace rotted or damaged areas. (Annual) 2)
Walls and Floors- Inspect
walls for movement, settlement or deterioration. Verify the movement or
settlement is no different than the previous year or season. If movement is
present, check for the change in the structure. Look for water staining or
efflorescence that has changed. Check
floors for offset surfaces that have moved or deviated. Are there water stains
on the floor, dampness, standing water? Make
sure your dehumidifier is in good condition and is safe to operate. If it is
older than 7-8 years, it is time for a new one. (Annual) 3)
Beams and
Supports- Check
for movement, settlement, twisting or compression. Are all the components in
proper condition? (Annual) 4)
Crawlspaces- Check
that the crawlspace is dry, venting properly, and that the structural members
are in good condition. Are the vents open or closed at the proper time of the
year? Is there any pest or animal intrusion that needs correcting?
(Bi-annually) 5)
Interior
Drainage- Verify
the sump pump/Palmer valve are in good operating condition. Are the pipe
connections in good working order? Are the floor drains clear and draining?
(Spring and Fall) PLUMBING 1)
Test the waste
ejector pit for proper and smooth operation. (Bi-annual) 2)
Septic Systems- Inspect
and add treatment to septic if present. (Annual) 3)
Supply and
Drainage Systems- Look
over the supply and waste piping for your house. Check all valves and shut
offs. Look for corrosion or leaks. (Bi-annual) 4)
Pool Equipment- Check
all pool systems, liners, covers and heaters. Verify electrical is safe and
GFCI protected. (Spring) 5)
Water Heaters- Clean
and drain the water heater. Check for leaks and aging. Verify pressure relief
valve is operable. Is the unit sounding like popcorn? Hissing? These are signs
of a dirty or aging unit. Is the flue clear of debris, connected properly and venting
proper? (Quarterly) 6)
Fuel Supply
Lines- Check
all supply lines for leaks, kinks or deterioration. Any gas or oil smells?
(Annual) 7)
Dryer Vents- Clean
the dryer vent monthly. Look for holes or loose connections in the vent line,
especially if it is a gas unit. (Monthly) 8)
Interior
Fixtures- Check
all sinks, toilets, showers and tubs for leaks, drips or cracks in fixtures.
Caulk shower and sink areas, look for loose or missing grout or tiles, wall
damage. Secure any loose fixtures. Clean aerators and replace washers if
needed. Clean the exhaust fans. (Bi-annual) HEATING SYSTEMS 1)
Maintenance- Oil
blower fans or pumps if required. Inspect all pipes and ducts to see if they
are in good operational condition. Adjust dampers properly. Are covers on
properly? Check all safety valves. Verify the flues are in safe condition.
Clean or check filters monthly. (Monthly) 2)
Servicing- Have
the system serviced by a qualified heating contractor annually. (Fall) COOLING SYSTEMS 1)
Maintenance- Check
to make sure vegetation and encumbrances are at least 3 feet away from
exterior. Keep all drain lines clear. Listen for level of noise from unit. Look
for water stains and deterioration of the electrical lines and the line sets.
(Spring and Monthly) 2)
Servicing- Make
sure the system is serviced by a qualified contractor annually. (Spring) ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS 1)
Main Panel/Sub
Panel- Make
sure all breakers are operating. Look for any overheating/stress on the
breakers. Check to see that all covers and clamps are properly secured and
correct. (Annual) 2)
Interior Systems- Trip
all GFCI’s monthly. Inspect all switches, light fixtures and receptacles.
Replace or repair any damages, old fixtures or switches or tired receptacles.
(Monthly) 3)
Other Interiors- Clean
exhaust fans. Change burned out light bulbs. Inspect smoke detectors and carbon
monoxide detectors for proper operation. Check and inspect all extension cords
and plug in wires systems for safe condition. (Bi-annual) APPLIANCES 1)
Age- Are
the units past normal life expectancy or energy efficient? Conditions- Make
sure kitchen fan is clean. Move appliances and clean under them, also vacuum
motors and clean drip trays. Clean out garbage disposals. Be sure all
appliances are clean and in safe operating condition. (Annual) INTERIORS 1)
Steps and
railings- Check
for loose and unsecured steps or rails. (Annual) 2)
Flooring- Look
for loose carpet, floorings or seams. Check the tiling for cracks or damage.
Re-seal grout or repair damaged areas. (Annual) 3)
Walls and
Ceilings- Check
for water stains or damage. (Bi-annual) 4)
Windows and
Doors- Verify
the windows and doors close and operate properly. Do windows and doors close,
locks operate and seal? Are the thresholds and trim sealants caulked and
painted appropriately? (Bi-annual) 5)
Fire and Safety
Issues- Make
sure fire extinguishers, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are in safe
operating condition and proper operating order. (Monthly) FIREPLACES 1)
Inspections- Verify
unit is in safe operating order. (Annual) 2)
Servicing- INSPECT,
CLEAN AND SERVICE ANNUALLY. Adjust and clean gas units. (Annual) 3)
Maintenance- Clean
flues, lubricate dampers, and inspect flues and fireboxes. Check roof areas and
chimneys. Verify wood is dry and clear of insects. Keep appropriate clearances
of flammable materials. Clean the ashes out of the ash pits. (Monthly) ATTICS 1)
Inspections- Inspect
annually. Check all flues and chimneys. (Annual) 2)
Venting- Verify
vents are clean and clear of insulation, animal and insect intrusion. (Annual) 3)
Monitoring- Monitor
for animal or pest intrusion. Watch for water stains or light entering attic
where it shouldn’t be. Check to see if there is any frost build-up present.
(Annual) GARAGE SYSTEMS 1)
Foundation and
Walls- Monitor
for any movement, settlement or damage. (Annual) 2)
Attic- Check
for any water staining or damage. (Annual) 3)
Interior- Verify
that all combustibles are stored safely. (Monthly) 4)
Electric- Trip
GFCI receptacles. Replace burned out bulbs. (Monthly) 5)
Door Systems- Make
sure doors close properly. Verify that the overhead door auto reverse operates
correctly. (Bi-annual) |
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