Home Maintenance Guide
Preventative maintenance is always the best approach to reducing repair costs and keeping your home in good condition. It reduces unexpected repairs and improves the chance of selling your home quicker with fewer items to repair when the home is inspected. Below is a simple guide to home maintenance. This same guide will also be found attached to every inspection report issued by Home Run Inspection Specialists.
BEFORE YOU MOVE IN:
- Change the locks on all doors and install locks on fence gates. It is impossible to determine how many individuals had access to your home prior to your ownership.
- Check that all windows and doors are secure. Replace latches/locks that are loose or broken.
- Installing a security system is highly recommended to ensure the safety of your family.
- Install smoke detectors in areas that do not already have them. Every bedroom should have one inside and outside of the room. There should also be one on every level of the home.
- Carbon monoxide detectors are recommended where gas appliances are located. It is also recommended to have fire extinguishers in these areas.
- Plan a fire escape plan for the family in the event of an emergency.
MONTHLY:
- Check or replace A/C filters
- Clean return air grill and all A/C vents
- Add a mixture of ½ cup bleach and ½ cup water to A/C drain line.
- Check all fire extinguishers are fully charged and recharge if needed.
- Visual Inspection of all aspects of the structure (Exterior Walls, Foundation, Roof and Interior Walls, Floors & Ceilings, Attics)
- Clean/Replace exhaust hood filters.
- Inspect and clean seals on all appliances.
- Replace any burned out light bulbs.
- Remove grade (dirt) or mulch from contact with siding. Preferably 6 or more inches of clearance is recommended from bottom of
wall to top ofsoil .
SEMI-ANNUAL:
- Clean Gutters and downspouts. Ensure all downspouts are secure and that splash blocks divert water away from the structure. Seal all seems and ends of gutters.
- Replace smoke detector batteries. Clean detectors and ensure they are free of dust before reassembling.
- Inspect roof, flashings, Chimney for damage. Look in Attic areas to ensure roof and soffit vents are not blocked. Look for evidence of leaks, condensation or vermin activity.
- Trim trees and shrubs away from the structure.
- Clean outside A/C unit. Spraying the condensing coils (fins on the outdoor unit) with a water hose will easily remove any leaves or grass clippings that may reduce the efficiency of the unit.
- Caulk all openings in siding joints.
- Caulk all windows both inside and out. Replace damaged trim and window sills. Paint as necessary.
- Protect exterior hose bibs from freezing and wrap all pipes.
- Test garage door opener to ensure auto reverse works properly.
- Inspect for any wood destroying inspects and treat or have treated as necessary.
- Inspect weather stripping around doors and windows and replace as needed.
- Test all GFCI & AFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter & Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters) & replace defective outlets/breakers.
- Roofing should be inspected for damaged, loose or missing shingles. All flashings should be checked and any exposed nail heads should be caulked.
ANNUALLY:
- A walk around the entire structure both inside and out is recommended. This is done to look for anything that may have changed over the past year. Special attention should be paid to any major signs of settling and any area that would allow water to enter the structure.
- Seal all shower enclosure and bathtub cracks. Check for leaks and seal all corners, cracks, and plumbing fixtures to prevent future water damage.
- A/C and Heating systems should be evaluated, serviced, and repaired as necessary.
- Chimneys should be checked for blockage and cleaned.
- If a septic system and/or a well is installed, then a service and inspection should be performed.
- Test TPR valves on water heaters.
- Replace or repair damaged window and door screens.
- Repair or replace leaking faucets & shower heads.
- Even out Insulation in attic spaces and add more if necessary.
- Visually inspect foundation for major cracks. Also look for cracks in exterior and interior walls and/or on floors and ceilings inside the home. If any cracks appear, have a professional foundation specialist further evaluate the structure.
- Remove tree roots that are too close to the foundation.
Contact Us to Schedule an Inspection or Other Work
Home Inspection Disclosure
Our team of inspectors are employed by Home Run Home & Commercial Services, LLC – d.b.a. Home Run Inspection Specialists, a construction company specializing in residential contracting and repairs. Pursuant to section 535.220(e) (6) of the Texas Administration Code, “[The] inspector shall not accept employment to repair, replace, maintain or upgrade systems or components of [a] property covered by the Standards of Practice under this sub-chapter on which the inspector has performed an inspection under a real estate contract, lease, or exchange of real property within 12 months of the date of the inspection.” This is to ensure that the inspection performed on the date listed above is not confused as a “hard sale” of any products or services but is instead an education on the condition of the property at a period in time.