Home Safety and Maintenance Tips

Preventive maintenance is the best way to keep your house in great shape and reduce long-term costs. Good maintenance will save you time and expense by preventing small problems from becoming major concerns. It also reduces the risk of unexpected repairs and improves the odds of selling your home at fair market value, when the time comes.

Perhaps this list looks long, but most items can be done in only a few minutes. Keeping a notebook of reminders and the history of maintenance and repairs is a good idea.

Upon taking ownership

Change the locks on all exterior entrances, for improved security
Review your home inspection report for any items that require immediate improvement or further investigation. Address these areas as required.
Install smoke detectors on each level of the home. Ensure that there is a smoke detector outside all sleeping areas. Replace batteries on any existing smoke detectors and test them. Make a note to replace batteries again in one year or sooner as needed. Older existing smoke detectors should be replaced with new units.
Install carbon monoxide detectors to manufacturer=s directions. Maintain batteries as with smoke detectors
Investigate the location of the main shut-offs for the plumbing, heating and electrical systems. If you attended the home inspection, these items would have been pointed out to you.
Create a plan of action in the event of a fire in your home. Ensure that there is an operable window or door in every room of the house.
Check that all windows and doors are secure. Improve window hardware as necessary. Security rods can be added to sliding windows and doors. Consideration could also be given to a security system.
Examine driveways and walkways for trip hazards. Undertake repairs where necessary.
Examine the interior of the home for trip hazards. Loose or torn carpeting and flooring should be repaired
Undertake improvements to all stairways, decks, porches and landings where there is a risk of falling or stumbling.
Review your home inspection report for any items that require immediate improvement or further investigation. Address these areas as required.
Install rain caps and vermin screens on all chimney flues, as necessary.
Know the location of the electric service panel: Check that breakers/fuses are marked to correspond to rooms or appliances they serve. Keep a supply of fuses on hand (if your panel uses them).
Check that address numbers are visible from street.

Monthly Maintenance

Check that fire extinguisher(s) are fully charged. Re-charge if necessary.
Examine heating/cooling air filters and replace or clean as necessary. Write filter size on furnace for convenience
Inspect and clean humidifiers and electronic air cleaners.
Clean gutters and down spouts. Ensure that down spouts are secure, and that the discharge of the down spouts is appropriate. Remove debris from window wells.
Inspect clothes dryer vents. Remove any accumulated lint. Check that lid is tight.
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 and Fall

Examine the roof for evidence of damage to roof coverings, flashings and chimneys. Use binoculars and/or look from the neighbor=s upper floor windows.
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. Check window hold open devices (sash cords), replace if broken. 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.
Clean leaves and other debris from around air conditioner unit. (Turn power off first).
Test all ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) devices, at sinks and exterior.
Check weatherproof covers on exposed outlets, fixtures and switches.
Shut off isolating valves for exterior hose bibs in the fall, if below freezing temperatures are anticipated. Remove hose from bibs.
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. Remove and scrub with brush and sudsy water and rinse. Or run through dishwasher. Dry thoroughly before replacing.
Clean, inspect and/or service all appliances as per the manufacturer=s recommendations.
Flush floor drains with a pail of water.
Be sure closet lights are not close to flammable items (clothing or plastics).
Check caulking around tubs, showers etc. Check tile joints. Check for water damage under all bathrooms.

Annually

Replace smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector batteries.
Have the heating and cooling systems cleaned and serviced and safety checked. Water heater could also be professionally inspected.
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 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.

Periodic as needed

If the property has a septic system, have the tank inspected (and pumped as needed).

Prevention is the best approach! Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions regarding the operation or maintenance of your home. Enjoy your home!