Home Maintenance Checklist
When You First Move In:
q Change the locks on all exterior doors. This is an easy do it yourself project. You can purchase packaged locks from a reliable manufacturer, such as Schlage, with matching keys. Look on the packages for a lock sequence number and find other packages with the same number. The keys will match.
q Change smoke alarm batteries. If the units are more than ten years old, replace them. Make sure that you have one in each bedroom, one within five feet of every bedroom door in the hall, one at the top of the stairs and one in common areas on other floors. As an example most four bedroom houses have at least seven units, depending on slab length
q Install a CO detector on each living level.
q Create your emergency plans. Learn where your hospital ER is located. Plan your fire evacuation route. Plan any evacuation or shelter in place requirements for hurricane .
q Review your home inspection report for any items that require immediate improvement or further investigation. Address these areas as required.
q Familiarize your family with the main shut-offs for the plumbing, heating and electrical systems.
q Place a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and one other location.
every month
q Replace any standard one inch air filters.
q Test GFCIs
q Test Smoke Alarms.
Quarterly
q Replace any four inch air filters.
q Trim Vegetation from contact with the house and roof.
q Check perimeter of foundation for termite tubes
q Clean gutters.
q Run a manual sprinkler cycle and watch each zone operate. Repair broken heads, make sure it is watering where you want it and not watering the home.
spring
q Have the AC serviced.
q Examine the roof for evidence of damage to roof coverings, flashings and chimneys.
q Check attic mechanicals for leaks, proper connections and any obvious mechanical issues.
q 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.
q Replace or clean exhaust hood filters.
q Tighten fasteners on the attic full down stairs.
q Check the exterior siding and trim for damage. Re-caulk joints as needed.
q Re-caulk window frames as needed.
Fall
q Have the Heating system serviced.
q Examine the roof for evidence of damage to roof coverings, flashings and chimneys.
q Check attic mechanicals for leaks, proper connections and any obvious mechanical issues.
q 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.
q Replace or clean exhaust hood filters.
annually
q Replace smoke detector batteries.
q Have the home inspected by a licensed pest control contractor.
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