Checklist for the Seasons

Here are some checklists for you to follow to help you maintain your home properly. The tasks are categorized by season.

ANNUALLY

Call your InterNACHI® home inspector to perform a home maintenance inspection as part of your routine home maintenance plan.

IN THE SPRING

• Check for damage to your roof.
• Check all the fascia and trim for deterioration.
• Have a professional air conditioning contractor inspect and maintain your system as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Check your water heater for rust, leaks, and other issues.
• Check your home for water leaks.
• Replace all extension cords that have become brittle, worn or damaged.
• Check your fire extinguishers and replace, if necessary.

IN THE SUMMER

• Check your children’s backyard play equipment for safety issues.
• Check your wood deck or concrete patio for deterioration.
• Check the nightlights at the top and bottom of all stairways.
• Check the exterior siding.
• Check all window and door locks.
• Check the water hoses on the washing machine, refrigerator, icemaker, and dishwasher for cracks and bubbles.
• Devise and practice an emergency escape plan with your family.

IN THE FALL

• Check your home for water leaks.
• Have a heating professional check your heating system every year.
• Protect your home from frozen pipes.
• Run all gas-powered lawn equipment until the fuel is gone.
• Test your emergency generator.
• Have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean the flues and check your fireplace damper.
• Remove any birds’ nests from chimney flues and outdoor electrical fixtures.
• Clean off the covers and change the batteries in the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors/alarms.
• Blow out your lawn irrigation system.
• Clean the gutters and downspouts.
• Replace window screens with storm windows.

IN THE WINTER

• Make sure that the caulking or weatherstripping around the windows and doors is adequate in order to keep down your heating and cooling costs.
• Make sure any firewood stored outdoors is at least 20 feet away from your home’s foundation.
• Familiarize responsible family members with the location and operation of the main gas valve and other appliance valves.
• Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper, and the space under the dryer.
• Make sure all electrical holiday decorations have tight connections.
• Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air filter.
• Test all GFCI devices.
• Make sure that the caulking around your bathroom
• fixtures is adequate to prevent water from seeping
• into the sub-flooring.

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