PRIORITY MAINTENANCE FOR HOME OWNERS

There are so many home maintenance and repair items that are important, it can be confusing trying to establish which are the most critical. To simplify things, we have compiled a short list of our favorites. These are by no means all-inclusive, nor do they replace any of the information in a home inspection report. Any items reported as safety issues on your home inspection report need immediate attention.

ONE-TIME TASKS FOR NEW OWNERS

1. Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, usually
   one on each level.
2. Make any electrical improvements recommeded in the home inspection report.
3. Remove any wood/soil contact to prevent rot and insect damage.
4. Change the locks or re-key on all doors.
5. Check the temperature gauge on your hot water tank.  To be safe,
   turn the gauge back to a lower temperature (below 120 degree F).
   Water temperatures of 120 degree F or higher can cause burns.
6. Have all chimneys inspected and serviced before operating any
   of these appliances.
7. Locate and mark the shut-offs for the heating, electrical and
   plumbing systems.
8. Read "Wet Basement" in this home page.

BEFORE GOING ON HOLIDAY:

1. Before going on holiday, we recommend shut off water supply
   system but DONOT SHUT OFF HEATING nor ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS.  
   Arrange someone to check your home at least every other day.

REGULAR MAINTENANCE ITEMS

A house represents a hug investment.  Routine maintenance and
inspection can prolong the useful life of the parts and systems 
of the house and can catch problems before they turn into major,
costly repair jobs.

ROOFING:
1. Check for and repair/replace damaged chimney, shinlges,
   gutters, downspouts, caulking and flashing materials 
   twice a year.
2. Clean the gutters in the spring and fall.
3. Cut back tree limbs growing on or over roof annually.

Picture: Extend the downspout along the lower roof will extend its useful life

EXTERIOR:
1. Check and seal any open joints at windows, doors, and all other 
   openings and joints between dissimilar materials twice a year.
2. Check wall surface, windows, doors, fascias and soffits for  
   paint flaking, leakage and decay twice a year.
3. Check siding, shingles and trim for damage, looseness, warping
  and decay periodically.
4. Cut back trees and shrubs from the house walls etc. annually.
5. Check grading to assure that water will drain away from the  
   house. 
6. Check driveways and sidewalks for cracks.
7. Check safety and reversing mechanism on electric garage door 
   operators, adjust if needed monthly.


FOUNDATION AND BASEMENT:
1. Inspect for signs of termite infestation.
2. Check basement or crawl space for dampness and/or leakage
   following wet weather.


ELECTRICAL:
1. Every six months, trip all circuit breakers, including the main
   breaker.  Failure to maintain these breakers could result in an
   inability to trip them in an emergency.
2. Check condition of exposed wiring, extension cords and plugs
   periodically.  Replace at first sign of wear and damage.
3. Test Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters monthly.


PLUMBING:
1. Check the bathtub and shower caulking, grout joints monthly.
2. Shut off and drain outdoor water faucets in the fall.

HEATING & COOLING:
1. Check and clean furnace filters, humidifiers monthly.  The
   blower, blower motor should be oiled twice a year unless they
   have sealed bearings.  The manufacurer's manual will show how
   much and what type of oil to use. 
2. Have heating and cooling system checked by a qualified
   serviceperson annually.


ATTIC:  
1. Check attic for evidence of leaks and condensation and make sure
   vents are not obstructed, at least twice a year.