Home Owner Inspection List
Exterior: There are certain things on the exterior of your home that need to have regular maintenance.
Windows: all windowsills and molding seams should be kept caulked and painted.
Paint: Check paint annually- any split, cracked or peeling paint should be scraped off and repainted.
Caulk: Check caulking/ sealant annually- any split, cracked, or peeling caulk should be removed and new re-applied.
Doors: Keep door thresholds to moldings and jamb seams caulked and sealed.
Wall Cladding: Keep all shrubbery trimmed away from wall cladding.
Gutters: Keep gutters clear of all debris to allow water to not collect.
Down Spouts: Ensure all down spouts divert water away from the foundation by at least three feet.
Keeping caulking and paint in good condition are the front line weather barriers to a damage free exterior.
Plumbing: A plumbing leak can be one of the costliest if not caught early.
Check plumbing fixtures for leaks at visible connections, under sinks, at shower heads and faucet control valves.
Check and keep all toilet (water closets) secure to the floor.
Check water heaters periodically and drain about a gallon of water off the bottom of the tank twice year to remove sediment that can corrode and reduce the useful life of the water heater.
Be sure to maintain and periodically renew the caulk in bathrooms, especially around tubs or showers and the adjacent floor or walls due to lack of caulk. In bathrooms silicone sealant is recommended for caulking.
Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC): This is one of the most costly systems to repair within your home and should be serviced on a regular basis. You as the homeowner can do some simple things to help reduce maintenance costs.
Filters: The air filters are the easiest of all the things you can do for your HVAC system but are the one thing that most homeowners neglect. Checking and/or replacing them every 30 days will increase the longevity and efficiency of the unit. Consider using the newer high-density filters rather than the standard filters, which only trap large particles.
Out Door Condensing unit: This unit must remain clean and free of debris, this unit can be cleaned by the homeowner buy spraying the coils on a yearly basis to free dust buildup that can reduce airflow. Sometimes homeowners would rather not see this unit and plant bushes around it which is ok but they should be planted no closer than three feet to allow for proper airflow around the unit, also try to avoid blowing grass clippings into this unit while cutting your grass. Be careful when using the weed eater around this unit, you could damage the coils or even cut the control wires.
Condensate Drain Line: Your Air Conditioning system can remove up to seven gallons of moisture from your home everyday and that moisture must drain to the outside. Your system will have one or two lines that drain this and need to remain clear from debris and clogs.
Yearly Maintenance Program: Having a maintenance program is one of the best ways to keep your HVAC systems working properly. Have the system serviced before Spring and Fall seasons. This servicing can extend the longevity and performance of these systems and keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Roofing: A visual inspection from the ground or on a ladder of the roof can help identify possible water intrusion issues. You should check for torn, split, missing or damaged shingles. You should check for tree limbs that have landed on the roof that might have penetrated the roof structure. If you have access to the attic space you can also check for any damage from tree limbs or water intrusion.
Check flashing detail around roof penetrations such as chimneys, plumbing vents, exhaust vents and flues.
- Structural Elements.
Construction of walls, ceilings, floors, roof, crawlspaces and foundation. - Exterior Evaluation.
Wall covering, landscaping, grading, elevation, drainage, driveways, sidewalks, fascia, trim, doors, windows, lights and exterior receptacles. - Roof and Attic.
Framing, ventilation, type of roof construction, flashing and gutters. It does not include a guarantee of roof condition nor a roof certification. - Plumbing.
Identification of pipe materials used for potable, drain, waste and vent pipes, including condition. Toilets, showers, sink, faucets and traps. It does not include a sewer inspection. - Systems and Components.
Water heaters, furnaces, air conditioning, duct work, chimney, fireplace. - Electrical.
Main Panel, circuit breakers, types of wiring, grounding, exhaust fans, receptacles, ceiling fans and light fixtures. - Appliances.
Dishwasher, range and oven, built-in microwaves, garbage disposal and, yes, even smoke detectors. - Garage
Slab, walls, ceiling, vents, entry, firewall, garage door, openers, lights, receptacles, exterior, windows and roof.