Here’s a quick seasonal checklist for your home.
- Check water heater & shutoff valves. Check water heater for leaks and corrosion. Make sure valves at each plumbing fixture function properly. If not, replace it now before you need it.
- Inspect and clean dust from the covers of your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace the batteries while you’re at it.
- Check electrical outlets. Correct loose fittings and overloads. Replace any extension cords / power strips that have become brittle, worn or damaged. Frayed wires can cause fires.
- Check your fire extinguishers and review your fire escape plan with your family. Yes, you should have fire extinguishers in your kitchen and garage + upstairs if you have a 2nd floor. Make sure it is filled and ready for operation.
- Have your air conditioning system inspected by a professional. Change the filters, replace deteriorated insulation on return lines, and trim weeds and bushes around the air conditioning unit outside.
- Clean and adjust ceiling fans. Reverse rotation.
- Check & replace light bulbs. Verify that light fixtures have the wattage recommended by the manufacturer.
- Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct and space around and under the dryer. Remove all lint, dust and pieces of material.
- Check doors and windows – lubricate, re-weather strip as needed.
- Flush garbage disposal with hot water and baking soda.
- Power outdoor equipment – change oil, lubricate, replace spark plugs, fuel and air filters; check batteries, blades and tires. make sure all oil and gas is stored in a vented, locked area.
- Outside – Weed, seed, fertilize or de-thatch lawn. Remove deadfall or dead trees and trim foliage away from roof & utility wires. Check and repair fencing.
- Check for roof damage. Do so from the roof top AND the attic.
- Clean, repair, reattach gutters and downspouts as necessary and make sure all have splash blocks.
- Check all siding, soffit, and fascia for deterioration. Wood elements should be checked for fungal and insect infestation. Inspect all caulked joints, particularly around window and door trim.
- Repair all cracked, broken or uneven driveways decks, patios, and walkways to help provide a level walking surface. Small cracks can get worse with time.
- Schedule your Annual Home Inspection. Call Sherlock Home Inspections
Annual Home Inspections Gaining Popularity Throughout Florida
Home ownership is a great experience, and home maintenance is a great responsibility. As time moves on, parts of your house will wear out, break down, deteriorate, leak or simply stop working.
Many homeowners have realized that a serious problem caught early, can often be corrected inexpensively to protect both life and property. However, most issues do not present themselves under normal operating conditions until they become major problems.
Owners of older homes can benefit even more from a home inspector who will recommend improvements in safety, stability, energy efficiency, etc. based on today’s standards, rather than living with the minimum requirements set forth in building codes that were in place at the time of original construction.
Your home is one of the largest investments that you will make in your lifetime. So why should it be inspected less often than your vehicle?
Call Sherlock Home Inspections today to schedule your Annual Home Inspection