Summer is almost here. Kids will be out of school soon. Here is a checklist that you can use and incorporate into your routine home maintenance plan for your house. They are broken up into seasons.

Annually:
Hire a home inspector to perform a home maintenance inspection as part of your routine home maintenance plan. Contact me at (832) 378-7622 or email me at [email protected].

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
• Replace all extension cords that have become brittle, worn or damaged
• Check your fire extinguishers
• Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air filter
• Review your fire escape plan with your family
• Repair all cracked, broken or uneven driveways and walks to help provide a level walking surface
• Check the shutoff valve at each plumbing fixture to make sure they function
• Clean clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper, and space under the dryer
• Inspect and clean dust from the covers of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

In the Summer:
• Check kids playing equipment
• Check your wood deck or concrete patio for deterioration
• Check the nightlights at the top and bottom of all stairs
• Check exterior siding
• Check all window and door locks
• Check your home for water leaks
• Check the water hoses on the clothes washer, refrigerator icemaker and dishwasher for cracks and bubbles

In the Fall:
• Check your home for water leaks
• Have a heating professional check your heating system every year Home Maintenance Checklist for the Seasons
• 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 bird nests from chimney flues and outdoor electrical fixtures
• Inspect and clean dust from the covers of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
• Make sure the caulking around doors and windows is adequate to reduce heat/cooling loss
• Make sure that the caulking around your bathroom fixtures is adequate to prevent water from seeping into the sub-flooring

In the Winter:
• Clean the gutters and downspouts
• Confirm firewood at least 20 feet away from your home
• Remove screens from windows and install storm windows
• Familiarize responsible family members with the gas main valve and other appliance valves
• Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper and space under the dryer
• Make sure all electrical holiday decorations have tight connections
• Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air filter
• Check the water hoses on the clothes washer, refrigerator icemaker and dishwasher for cracks and bubbles
• Check your water heater
• Test all AFCI and GFCI devices

Carlos Roca
Certus HomeInspections
2495 S. Mason Rd. #418
Katy, TX 77450
(832) 378-7622
[email protected]
www.CertusHomeInspections.com

Adapted from the home maintenance book by Ben Gromicko “Now that you’ve had a home inspection.”