Home Maintenance: What should be your priority?

Home Maintenance: What should be your priority?

Home maintenance can involve a long list of repairs, seasonal tasks and safety checks. The best approach is to deal with conditions that affect safety, moisture control and the durability of the home first, then address routine maintenance items before they develop into larger problems.

The following checklist provides a practical starting point for homeowners. It does not replace recommendations contained in a professional home inspection report, and conditions identified as safety concerns or priority repairs should generally receive prompt attention.

Priority Safety Items

• Install and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in appropriate locations according to manufacturer instructions and applicable local requirements.
• Address significant electrical concerns identified during an inspection and have questionable electrical work evaluated by a qualified electrician.
• Repair loose or missing guards and handrails, unsafe stairs and significant trip hazards.
• Have fireplaces, wood stoves and chimneys inspected and serviced where appropriate before regular use.
• Know the locations of the main electrical disconnect, water shut-off and heating-system controls.
• Keep combustible materials away from heating equipment and other heat-producing appliances.

Moisture and Drainage Priorities

Water management is one of the most important parts of protecting a home. Small drainage or leakage problems can contribute to deterioration when left unattended.

• Clean gutters and roof drainage components as needed, particularly in spring and fall.
• Direct downspout discharge away from the foundation where practical.
• Maintain positive grading around the home so surface water drains away from the foundation.
• Monitor basements and crawlspaces for signs of moisture, leakage or elevated humidity.
• Repair deteriorated exterior sealants around windows, doors and wall penetrations.
• Check plumbing fixtures, supply connections and visible piping periodically for leakage.

Roof and Exterior Maintenance

• Review accessible roofing areas periodically for damaged, missing or deteriorated materials.
• Keep tree branches and vegetation from contacting roofing and exterior wall surfaces.
• Monitor siding, brick, trim, fascia and other exterior materials for deterioration or movement.
• Maintain decks, porches, stairs and guards and repair loose or deteriorated components.
• Keep soil, mulch and landscaping materials from being placed excessively high against exterior walls.

Heating, Cooling and Ventilation

• Replace or clean furnace and HVAC filters according to equipment and manufacturer requirements.
• Have heating and cooling equipment serviced at appropriate intervals.
• Keep supply and return-air registers unobstructed.
• Confirm bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans discharge outdoors and remain operational.
• Keep exterior air-conditioning equipment reasonably clear of vegetation and debris.
• Maintain suitable indoor humidity to help reduce condensation and moisture concerns.

Attic and Insulation

• Monitor accessible attic areas for roof leakage, condensation, staining or damaged materials.
• Keep soffit and roof ventilation openings unobstructed.
• Reposition displaced insulation where practical without blocking ventilation pathways.
• Maintain weatherstripping and insulation around attic access hatches.

Electrical and Plumbing Maintenance

• Test accessible GFCI receptacles using their test buttons periodically.
• Replace damaged receptacle covers, switches and other accessible electrical components as necessary.
• Monitor water heaters and plumbing equipment for leakage or corrosion.
• Maintain exterior hose faucets and protect plumbing from freezing where required.
• Know where the main water shut-off valve is located before an emergency occurs.

Private Wells and Septic Systems

Homes served by private water or septic systems require additional maintenance. Water quality should be tested at appropriate intervals, and septic systems should be maintained and pumped based on system condition, household use and professional recommendations.

When a Professional Inspection May Help

A professional home inspection can be useful when visible conditions have changed, maintenance has been deferred, renovations have been completed, significant moisture or cracking has developed, or you simply want a broader assessment of the accessible systems and components of the home.

Learn more about our home inspection services or get an inspection quote for your property.

Call 819-962-5880 or email info@inspec-pro.ca.