Check driveways and sidewalks for cracks, yard
for settlement and soil erosion
x
Check safety and reversing mechanism on electric
garage door openers, adjust if needed
x
Doors and
Windows
Spring
Fall
1x/Yr
Check doors, windows, and trim for finish failure
x
Check glazed openings for loose putty
x
Check for broken glass and damaged screens
x
Check and lubricate window hardware
x
Check weather stripping for damage and tightness of
fit
x
x
Check caulking at doors, windows, and all other openings and
joints between dissimilar materials (like wood and masonry)
x
Exterior
Walls
Spring
Check masonry for cracks and loose joints
x
Check painted surfaces for paint failure
x
Check siding and trim for damage and decay
x
Roof
Spr
Fall
1x/Yr
As
Needed
Check for damaged or loose shingles, blistered
roofing
x
Check underside of roof where accessible for water stains or
dampness
x
Check for damaged flashing
x
Check for damaged gutters, downspouts, hangers, strainers,
and rust
x
Clean gutters and downspouts
x
Sweep debris from flat and low slope roofs
x
Evaluate roof for future replacement
x
Check vents, louvers, chimney caps and housings for bird
nests, etc.
x
x
Check fascias and soffits for paint failure and
decay
x
Check antenna by wires and supports
x
Check masonry chimneys
x
Interior
Surfaces
Spring
Fall
Check all joints in ceramic tile, laminated plastic, and
similar surfaces
x
x
Check grouting around tubs, showers and sinks
x
x
Floors
Annually
Check for wear and damage, particularly where one material
meets another
x
Evaluate for replacement or refinishing
x
Plumbing
Annual
As
Needed
Check flush valves, faucets, hose bibs, and supply and
drainage piping, including those in basement and/or crawl space
x
Check septic tank
x
Check water heater
x
Electrical
Systems
Spr
Fall
1x/Yr
As
Needed
Check condition of lamp cords, extension cords, and
plugs. Replace at first sign of wear or damage
x
x
Check exposed and overhead wiring for damage and missing
insulation. Replace or repair as needed
x
If fuses blow or breakers trip frequently, call an
electrician to locate the cause and make repairs
x
If you feel a slight shock or tingling from touching any
appliance, disconnect it and make repairs
x
Test ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI's)
x
x
Joe Schmalz, President
FREEReport:
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