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Prelisting Inspections
There are so many home maintenance and repair items that are important,
it can be confusing trying to establish which
are the most critical. To simplify things, we
have compiled a short list of our favorites. These
are by no means all-inclusive, nor do they replace
any of the information in a home inspection report.
They should, however, help you get started on
the right foot. Remember, any items marked as
priority or safety issues on your home inspection
report need immediate attention.
ONE TIME TASKS
- Install smoke detectors as necessary (usually
one on each level of the home, near any sleeping
areas).
- Make any electrical improvements recommended
in the home inspection report.
- Remove any wood/soil contact to prevent rot
and insect damage.
- Change the locks on all doors.
- Remove or correct trip hazards such as broken
or uneven walks, patios and driveways. Loose or
torn carpet or flooring should also be repaired
promptly.
- Correct unsafe stairways and landings. (Treads
uneven, too narrow, sloped, loose; risers irregular
or too high; landings missing, poorly lit or too
small; railings missing, loose, too low, et cetera).
- Have all chimneys inspected and serviced before
operating any of these appliances.
- Locate and mark the shut-offs for the heating,
electrical and plumbing systems.
- If there is a septic system, have the tank
inspected, and pumped if necessary. If the house
is on a private water supply (well), set up a
regular testing procedure for check-ing water
quality.
- If the house has a basement or crawl space,
read Section 10.0, Basement Leakage in the Interior
Section of the Home Reference Book.
REGULAR MAINTENANCE ITEMS
- Clean the gutters in the spring and fall.
- Check for damaged roofing and flashing materials
twice a year.
- Cut back trees and shrubs from the house walls,
roof and air conditioning system as needed.
- Clean the tracks on horizontal sliding windows
annually, and ensure the drain holes are clear.
- Test ground fault circuit interrupters using
the test button, monthly.
- Service furnace or boiler yearly.
- Check furnace filters, humidifiers and electronic
air cleaners monthly.
- Check the bathtub and shower caulking monthly
and improve promptly as needed.
- If you are in a climate where freezing occurs,
shut off outdoor water faucets in the fall.
- Install and re-secure door stops as needed.
- Check attics for evidence of leaks and condensation
and make sure vents are not
- obstructed, at least twice a year. (Provide
access into all attics and crawl spaces.)
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Long term Care
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Protect your home. How to keep your home more safer.
Learn more
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