Home Preventive Maintenance Check List
What Is Preventive Maintenance?
Preventive maintenance means: “take care of the little things before they become BIG PROBLEMS”! As a homeowner, you cannot afford to sit back and wait until something breaks before you address it.
INSIDE:
Take care of household appliances (stove, refrigerator, washer, dryer), and major heating, electrical and plumbing systems, so they continue to provide you with quality services. Follow Manufacturer’s guides for regular service and maintenance, and report problems immediately, while they are small.
OUTSIDE:
Pay close attention to the outside of your house and watch for roof and gutter problems. Slow wear and tear can lead to serious, expensive problems. For example, a small roof leak that is not repaired can cause ceiling beams to warp. That could lead to cracked ceilings and inner wall damage, and that could lead to cracked ceilings and inner wall damage, and that could lead to BIG PROBLEMS.
Below is a list of items we have provided to help you maintain your new home. The list below is not limited to everything needed to maintain your home just a helpful guide line. Of course as problems are identified it is recommended that they be corrected or fixed by the appropriate qualified contractor.
MONTHLY
Sink/Tub Stoppers and Drain Holes:
- Clean out Debris
Garbage Disposal:
- Flush with hot water and baking Note: Lemon and Lime peels will remove that stinky order.
Water Softener:
- Check water softener salt drum and replenish salt if necessary
Forced-Air Heating System:
- Change filters once a month if user’s manual recommends fiberglass filters
Extinguisher:
- Check that it’s fully charged; recharge or replace if If one in not installed recommend purchasing one for your home.
EVERY 2 MONTHS
Wall/Ceiling Registers:
- Clean HVAC grills
Range Hood:
- Clean grease filter
EVERY 3 MONTHS
Faucet:
- Clean aerator
Tub Drain Assembly:
- Clean out debris; inspect rubber seal and replace if needed
Floor and Outdoor Drain Grates:
- Clean out debris
EVERY 6 MONTHS
Smoke Detector:
- Test batteries and replace if needed
Toilet:
- Check for leaks and water run-on.
Interior Caulking:
- Inspect caulking around tubs, showers, and sinks; replace any if it is deteriorating
- All joints in ceramic tile, laminated plastic, and similar surfaces
Forced-Air Heating System:
- Change semi-annually if user’s manual recommends high efficiency pleated or HEPA-style filters
Garbage Disposal:
- Tighten drain connections and fasteners
Clothes Washer:
- Clean water inlet filters; check hoses and replace them if they are leaking
Clothes Dryer:
- Vacuum lint from ducts and surrounding area
Wiring:
- Check for frayed cords and wires; repair or replace them as needed
Range Hood:
- Wash fan blades and housing
EVERY SPRING
Roof:
- Inspect roof surface, flashing, eaves, and soffits; repair if needed
Gutters and Downspouts:
- Clean them out or install no-clean Inspect and repair weak areas; check for proper drainage and make repairs if needed.
Siding:
- Inspect and clean siding and repair if needed
Exterior Caulking:
- Inspect caulking and replace any that is deteriorating
Windowsills, Doorsills, Thresholds:
- Fill cracks, caulk edges, repaint; replace if needed
Window and Door Screens:
- Clean screening and repair or replace if needed; tighten or repair any loose or damaged frames and repaint if needed; replace broken, worn, or missing hardware; tighten and lubricate door hinges and closers.
Plumbing System:
- Inspection for Hoses for leaks
- Inspection for Water heater for leaks
- Inspection for Faucets for leaks
EVERY FALL
Gutters and Downspouts:
- Clean Inspect and repair weak points; check for proper slope.
Chimney or Stovepipe:
- Clean flue (more frequently if needed); repair any cracks in flue or any loose or crumbling
Thermostat:
- Clean heat sensor, contact points, and contacts; check accuracy and replace thermostat if it is not functioning
Ground and Yard:
- Drain outside waterline and hoses (disconnect hoses from sill-cocks).
Smoke Detectors:
- Check and replace Always replace batteries when you set your clocks back in the Fall.
Fences:
- Posts, gates and slats for deterioration
Roof:
- Inspect for Damaged, loose &/or bubbled shingles
- Attic for water stains or dampness
- Flashing damage (metal around chimney, vents, )
- Damaged gutters, downspouts, hangers, and splash boxes
- Low tree limbs brushing against roof
Exterior Walls:
- Inspect wall masonry for cracks and loose joints
- Painted surfaces for chipping and peeling
- Siding and trim for damage or decay
- All trim for tightness of fit
Doors and Windows:
- Doors, windows and trim for decay or rot
- Window glass for loose putty
- Windows and doors for broken glass and damaged screens
- Weather stripping for damage and tightness of of fit
- Caulk at doors, windows & all other openings & joints
- Clean window and door screens
- Lubricate window hardware