Annual Checklist: The Trouble Free Home

Americans have a love-hate relationship with their homes.  We love our homes and property.  We hate the maintenance and repairs.  The best way to avoid problems with your home is to go through our annual checklist to make sure everything is working properly.  Is it fun?  No.  Will it keep you from being surprised by a problem at midnight on Thanksgiving?  Probably.  The annual checklist will also keep small issues from becoming big problems.  That window that hasn’t been caulked in twenty years might just decide to leak this fall, damaging drywall, insulation, and flooring.  Something as simple as a $4 caulk tube and ten minutes of your time can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in repairs.

Attached is the annual checklist I have created from years of building and repairing homes.  If you put down the cell phone and remote control, you should be able to go through this inspection in less than an hour.  Let us know if you see any items that would be helpful to add.  If you’re building a home and want a few builder secrets for easy home repairs, check out this post.

Our Annual Checklist:

Basement:

¨ Check furnace filter – should be changed a minimum of every 3 months

¨ Clean out sump pit – will clog/damage pump

For tips on preventing moisture in your basement check this video out.

¨ Hot water heater – flush tank per manufacturer recommendations

¨ Inspect all pipes for drips/leaks (To prevent condensation)

¨ Check walls and floor for moisture – should do this during/after every heavy rain event

¨ Check window wells are cleared of debris – a clogged drain can flood your basement

¨ Humidifier – check for proper operation – turn off in spring – don’t run with air conditioner

¨ Remove insulation @ rim joist – look for signs of moisture

 

Exterior:

 

¨ Grade – make sure you still have positive grade away from foundation

¨ Grade/mulch – be sure to keep all mulch and topsoil away from siding and wood products

¨ Check to make sure trees or shrubs are not in contact with your home

¨ A/C – make sure it is level and check for any debris – leaves, grass clippings…clean

¨ Furnace (gas powered exhaust vents) – check for obstructions or anything blocking the vent

¨ Review all penetrations through siding (or brick/stone, etc.) – these should be sealed up

¨ Brick areas – check to make sure the weep holes have not been covered by mulch or dirt.

¨ Check all caulk for gaps or cracking – if so, remove and re-caulk (35 Year Minimum)

¨ Downspouts – make sure downspouts are still functioning and directing water as intended

¨ Gutters – check to make sure these are clean and functioning properly.

¨ Roof – visually inspect for any blown off shingles

¨ Siding – visually inspect for any blown off siding

¨ Check operation of hose bib/sill locks – remove hoses in fall

¨ Check yard for any low areas – fill as needed

¨ Check all bath and dryer vents are free from obstruction

¨ Asphalt driveway – check your driveway for cracking

 

¨ Concrete – seal cracks with a waterproof concrete caulk

¨ Check for any settled areas under concrete – fill under these with stone

¨ Deck – check your treated wood deck to make sure the sealer is still protecting it

¨ Inspect painted surfaces – keeping wood sealed will prevent early deterioration

¨ Check sprinkler heads do not hit house

 

Interior:

 

¨ Inspect all ceilings and walls and at windows – look for evidence of moisture

¨ Check windows are caulked tight to drywall or trim

¨ Check all HVAC supply and returns are unobstructed by furniture

¨ Fireplace – open flue and visually inspect for animals & soot buildup

¨ Overhead garage door – check moving parts for proper operation

¨ Review all sinks, tubs, showers – make sure caulk is intact

¨ Fiberglass tubs/showers – Tip:  car wax on walls slows down soap buildup.

¨ Faucets – run all faucets – if the flow is abnormal, remove the aerator and clean

¨ Check under all sinks for any drips

¨ Check all toilets to make sure the flapper is sealing properly

¨ Remove the panel under dishwasher and look for any drips

¨ Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors

¨ Clean range hood filter

¨ Check laundry/dryer vent is free of lint buildup

¨ Granite countertops – seal your granite every 6 months to keep from staining

¨ Sliding glass doors/windows – keep the tracks clean & apply silicone

– Check behind refrigerator for leaks from icemaker water line

 

Attic:

 

¨ Look for any animals/birds/insects

¨ Look for any evidence of water/moisture (dark wood or water stains)

¨ Check baffles at eves are functioning – insulation should not block air flow

¨ Check loose fill is still at proper depth – air currents can move loose insulation.  R-value for cellulose loose fill  insulation is 3.7 per inch.  So, ten inches of insulation is equal to an R-37.

Use this annual checklist and you will be well on your way to a trouble free home.  If you would like a free, clean copy with check boxes, let us know at info@armchairbuilder.com.

 

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