Maintenance Advice
UPON TAKING OWNERSHIP
After taking possession of a
new home, there are some maintenance and safety issues that should be
addressed immediately. The following checklist should help you
undertake these improvements.
·
Change the locks on all exterior
entrances for improved security.
·
Check that all windows and doors are
secure. Improve window hardware as necessary. Security rods can be
added to sliding windows and doors. Consideration could also be given
to a new security system.
·
Install smoke detectors on each level
of the home. Ensure that there is a smoke detector outside all sleeping
areas. Replace batteries on any existing smoke alarms.
·
Examine the driveways and walkways for
trip hazards. Undertake repairs where necessary.
·
Examine the interior of the home for
trip hazards. Loose or torn carpeting and flooring should be repaired.
·
Undertake improvements to all
stairways, decks, porches and landings where there is a risk of falling
or stumbling.
·
Review your home inspection report for
any items that require immediate improvement or further investigation.
Address these areas as required.
·
Install rain caps and vermin screens on
all chimney flues as necessary.
·
Investigate the location of the main
shut offs for the plumbing, heating and electrical systems. If you
attended the home inspection, these items would have been pointed out to
you.
REGULAR
MAINTENANCE
Every Month
·
Check that fire extinguishers are fully
charged. Re-charge if necessary.
·
Examine the heating/cooling air filters
and replace or clean as necessary.
·
Inspect and clean humidifiers and
electronic air cleaners.
·
If the house has hot water heating,
bleed radiator valves.
·
Carefully inspect the condition of
shower enclosures. Repair or replace deteriorated grout and caulk.
Ensure that water is not escaping the enclosure during showering.
Check below all plumbing fixtures for evidence of leakage.
·
Repair or replace leaking faucets or
shower heads.
·
Secure loose toilets, or repair flush
mechanism that become troublesome.
·
Clean gutters and downspouts. Ensure
that downspouts are secure, and that the discharge of the downspouts is
appropriate. Remove debris from window wells.
Spring and Fall
·
Examine the roof for evidence of damage
to roof coverings, flashing and chimneys.
·
Look in the attic (if accessible) to
ensure that roof vents are not obstructed. Check for evidence of leakage,
condensation or vermin activity. Level out insulation if needed.
·
Trim back tree branches and shrubs to
ensure that they are not in contact with the house.
·
Inspect the exterior walls and foundation
for evidence of damage, cracking or movement. Watch for bird nests or
other vermin or insect activity.
·
Survey the basement and/or crawl space
walls for evidence of moisture seepage.
·
Look at overhead wires coming to the
house. They should be secure and clear of trees or other obstructions.
·
Ensure that the grade of the land around
the house encourages water to flow away from the foundation.
·
Inspect all driveways, walkways, decks,
porches, and landscape components for evidence of deterioration, movement
or safety hazards.
·
Clean windows and test their operation.
Improve caulking and weather-stripping as necessary. Watch for evidence
of rot in wood window frames. Paint and repair windowsills and frames as
necessary.
·
Test all ground fault circuit
interrupters (GFCI) devices, as identified in the inspection report.
·
Shut off isolating valves for exterior
hose bibs in the fall if below freezing temperatures are anticipated.
·
Test the Temperate and Pressure Relief (TPR)
valve on water heaters.
·
Test the overhead garage door opener to
ensure that the auto-reverse mechanism is responding properly. Clean and
lubricate hinges, rollers and tracks on overhead doors.
·
Replace or clean exhaust hood filters.
·
Clean, inspect and/or service all
appliances as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Annually
·
Replace smoke detector batteries.
·
Have the heating, cooling and water
heater system cleaned and serviced.
·
Have chimneys inspected and cleaned.
Ensure that rain caps and vermin screens are secure.
·
Examine the electrical panels, wiring and
electrical components for evidence of overheating. Ensure that all
components are secure. Flip the breakers on and off to ensure that they
are not sticky.
·
If the house utilizes a well, check and
service the pump and holding tank. Have the water quality tested. If the
property has a septic system, have the tank inspected (and pumped as
needed).
PREVENTON IS THE BEST APPROACH
Although we’ve heard it many
times, nothing could be more true that the old cliché “an ounce of
prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Preventative maintenance is the
best way to keep your house in great shape. It also reduces the risk of
unexpected repairs and improves the odds of selling your house at fair
market value.
Please feel free to contact us
should you have any questions regarding the operation or maintenance of
your home.