Checklist - Every 6 Months
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SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE
DETECTORS: |
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Change batteries and check to make sure they are
operating properly. |
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Check with your local building department to see
if newer codes recommend adding more smoke detectors than were required
when your home was built. |
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Also consider installing
a carbon monoxide detector if you don't currently have any. |
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BASEMENT AND FOUNDATION: |
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Check for cracks and moisture and hire
a pro to make any
necessary repairs. |
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TOILET: |
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Check for leaks in water feed, tank bottom and repair
or replace the toilet if necessary. |
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Consider changing older models for better. |
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INTERIOR CAULKING AND GROUT: |
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Inspect caulking and grout around tubs, showers, and
sinks; replace
if deteriorating. |
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PIPES: |
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Check your pipes for rust or white lime deposits
that may indicate a leak is starting - replace if necessary. |
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Check for leaking around the outside hose bibs.
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Install
insulation around outdoor water pipes to protect from freezing.
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WATER HEATER: |
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If you don't routinely flush a quart of water from
the tank four times a year, then every six months you should turn
off the power source and drain it completely until it's clear of sediment.
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Also inspect flue assembly (gas heater); check for
leaks and corrosion. |
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A leak usually means the bottom of the storage tank
has rusted through. You'll probably benefit from hiring
a pro to replace it with a more energy efficient model. |
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CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING
SYSTEMS: |
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At the beginning and end of each cooling season,
vacuum out the unit and lubricate the motor. |
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If the unit is not cooling properly, contact a technician
to check the pressure level of the refrigerant. |
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Arrange for service calls before the start of heating
and cooling season to get better attention and have more flexibility
when scheduling appointments. |
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GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS: |
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Clear/install/repair gutters and downspouts and
make sure the runoff is directed away from your home so it can't erode
the soil around the foundation or run into your basement or crawl
space. |
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Install gutter accessories to divert water, channel
underground drain lines into existing yard drainage or storm sewers,
or consider installing
a dry well at the end of the drainpipe to slowly distribute the
water to surrounding soil. |
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NATURAL STONE TILES AND
SOLID COUNTERTOPS: |
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Natural stone such as granite needs regular maintenance
every six months by sealing with an impregnating liquid silicon stone
sealer to help repel both water and oil based stains more effectively
and be much easier to clean with proper cleaning solutions and methods.
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Be very careful to wipe up spills immediately and
don't set things like olive oil bottles on natural stone materials
for any length of time. |
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INSPECT YOUR ROOF: |
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Check for warping, aging, moss, and cracking, making
sure that shingles, shakes or tiles are sound and repair or replace
as needed. Inspect the flashing around chimneys, skylights and vents.
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Seal cracks or openings where water could penetrate.
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If you see significant damage or wear, contact
a roofing specialist to give you a bid on a roof replacement.
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SIDING: |
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Inspect siding (especially on the south and storm
sides of the house) for evidence of deterioration, including cracks,
splintering, decay, and insect damage; clean, treat and repair as
needed. |
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Brick and stone: check joints between
wood and masonry. Waterproof,
repair or repoint if necessary. |
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Wood: look for lifting
or peeling paint, splitting wood or areas where the wood
grain is separating ("checking"). This is evidence that water
is getting into the siding. |
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Stucco: a chalky residue that rubs off
on your hand is evidence of oxidation, a deterioration of paint
or color coat that reduces stucco's insulating value. If the
stucco is cracked, this allows water to get in around windows
and doors. Hire
a professional to correct the problem. |
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Trim: look for peeling
paint on the fascia boards, window sills and sashes that
could allow water in to form mildew and fungus on the interior
of your home behind curtains, blinds and window coverings. |
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LANDSCAPING: |
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Cut back any trees or shrubs that touching the exterior.
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Prune deciduous and flowering shrubs regularly to
promoting healthy growth, control plant size and shape, and increase
the number of flowers and fruit. |
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Check with a local gardening service or your county
extension agent for information about appropriate measure in your
area for fertilizing, thatching, aerating and reseeding lawn, and
controlling disease and insects in all your landscaping. |
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Consider hiring
professional services to maintain and protect your investment
in your landscape. |
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DOORS AND WINDOWS: |
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Clean exterior of upper-story windows twice a year;
clean and lubricate sliding-glass-door tracks and window tracks. |
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Lubricate door hinges and locks. |
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Door
and window pros can take the burden off of you. |
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WEATHERSTRIPPING: |
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Check the weatherstripping around all doors and
windows and replace if necessary to reduce drafts and the loss of
heated and cooled air. |
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Make sure the weatherstripping on the door between
your garage and home is intact to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide
poisoning. |
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