The frequency of inspection and service given in the charts reflect the minimum amount of time and service your house and various household appliances will require. Items may need to be checked more often or at other times depending on the number of occupants, types of materials, local conditions, household pets, and other variables.
Grounds and yard |
Spring | Fall | Annually | As Required |
---|---|---|---|---|
Drain outside water lines and hoses. | ||||
Clean area wells, window wells, and storm drains. | ||||
Check driveways and sidewalks for cracks, yard for settlement and soil erosion. | ||||
Check safety and reversing mechanism on electric garage door operators, adjust if needed. |
Doors and Windows |
Spring | Fall | Annually | As Required |
---|---|---|---|---|
Check doors. windows, and trim for finish failure. | ||||
Check glazed openings for loose putty. | ||||
Check for broken glass and damaged screens. | ||||
Check and lubricate window hardware. | ||||
Check weatherstripping for damage and tightness of fit. | ||||
Check caulking at doors, windows, and all other openings and joints between dissimilar materials (like wood and masonry). |
Exterior walls |
Spring | Fall | Annually | As Required |
---|---|---|---|---|
Check masonry for cracks and loose joints. | ||||
Check painted suraces for paint failure. | ||||
Check siding and trim for damage and decay. |
Roof |
Spring | Fall | Annually | As Required |
---|---|---|---|---|
Check for damaged or loose shingles, blistered roofing. | ||||
Check underside of roof where accessible for water stains or dampness. | ||||
Check for damaged flashing. | ||||
Check for damaged gutters, downspouts, hangers, strainers, and rust. | ||||
Clean gutters and downspouts. | ||||
Sweep debris from flat and low slope roofs. | ||||
Evaluate roof for future replacement. | ||||
Check vents, louvers, and chimney caps and housing for birds nests, etc. | ||||
Check fascias and soffits for paint failure and decay. | ||||
Check antenna by wires and supports. | ||||
Check masonry chimneys. |
Interior Surfaces |
Spring | Fall | Annually | As Required |
---|---|---|---|---|
Check all joints in ceramis tile, laminated plastic, and similar surfaces. | ||||
Check grouting around tubs, showers, and sinks. |
Floors |
Spring | Fall | Annually | As Required |
---|---|---|---|---|
Check for wear and damage, particularly where one material meets another. | ||||
Evaluate for replacement or refinishing. |
Plumbing |
Spring | Fall | Annually | As Required |
---|---|---|---|---|
Check flush valves, faucets, hose bibs, and supply and drainage piping, including those in basement and/or crawlspace. | ||||
Check septic tank. | ||||
Check water heater. |
Electrical System |
Spring | Fall | Annually | As Required |
---|---|---|---|---|
Check condition of lamp cords, extension cords, and plugs. Replace at first sign of wear or damage. | ||||
Check exposed and overhead wiring for damage and missing insulation. Replace or repair as needed. | ||||
If fuses blow or trip frequently, or if you feel a slight shock or tingling, call an electrician to locate the causes and make repairs. | ||||
Test Ground Fault Circuit Interupters (GFCI’s). |
Foundations and Basements |
Spring | Fall | Annually | As Required |
---|---|---|---|---|
Inspect for signs of termite/pest infestation. | ||||
Check grading to assure that water will drain away from the foundation | ||||
Check basement or crawlspace for dampness and/or leakage following wet weather. |