Home Maintenance Advice from Armored Inspections

After moving into your new home, these are some maintenance and safety issues that should be dealt with immediately:

• Have the locks re-keyed
• Check the windows and make sure all the window hardware is functioning properly
• Install smoke detectors on each level of the home and outside sleeping areas. Check/replace all batteries in smoke detectors
• Have all chimneys inspected and serviced before operating any of the gas fireplace appliances
• Check the interior and exterior for tripping hazards
• Review your inspection report for any suggested upgrades to improve the safety of your property
• Every member of the family should know where to find the main shut-offs for the plumbing, heating, and electrical systems. Make sure the necessary tools are present for turning off the mains. Ex: a wrench for the gas meter
• Place at least one fire extinguisher in the kitchen
  

Monthly Maintenance

• Check to make sure the fire extinguishers are fully charged
• Check all the filters (air, fan, etc.) and replace or clean as needed
• Drain a few gallons off the hot water heater to remove sediments
• Clean refrigerator drain pan
• Clean dishwasher food filters
• Inspect the condition of the caulk and grout in bath and kitchen areas and repair as needed
• Check under all plumbing fixtures for leaks
• Repair or replace leaky faucets and shower heads
• Check to make sure toilets are not loose and are working properly
• Walk around the house exterior to check the general condition
• Set-up a pest control maintenance program with an exterminator
• Test smoke detectors
• Test and unclog slow-running drains
• Poor water down unused drains
  

Semi-Annually

• Examine the roof for damage, checking all flashings and vents
• Check the attic, looking for evidence of leaks and making sure that insulation is in it’s proper place
• Trim vegetation on the exterior of the house, making sure there is no contact with the house
• Check the irrigation, making sure no water is making contact with any exterior structure
• Check exterior foundation and brick walls looking for damage, such as cracks, which may show movement
• Check the grades around the house making sure that water will flow away from the structure
• Check for tripping hazards and repair as necessary
• Check for cracks in hard surfaces. It’s normal to see some cracks, but there should be no heaving or separations
• Check all caulking and weather-stripping and repair as needed
• Check all ground fault circuit interrupter devices
• Check the hot water heater’s temperature and pressure relief valves
• Test the garage door opener to ensure the auto-reverse mechanism is functioning properly
• Clean and lubricate the garage door hinges and roller
• Clean and seal any tile grout
• Clean ceiling fan blades
• Exercise (turn off and on) the plumbing shutoff valves
• Ensure flashlight has fresh batteries in case of emergency
  

Annually

Clean the gutters in the fall
Masonry walls should be checked for deteriorated brick and mortar
Stucco walls should be inspected for cracking and separating
Wooden walls should be checked for rotting, loose or damaged boards
Completely drain the hot water heater
Clean the tracks on horizontal sliding windows and doors to ensure the drain holes are clear
Install or re-secure door stops as needed
Check the condition of eaves and soffits. Repair and paint as needed
Replace smoke detector batteries
Have heating and cooling systems cleaned and serviced
Have the chimney inspected and cleaned
Look over the electrical panel. Check breakers, making sure they are secure and look for burnt insulation on wires
Inspect and touch-up exterior paint
Clean the heating ducts, grill and registers