Sebring Home Inspection

Here are some helpful Fall and Winter seasonal maintenance tips to keep your home in great shape. These tips are important when for keeping up with maintenance items or if a future sale is in mind. A well maintained home keeps your future costs down and minimizes problems. To be done correctly, this should take you about an hour to complete the walk through of your home. Unfortunately, this will just start your list of things to do around your home.

? Check furnace filter monthly, replace when dirty.

? Inspect and repair caulking in sinks, tubs, showers, thresholds, walls, windows, and other interior areas as needed

? Check the fireplace. Open the damper of the chimney before first use, look for debris build up and consider having fireplace chimneys cleaned.

? Clean all kitchen and bath cabinets and paneling

? Look under all sinks for signs of leaking, make repairs as needed

? Test fire/ smoke alarms, Carbon Monoxide detectors (Now is a Great time to change batteries or replace if over 7 years old)

? Examine and repair/replace (if needed) weather stripping on exterior doors and windows – reduce energy costs

? Examine and repair bath tile grouting or vinyl flooring, if needed, to prevent moisture damage

? Lubricate and adjust locks, hinges and latches

? Examine window locks for proper operation and repair as needed

• Examine and repair any caulking at the windows – weatherization and insect control
• Close the chimney damper to keep cool air conditioning inside your home
• Clean and wax/oil cabinets to protect the finish
• Examine and repair/replace (if needed) weather stripping on exterior doors and windows – reduce energy costs
• Examine and repair bath tile grouting or vinyl flooring, if needed, to prevent moisture damage
• Lubricate and adjust locks, hinges and latches
• Examine window locks for proper operation and repair as needed
• Adjust registers (balance flow) for cooling
• Lubricate garage door roller shafts (not tracks) and tighten bolts
• Examine cabinets, drawers, and hinges for proper alignment – tighten and adjust as necessary
• Clean dryer vent duct and damper to remove any lint or obstructions (Fire hazard)
• Have your a/c or heat pump, and/or evaporative cooler cleaned and serviced by a qualified technician
• Replace filters on your furnace a/c unit
• Look under all sinks for signs of leaking, make repairs as needed
• Test fire/ smoke alarms, Carbon Monoxide detectors (Change batteries or replace as needed)
• Consider having fireplace chimneys cleaned early

? Check that gutters and downspouts are securely attached and free of damage and that they direct water at least 4 feet away from the foundation.

? Check outside faucets and hoses for leaks, disconnect hoses, as needed turn off from inside home and drain .

? Rinse off A/C compressor/condensing unit coil to remove dirt and plant debris

? Lower or install storm windows if needed

? Examine and repair caulking of the windows, siding, and trim (to prevent water, dust, dirt and insects from entering your home)

? Examine paint on siding, trim, and doors (paint is essential for protection and appearance) Clean and remove debris from gutters if present, check underground drains and surface splash blocks to be sure they carry the water away from the house

? Examine roof for loose, cracked, or missing shingles/slates. Repair as necessary to prevent leaks and costly repairs.

? Trim trees and shrubs away from home, and A/C, including roof (12 inches is recommended minimum clearance)

? Check yard grading to be sure it slopes away from the home and there are no low spots (1 inch per foot away from home for 3 to 5 feet)

? Check drains in yard, garage and driveway, open or clean as needed

• Examine and repair caulking of the windows, siding, and trim (to prevent water, dust, dirt and insects from entering your home) Examine paint on siding, trim, and doors (paint is essential for protection and appearance)
• Clean and remove debris from gutters if present, check underground drains and surface splash blocks to be sure they carry the water away from the house
• Examine roof for loose, cracked, or missing shingles/slates. Repair as necessary to prevent leaks and costly repairs.
• Trim trees and shrubs away from home, including roof (12 inches is recommended minimum clearance)
• Check yard grading to be sure it slopes away from the home and there are no low spots (1 inch per foot away from home for 3 to 5 feet)
• Check yard, garage and driveway drains, open or clean as needed
• Check window screens, repair or replace as needed