Check interior and exterior faucets for leaks. Clean aerators. Replace washers if necessary.
Drains
Clean with baking soda. Pour water down unused drains.
Pipes
Inspect visible pipes for leaks.
Kitchen and bathroom cabinets
Check under and around for leaks.
Toilets
Check for stability and leaks.
Water heater
Check area around water heater for leaks. If you have hard water, drain 1-2 gallons water.
Interior
Wood cabinets and trim
Apply a wood protectant.
Interior doors
Lubricate hinges.
Garage door
Lubricate hardware. Inspect mechanism for free travel.
Window and door tracks
Check to see if weep holes are open. Clean out dirt and dust. Lubricate rollers and latches.
Basement or crawl space
Check for cracks or any sign of dampness or leaks. Check for any evidence of termites or wood-eating insects.
Ceramic tile
Check and clean grout.
Electrical and appliances
Heating and cooling systems
Clean and replace filters if necessary.
Kitchen exhaust fan
Remove and clean the filter. Clean accumulated grease deposits from the fan housing.
Refrigerator
Clean dust from top. Clean refrigerator drain pan. Clean and defrost freezer if necessary.
Dishwasher
Check for leaks.
Wiring, electrical cords, and plugs
Check for wear or damage. Replace if necessary.
Smoke detector
Test for proper operation and replace batteries if necessary.
GFI outlets
Test for proper operation.
Exterior
Foundation
Inspect visible areas, vents, and ducts for cracks, leaks, or blockages.
Landscaping
Check for proper drainage.
Concrete and asphalt
Clean oil and grease.
Fall
Plumbing
Plumbing shut-off valves
Inspect for proper operation.
Outside faucets
Drain.
Water heater
Flush out hot water to remove accumulated sediment.
Faucet aerators
Check for proper flow of water. If the flow is reduced, clean the aerator screens. During the first two months, the faucet aerators could require more frequent cleaning.
Interior
Attic
Examine for evidence of any leaks. Check insulation and remove or add if necessary. Check for evidence of birds, squirrels, raccoons, etc. Check for proper ventilation.
Countertops
Inspect for separations at sinks and backsplash. Recaulk where required.
Tiled areas
Inspect for loose or missing grout or caulking. Regrout or recaulk if necessary.
Shower doors/tub enclosures
Inspect for proper fit. Adjust if necessary. Inspect caulking and recaulk if necessary.
Weather stripping
Check caulking around windows and doors. Check window and door screens. Adjust or replace if necessary.
Sectional garage doors
Adjust the travel and tension.
Fireplace
Inspect flues. Clean if necessary. Inspect fireplace brick and mortar for cracks or damage.
Electrical and appliances
Heating system
Service heating system and heat pump.
Cooling system
Remove debris from around units and clean with garden hose. Remove window air conditioner or protect with weatherproof cover. Clean and replace filters if necessary.
Refrigerator coils
Clean.
Combustible appliances
Inspect and service if necessary.
Exterior
Roof
Check for leaks. Check for damaged, loose, or missing shingles. Check vents and louvers for birds, nests, squirrels, and insects. Check flashing around roof stacks, vents, and skylights for leaks.
Chimney
Clean and check for deteriorating bricks and mortar. Check for leaks. Check for birds, nests, squirrels, and insects.
Gutters and downspouts
Clean and check for leaks, misalignment, or damage.
Exterior walls
Check for deteriorating bricks and mortar. Check siding for damage or rot. Check painted surfaces for flaking.
Landscaping
Trim shrubbery around walls. Remove tree limbs, branches, or debris that can attract insects (no wood or shrubbery should be closer than 3 inches to your house). Maintain grading.
Concrete and asphalt
Check for cracks or deterioration. Reseal or repair if necessary.
Septic system
Examine septic system drain field for flooding and odor. Have tank pumped yearly.
Lawn and patio furniture
Clean and store or cover with weatherproof material.
Spring
Plumbing
Water heater
Flush out hot water to remove accumulated sediment.
Interior
Attic
Examine for evidence of any leaks. Check insulation and remove or add if necessary. Check for evidence of birds, squirrels, raccoons, etc. Check for proper ventilation.
Countertops
Inspect for separations at sinks and backsplash. Recaulk where required.
Tiled areas
Inspect for loose or missing grout or caulking. Regrout or recaulk if necessary.
Shower doors/tub enclosures
Inspect for proper fit. Adjust if necessary. Inspect caulking and recaulk if necessary.
Weather stripping
Check caulking around windows and doors. Check window and door screens. Adjust or replace if necessary.
Electrical and appliances
Heating and cooling system
General furnace inspection: Look for rust, scaling on heat exchanger, and proper flame color; note odd sounds or smells; and check condition of venting. Remove debris around units.
Circuit breakers
Exercise.
Refrigerator
Clean coils.
Exterior
Decks
Scrub mildewed areas and treat for water stains, mildew, and fungus.
Roof
Clean. Check for leaks. Check for damaged, loose or missing shingles. Check vents and louvers for birds, nests, squirrels, and insects. Check flashing around roof stacks, vents, and skylights for leaks.
Chimney
Clean and check for deteriorating bricks and mortar. Check for leaks. Check for birds, nests, squirrels, and insects.
Gutters and downspouts
Clean and check for leaks, misalignment, or damage.
Windows
Clean.
Exterior walls
Check for deteriorating bricks and mortar. Check siding for damage or rot. Check painted surfaces for flaking.
Landscaping
Trim shrubbery around walls. Remove tree limbs, branches, or debris that can attract insects (no wood or shrubbery should be closer than 3 inches to your house). Maintain grading.
Concrete and asphalt
Check for cracks or deterioration. Reseal or repair if necessary.
