Homeowner Maintenance

Home Owner Maintenance Checklist	Spring	Fall	As Needed
Grounds Maintenance
Keep soil and paved surfaces sloped away from the house	x		x
Fill and grade all sink holes or depressions that can collect water	x	x
Keep basement window wells, drywell drains, storm drains clear and functional	x	x
Keep soil in basement window well at least six inches below bottom of window	x		x
Soil should be kept at least six inches below siding whenever possible	x	x
Caulk all basement windows and consider plastic weather guards	x
Vines/Ivy should not be allowed to grow on exterior walls	x	x
Keep firewood away from house and/or garage	x	x	x
Drain underground sprinkler system before winter and turn off supply		x
Drain outside water lines and hose bibs before winter and turn off supply		x
Clean around sprinkler heads, turn on water and check system for proper operation	x
Repair all cracked or deteriorated paved surfaces and masonry structures	x
Seal asphalt driveway surface every two years	x
Inspect wood decks, fences, and stairways and repair as needed.	x
Roof and Roof Structures
Inspect sloped roofs and repair or replace any missing or damaged shingles	x		x
Inspect flat roofs for cracking and repair as needed. Joints require periodic sealing	x		x
Lifted, poorly fitting and damaged flashing must be repaired	x		x
Chimneys must be inspected and cleaned		x
Cracked mortar joints on chimney must be repointed		x
Joint between chimney and siding should be sealed	x
Gutters and downspouts must be cleaned	x	x
Direct all downspouts at least six feet away from house			x
Exterior Walls, Windows and Doors
All cracked, damaged, loose or missing shingles should be replaced	x		x
Mortar joints on brick siding should be checked for cracks and repointed as needed			x
Any deteriorated/damaged wood trim should be replaced			x
All wood trim/siding/framing should be properly sealed or painted			x
Check all windows/doors for proper caulking and replace as necessary	x		x
Keep garage door tracks/rollers properly lubricated			x
Basement and Crawlspace	Spring	Fall	As Needed
Check exterior walls for signs of moisture (white powder, discoloration)	x	x
If a sump pump is present, test periodically	x	x
Check exposed wood framing for termites, or termite shelter tubes	x
Electrical System
Check for loose connection or open/exposed wires			x
Install cover plate on any open switches/outlets/junction boxes			x
Inspect outside Service entrance cable for deterioration, replace if necessary	x		x
Label all circuit breakers at all panels			x
Trip all circuit breakers at least once per year	x
Plumbing System
Repair any leaks at sinks, faucets, shower heads and pipes/valves in basement			x
Repair bad flush mechanisms (toilets)			x
Keep tub/shower and sink drains clear and functioning			x
Inspect ceilings under bathrooms/kitchens for signs of leaks			x
Replace cracked/deteriorated grout and caulking in bathrooms			x
Perform cesspool/septic system inspection every few years			x
Heating and Electrical
System should be cleaned/inspected at beginning of each season (service contract)	x	x
Check boiler, all heat piping, radiators and valves for leaks. Repair as needed		x
Forced air heat systems should be balanced to ensure even temp throughout house		x
Interior Rooms and Attic
Repair cracks, holes, or nail pops in any plaster or sheetrock walls and repaint	x	x
Repair sagging or sticking doors, cabinets, drawers			x
Clean kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans of any dust or grime	x	x
Replace any worn caulking at moldings/bathrooms			x
Keep attic vents clear and screened for proper ventilation of roof structure	x	x
Check underside of roof covering for any signs of water intrusion	x	x
If you ever have any question regarding the maintenance of your home please do not hesitate to call Collin or Jim at Safe
Harbor Inspections. We can be reached at 631-291-3386 or 631-942-1422. We will be happy to help out in any way we can!
www.safeharborinspections.com – 631-275-8080 – 516-764-4076 – P.O. Box 623, Huntington, New York 11743