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HouseMaster Home Inspections Homeowners Offers Tips for Fall Home Maintenance and Winter Savings
Fall Maintenance Checklist Helps Prepare Homes for Cold Weather
Bound Brook, N.J., (October 14, 2009)- HouseMaster, the first and one of the largest home inspection organizations in North America, offers homeowners a guide to fall maintenance to help home owners reduce potential repair costs, energy costs before the harsh winter sets in.
“Today’s homeowner is trying to take charge when it comes to home maintenance. To save money, they are looking to do more around the house on their own, and they are looking to learn more about what they can do to reduce energy costs and avoid or delay major repairs,” said Kathleen Kuhn, President of HouseMaster. “The harsh winter climate makes homes particularly susceptible to costly repairs. The fall is the best time to evaluate and prepare your home for the cooler weather, to maintain the home’s value and reduce energy costs.”
HouseMaster provides homeowners with a simple fall maintenance checklist to help even the “unhandy” ensure that all aspects of their homes are ready for the upcoming season. The checklist provides specific areas that are prone the affects of colder weather and should be maintained in preparation for the upcoming winter season.
GROUNDS
- Check window wells, dry wells and storm drains for debris or blockage.
- Repair any driveway cracks and/or heaved or settled walkways.
- Trim all trees and shrubs that are too close to the house.
- Check (ideally during a rainstorm) for rainwater drainage away foundation.
- Clean and put summer furnishings away.
- Drain and store garden hoses.
EXTERIOR SURFACES
- Check weather tightness of all exterior surfaces and components.
- Check for deterioration of painted or finished areas. If too late for a full paint job, prime and touch-up bare wood surfaces.
- Caulk and seal all joints in siding, around windows and doors.
- Check and seal any foundation cracks.
- Improve weather-stripping at exterior doors and windows as needed.
- Reset storms and screens where required.
- Look for any signs of insect or pest activity around the foundation and at wood components close to the ground.
ROOF (Use binoculars, view roof from windows or use a ladder. Hire a professional if needed)
- Check for loose, damaged or missing roofing.
- Check eave areas for signs of moisture build-up or damage.
- Check the condition of chimneys.
- Check flashings for signs of lifting or damage and repair as needed.
- Check and clean all gutters (eaves troughs) and downspouts.
ATTIC
- Check ventilation openings for nests or other blockage.
- Check the position and condition of insulation for uniform coverage.
- Look for any signs of excessive moisture or heat buildup.
INTERIOR ROOMS
- Check all areas for signs of roof or plumbing leakage.
- Have any fireplaces or wood stoves and flues checked and professionally cleaned.
- Reset automatic timers for the change in daylight hours.
- Check all smoke/carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries if over a year old.
- Test Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupters (GFCI’s) using built-in test buttons.
HEATING/COOLING SYSTEMS
- Clean all elements of the cooling system.
- Remove (or winterize) room air conditioners.
- Follow manufacturer instructions for the maintenance of your heating system.
- Change or clean heating system filters on warm air systems (now and regularly).
- Check heating and cooling systems for any evidence of water leaks.
- If present, clean and test the humidifier.
- Have your heating system serviced annually by a qualified heating serviceperson before the heating season to keep it functioning efficiently and properly.
PLUMBING
- Drain exterior water lines and open taps (in cold areas).
- Insulate water lines that are subject to freezing.
- Check the condition and temperature setting of the water heater. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the temperature setting.
- Check the plumbing system and fixtures for any evidence of water leaks or blocked drains.
- Confirm proper operation of any sump pumps and free flow of the drain line.
This checklist is only a guideline for maintenance. Contact a professional if you have specific questions regarding a certain situation.
About HouseMaster:
Headquartered in Bound Brook, N.J., HouseMaster is the oldest and one of the largest home inspection franchisors in North America. With more than 365 franchised areas throughout the U.S. and Canada, HouseMaster is the most respected name in home inspections. For 30 years, HouseMaster has built upon a foundation of solid leadership and innovation with a continued focus on delivering the highest quality service experience to their customers and providing HouseMaster franchisees the tools and support necessary to do so. Each HouseMaster franchise is an independently owned and operated business. HouseMaster is a registered trademark of DBR Franchising, LLC.
