Maintenance Advice
The following is a document that we provide to our
customers which contains information on maintaining your new
home. Please feel free to print this document for your own
use.
Upon Taking Ownership
After taking possession of a new home, there are some
maintenance and safety issues that should be addressed
immediately. The following checklist should help you undertake
these improvements:
-Change the locks on all exterior
entrances, for improved security.
-Check that all
windows and doors are secure. Improve window hardware as
necessary. Security rods can be added to sliding windows and
doors. Consideration could also be given to a security system.
-Install smoke detectors on each level of the home.
Ensure that there is a smoke detector outside all sleeping
areas. Replace batteries on any existing smoke detectors and
test them. Make a note to replace batteries again in one year.
-Create a plan of action in the event of a fire in
your home. Ensure that there is an operable window or door in
every room of the house. Consult with your local fire
department regarding fire safety issues and what to do in the
event of fire.
-Examine driveways and walkways for
trip hazards. Undertake repairs where necessary.
-Examine the interior of the home for trip hazards.
Loose or torn carpeting and flooring should be repaired.
-Undertake improvements to all stairways, decks,
porches and landings where there is a risk of falling or
stumbling.
-Review your home inspection report for any
items that require immediate improvement or further
investigation. Address these areas as required.
-Install rain caps and vermin screens on all chimney
flues, as necessary.
-Investigate the location of the
main shut-offs for the plumbing, heating and electrical
systems. If you attended the home inspection, these items
would have been pointed out to you.
Regular Maintenance
Every Month
-Check that fire extinguisher(s) are fully charged.
Re-charge if necessary.
-Examine heating/cooling air
filters and replace or clean as necessary.
-Inspect
and clean humidifiers and electronic air cleaners.
-If
the house has hot water heating, bleed radiator valves.
-Clean gutters and downspouts. Ensure that downspouts
are secure, and that the discharge of the downspouts is
appropriate. Remove debris from window wells.
-Carefully inspect the condition of shower enclosures.
Repair or replace deteriorated grout and caulk. Ensure that
water is not escaping the enclosure during showering. Check
below all plumbing fixtures for evidence of leakage.
-Repair or replace leaking faucets or shower heads.
-Secure loose toilets, or repair flush mechanisms that
become troublesome.
Spring and Fall
-Examine the roof for evidence of damage to roof
coverings, flashings and chimneys.
-Look in the attic
(if accessible) to ensure that roof vents are not obstructed.
Check for evidence of leakage, condensation or vermin
activity. Level out insulation if needed.
-Trim back
tree branches and shrubs to ensure that they are not in
contact with the house.
-Inspect the exterior walls
and foundation for evidence of damage, cracking or movement.
Watch for bird nests or other vermin or insect activity.
-Survey the basement and/or crawl space walls for
evidence of moisture seepage.
-Look at overhead wires
coming to the house. They should be secure and clear of trees
or other obstructions.
-Ensure that the grade of the
land around the house encourages water to flow away from the
foundation.
-Inspect all driveways, walkways, decks,
porches, and landscape components for evidence of
deterioration, movement or safety hazards.
-Clean
windows and test their operation. Improve caulking and
weather-stripping as necessary. Watch for evidence of rot in
wood window frames. Paint and repair window sills and frames
as necessary.
-Test all ground fault circuit
interrupter (GFCI) devices, as identified in the inspection
report.
-Shut off isolating valves for exterior hose
bibs in the fall, if below freezing temperatures are
anticipated.
-Test the Temperature and Pressure Relief
(TPR) Valve on water heaters.
-Inspect for evidence of
wood boring insect activity. Eliminate any wood/soil contact
around the perimeter of the home.
-Test the overhead
garage door opener, to ensure that the auto-reverse mechanism
is responding properly. Clean and lubricate hinges, rollers
and tracks on overhead doors.
-Replace or clean
exhaust hood filters.
-Clean, inspect and/or service
all appliances as per the manufacturer's recommendations.
Annually
-Replace smoke detector batteries.
-Have the
heating, cooling and water heater systems cleaned and
serviced.
-Have chimneys inspected and cleaned. Ensure
that rain caps and vermin screens are secure.
-Examine
the electrical panels, wiring and electrical components for
evidence of overheating. Ensure that all components are
secure. Flip the breakers on and off to ensure that they are
not sticky.
-If the house utilises a well, check and
service the pump and holding tank. Have the water quality
tested. If the property has a septic system, have the tank
inspected (and pumped as needed).
-If your home is in
an area prone to wood destroying insects (termites, carpenter
ants, etc.), have the home inspected by a licensed specialist.
Preventative treatments may be recommended in some cases.
Prevention Is The Best Approach
Although we've heard it many times, nothing could be
more true than the old cliché "an ounce of prevention is worth
a pound of cure." Preventative maintenance is the best way to
keep your house in great shape. It also reduces the risk of
unexpected repairs and improves the odds of selling your house
at fair market value, when the time comes. Please feel free to
contact our office should you have any questions regarding the
operation or maintenance of your home. Enjoy your
home!
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