What to Include in a Yearly Home Maintenance Checkup
Inside
- Test smoke and CO detectors; note their ages.
- Check caulk at tubs, showers and sinks.
- Look under sinks for slow leaks.
- Check toilets for running and rocking.
- Test doors and locks; tighten hinges and strikes.
- Check the HVAC filter.
Outside
- Look at gutters and downspouts.
- Check deck boards and railings.
- Check fence and gate hardware.
- Look at exterior caulk around windows and doors.
Mechanical
- Look at the water heater for rust and leaks; note the age.
- Check the dryer vent for lint buildup.
Fix Small, Quote Big
Small fixes, such as a loose hinge or a dead detector battery, get done during the visit. Bigger items become follow-ups with a quote.
Put It on the Checklist
Make the checkup a service with a consistent checklist so every tech does it the same way.
Keep Reading
Next in this series: Selling Spring and Fall Gutter Cleaning Plans. Before that came Why Every Handyman Should Sell a Maintenance Plan. For the full picture, go back to the home maintenance plans overview.
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