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Homeowner tips 

We often get busy with our lives and forget about the routine home maintenance. Keeping up with our home maintenance will extend the life of our home, minimize unexpected breakdowns, and help prevent unexpected costly replacements. Committing these 5 to 10 minutes weekly can eliminate future frustrations and help us save on our spending. 

TO DO: MONTHLY 

  • Check furnace filter and replace as needed.

  • Check water softener and add salt as needed.

  • Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

  • Test your GFCI outlets. 

  • Check gauge and expiration on fire extinguishers.

  • Check any other filters like fridge water filter, central vacuum filter, range hood filter, and water system filters.

  • Add water to any in floor drains which can dry and release unpleasant gasses.   

TO DO: SEASONALLY (EVERY 3 MONTHS)

  • Inspect caulking for deterioration throughout home but specifically around sinks, showers, bath tubs.

  • Check dryer vent for lint and clean as needed.

  • Inspect roofing for any missing, loose, or damaged pieces and look out for any leaks. 

  • Check for any signs of leaks around water heater, under sinks, around toilets, check hose bibs, around windows. 

  • Check for any pests around home including mice, birds, bees, ants. 

  • Oil any moving parts like door hinges, garage door rollers, chain. 

TO DO: YEARLY 

  • Contact HVAC system professional for inspection before using heating or air-conditioning.

  • Have fireplace inspected by professional before using - typically in fall. 

  • Clean your gutters typically before winter. 

  • Check around the foundation for any depressions and fill in so water does not trap near foundation. 

  • Clean refrigerant coils by pulling out your fridge and using a vacuum and brush.

  • Check the attic and crawlspace for any pests, leaks, and unusual activity.  

  • Power wash the exterior of home. Clean all window screens. 

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TO DO: 2 - 5 YEARS 

  • Consider professional cleaning of heating ducts from dust and dirt. 

  • Refinish deck or renew any sealant on tile grout. 

  • Touch up any paint, replace caulking, and fix or replace any weather stripping around windows and doors. 

  • Consider painting the exterior of home siding, deck, trims.

  • Conduct a full home walk through and make note of the age of various appliances or items reaching end of life like the water heater, HVAC system, kitchen appliances, garage door opener, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, roof, deck, windows. It is a good homeowner practice to make a list of items needing replacement and being able to budget for it. 

  • What are red flags on home inspection report?
    There can be many red flags on the home inspection report but generally the big items are mold, old roof, grading and drainage issues, foundation cracks, HVAC system problems, leaks, electrical wiring issues, poor insulation, and safety concerns.
  • How long it takes to do home inspection in Illinois?
    Home inspector will typically spend 3-4 hours inspecting a home.
  • Why is home inspection important?
    Home inspection is important so that a home inspector can identify and report on major concerns and defects present in the home. Home inspection is a chance for the full home walk through and a chance to learn about the home like where to shut off gas, water, electricity, and determine the age of a heating unit, AC unit, and many more.
  • What happens if my home tests positive for radon gas?
    Homeowner can hire a qualified radon mitigation contractor to install a mitigation system. Each installation can vary in complexity but typically costs between $1000 to $2000.
  • What fixes are required after home inspection?
    The seller of the home is not required to fix everything on the inspection report. An inspection report is an official document presenting the current condition of the home, helping the sellers and the buyers navigate through their negotiations.
  • When should I test for Radon gas?
    The best time to test for radon is during the purchase of your home, when cracks in slab are visible, or anytime is good for homes which have not been tested in a long time. Its typically recommended every 2-3 years.
  • What does a home inspector look for?
    A home inspection is a visual assessment of the current home condition. Inspectors look for thousands of different issues but generally they will evaluate the condition of roof, plumbing, electrical, structural, exterior building walls, interior rooms, HVAC systems, insultation, attic, crawlspace. Home inspector will categorize findings into safety concerns, critical repairs needed, recommended repairs, and things needing further attention.
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