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Download "Home Inspection Survival Guide"

Home Inspection Survival Guide

Download "Sellers Checklist"

Seller's Checklist

Download "Preparing for a Home Inspection"

Preparing for Home Inspection

 

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815-941-2345


Grounds and Yard

Spring

Fall

Annual

As Required

Drain outside water lines and hoses

X

X



Clean area wells, window wells, storm drains

X

X



Check driveways/sidewalks for cracks, yard for settlement and soil erosion

X




Check safety and reversing mechanism on electric garage doors, adjust if needed



X


Doors and Windows

Spring

Fall

Annual

As Required

Check doors, windows, and trim for finish failure

X




Check glazed openings for loose putty

X




Check for broken glass and damaged screens

X




Check and lubricate window hardware



X


Check weather-stripping for damage and tightness

X

X



Check caulking at doors, windows, all other openings and joints between dissimilar materials (i.e., wood and masonry)

X


X


Exterior Walls

Spring

Fall

Annual

As Required

Check masonry for cracks and loose joints

X




Check painted surfaces for paint failure

X




Check siding and trim for damage and decay

X




Roof

Spring

Fall

Annual

As Required

Check for damaged or loose shingles, blistered roofing

X




Check underside of roof, where accessible, for water stains or dampness

X




Check for damaged flashing

X




Check for damaged gutters, downspouts, hangers, strainers, and rust

X




Clean gutters and downspouts




X

Sweep debris from flat and low slope roofs



X


Evaluate roof for future replacement



X


Check vents, louvers, and chimney caps and housings for bird nests, etc.

X

X



Check fascia and soffit for paint failure and decay

X




Check antenna buy wires and supports



X


Check masonry chimneys

X


X


Interior Surfaces

Spring

Fall

Annual

As Required

Check all joints in ceramic tile, laminated plastic, and similar surfaces

X

X



Check grout around tubs, showers, and sinks

X

X



Floors

Spring

Fall

Annual

As Required

Check for wear and damage, particularly where one material meets another



X


Evaluate replacement or refinishing



X


Plumbing

Spring

Fall

Annual

As Required

Check flush valves, faucets, hose bibs, and supply and drainage piping, including those in basement and/or crawl space



X


Check septic tank




X

Check water heater



X


Electrical System

Spring

Fall

Annual

As Required

Check condition of lamp cords, extension cords, and plugs. Replace at first sign of wear or damage

X

X



Check exposed wiring for damage and missing insulation. Have a certified electrician repair. Exposed wiring on outside of building should be reported to your service utility



X


If fuses blow or breakers trip frequently, call an electrician to locate the cause and make repairs




X

If you feel a slight shock or tingling from touching any appliance, disconnect it and make repairs




X

Test ground fault circuit interrupters (GCFI’s)

X

X



Heating and Cooling System

Spring

Fall

Annual

As Required

Clean or change any air filters



X(min)


Clean dirt and dust from around furnace

X

X



Have heating and cooling system checked by a qualified service person



X


Remove window air conditioners for winter


X



Service humidifier and or dehumidifier



X


Foundations and Basement

Spring

Fall

Annual

As Required

Inspect for signs of termite infestation



X


Check grading to assure that water will drain away from foundation



X


Check basement or crawl space for dampness and/or leakage following wet weather



X