Maintenance Checklist - After Move-In Checklist

1. Bathrooms and Main Floors – Apply grout sealer to ceramic tile grout if you wish to give the grout additional protection against discoloration from spills and stains.
   
   
2. Electric – Locate the main circuit breaker in the electric panel box and show family members how to turn it off in case of emergency.
   
   
3. Duplicate Keys – Have these made and keep them in a convenient place. Consider hiding one or giving one to a neighbor in the event of loss or lockout.
   
   
4. Fire Extinguisher – Purchase a general-purpose fire extinguisher for each floor of the home, plus one small kitchen extinguisher in case of grease fires. Demonstrate proper usage to family members in case of an emergency.
   
   
5. First Aid Kit – Keep first aid materials and a book on first aid procedures in an accessible location.
   
   
6. Flooring – Attach furniture protectors underneath furniture legs to protect floor finishes.
   
   
7. Windows – Purchase shades or blinds for all windows to protect flooring or furniture from excess sun. Do not apply reflective film to dual glass windows. This can cause heat build-up and the glass can crack.
   
   
8. Household Tools – Put together or purchase a basic tool kit to help you with normal home maintenance chores. We recommend the following tools be included: pliers, adjustable wrench, flat-blade and Phillips-head screwdrivers in various sizes, claw hammer, hand saw, tape measure, caulk and caulking gun, putty knife, paint roller, brush and pan, power drill and drill bits, assorted nails, brads, screws, nuts, bolts, sandpaper, utility knife, toilet plunger, flashlight and batteries, and rolls of electrical, duct, and masking tape.
   
   
9. Plumbing – Locate the main water line shut-off valve and all individual plumbing fixtures valves and show all family members how o close them in case of a plumbing emergency.
   
   
10. Emergency Numbers – See “Introduction” Section for important numbers.

Every Month Checklist

1. Air Conditioning and Heating – Check air filters and clean or replace as necessary. Vacuum the air supply and air return registers to remove dust and lint.
   
   
2. Aluminum Surfaces – Clean aluminum metal surfaces of windows, screens and patio doors, with warm, clear water. Apply silicone lubricant.
   
   
3. Fire Extinguishers – Check fire extinguishers to ensure that they are fully charged.
   
   
4. Garbage Disposal – Clean disposal blades by grinding ice cubes. Freshen with baking soda and by grinding up citrus fruit rinds.
   
   
5. Interior Caulking – Check for cracks or separations in caulking around sinks, bathtubs, toilets, faucets, countertops and back splashes, ceramic floors, window sills, and any other areas caulked by your builder. To repair these areas, use an appropriate caulking compound to fill in cracks and wipe away excess.
   
   
6. Range Hood Fan – Check kitchen range exhaust hood filters and clean or replace dirty filter. To clean, turn clips, remove filter, soak in warm sudsy water, rinse, dry and replace.
   
   
7. Smoke Detectors – Test all smoke detectors by pushing button for beep. Replace batteries as needed. Clean and or vacuum monthly.
   
   
8. Electric – Test all GFCI outlets monthly. The red button should be out, and the black button is the test button. Check electrical extension and appliance cords. Replace frayed or split cords.
   
   
9. Sump Pump – Test to make sure it is working properly.
   
   
10. Cabinets – Apply a lemon oil based protection product.
    
    
11. Plumbing – Check under kitchen and bathroom cabinets for leaks. Check the area around the hot water heater for leaks.
    
    
12. Fences - Inspect iron fencing for rust spots and standing water around fence posts. Sand and touch-up rust spots promptly. Fill in spots where water may be standing around fence posts.
    
    

1. Air Conditioning System – Have HVAC contractor perform seasonal maintenance check-up. Ensure that air supply registers are not blocked by rugs, draperies and/or furniture.
   
   
2. Appliances – Oil motors of appliances as directed in instruction manuals.
   
   
3. Humidifier - Clean moisture pad.
   
   
4. Sump Pump - Inspect and clean if necessary.
   
   
5. Doors – Check screws on door lock set and hardware and tighten as necessary. Lubricate bi-fold and by-pass doors as necessary. Clean sliding door track and apply silicone spray to tracks as necessary. (Be sure to protect adjacent flooring from spray as it may discolor.)
   
   
6. Garage Doors – Grease and oil garage door rollers. Use lightweight oil on chain-driven operator; apply 3-in-1 oil on garage door hinges.
   
   
7. Exterior Finishes – Check for cracks and voids in exterior caulking and re-caulk as necessary. Inspect the exterior of your home for cracked or peeling paint. Repair and repaint if necessary. Southern and western exposures are more susceptible to cracking and peeling. Repair and paint before water and ice can get into the wood and cause more extensive damage.
   
   
8. Plumbing – check water supply lines and valves to sinks and toilets. Tighten if loose or leaking. Clean out faucet aerators, spray nozzles and drains. Check pipes and drains for water leakage.
   
   
9. Roofing – Visually inspect roof from ground for broken tiles or shingles and gaps in flashing. Contact Roofing Contractor should repairs be required. Check and clean gutters and down spouts, if installed.
   
   
10. Gutters – Clean debris from gutters every six (6) months and after storms.
    
    
11. Windows – Check sills for caulking cracks or separations and re-caulk as necessary. Check weather stripping around windows and repair or replace as necessary. Check windows for smooth opening and closing operation. Clean tracks and lubricate as necessary, using silicone spray. Inspect window screens and repair or replace as necessary.
    
    
12. Shower Doors and Tub Enclosures – Inspect for proper fit. Adjust if necessary. Inspect caulking and re-caulk if necessary.
    
    
13. Fireplace – Clean glass front of fireplace with glass cleaner or vinegar applied with crumpled newspaper.
    
    
14. Outside Faucets – Drain outside faucets.
    
    
15. Sprinkler System – Don’t forget to winterize.

1. Heating and Air Conditioning System – Have HVAC Contractor perform annual maintenance check-up.
   
   
2. Attic – Check attic vents to ensure that soffit vents are not blocked with insulation and move insulation back to its original location if there are voices on the attic floor. Check inside attic for signs of roof leaks. Be extremely careful not to damage or disturb electrical wiring or plumbing pipes that may be in the attic.
   
   
3. Cabinets – Check drawers and hinges for proper alignment. Tighten and adjust as needed.
   
   
4. Doors – Check and repair or replace weather stripping on exterior doors as necessary. Check and tighten door hardware and lubricate as necessary. Tighten all bolts on garage door.
   
   
5. Fireplace – Have fireplace and venting system inspected by a qualified service professional. Clean inside; see “Fireplace” in this section.
   
   
6. Grout – You may want to consider sealing the grout once a year. See “Grout” in this section.
   
   
7. Exterior – Check the condition of the putty, caulking, and exterior paint on an annual basis.
   
   
8. Electrical – Check cords and plugs of all electrical appliances for wear. If necessary, have them repaired or replaced.
   
   
9. Shower – Check for voids in shower grout and caulking.
   
   
10. Smoke Detectors – Replace the batteries every year, even if the unit tests okay. The unit will test okay even when the batteries may only have a few days of charge left in them.

1. Notify Police Department of departure to let them know who has access to your home and to provide them with emergency contact information. Your local police department will also be able to provide tips on how to secure your home and discourage burglars while you are away.
   
   
2. Hot Water Heater. Drain the heater. Then follow shut-down instructions in manual. Or, if you prefer not to drain the heater, simply reduce the temperature.
   
   
3. Thermostat. It is recommended that you leave your thermostat at 60º in the winter and 85º in the summer.
   
   
4. Dishwasher. Close door. DO NOT LATCH OR LOCK IN POSITION. Close all drains, which will help to eliminate any sewer gases from coming back up into home due to lack of use.
   
   
5. Refrigerator/Ice Maker. Turn off water. This will eliminate water to ice maker so there is not a build-up of ice cubes.
   
   
6. Garbage Disposal. After the last of the water is run, pour 1/2 – 3/4 cup of salad oil in disposal. This will keep blades lubricated and handle what little moisture there always is on the bottom and thus prevent rusting.
   
   
7. Garbage. Make sure to empty all waste cans and the trash compactor, if you have one.
   
   
8. Appliances. Unplug all other appliances in the house, such as microwave, and especially the TV’s. This will protect your appliances in case of a lightning strike.
   
   
9. Computers. Consider backing up all computers, then shut down. Unplug the computers, or make sure the power strip is turned off.
   
   
10. Automatic Garage Door Opener. The switch should be in the OFF position.