• Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for proper operation. (on a weekly basis)
  
• Check that fire extinguisher(s) are fully charged. Re-charge if necessary.
  
• Examine heating/cooling air filters and replace or clean on a regular basis..
  
• For houses with hot water heating, bleed the radiator valves.
  
• Clean gutters, downspouts, and extensions. Ensure that downspouts and extensions are secure.
  
• Secure loose toilets, and repair any faulty or troublesome flush mechanisms.
• Inspect the condition of bathtub and/or shower enclosure. Repair any deteriorated grout and caulk. Check below all plumbing fixtures for evidence of any leakage.
  
• Examine driveways and walkways for trip hazards. Undertake repairs where necessary.
  
• Undertake improvements to all stairways, decks, porches and landings where there is a risk of falling or stumbling.
  

ANNUALLY

• Replace smoke detector batteries.
  
• Have chimneys inspected and cleaned. Ensure that rain caps and vermin screens are secure.
• If the house utilizes 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).
  
• 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 your house is in an area prone to wood destroying insects (carpenter ants, etc.), have the home inspected by a licensed specialist. Preventative treatments may be recommended in some cases.
  

FALL AND WINTER

• Examine the roof for evidence of damage to roof coverings, flashings and chimneys.
  
• Inspect the alignment of gutters, downspouts, and splash blocks to make sure that water is diverted appropriately away from your
  home.
  
• Look at overhead wires coming to the house. They should be secure and clear of trees or other obstructions.
  
• Sprinkler systems should be professionally winterized.
  
• 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.
  
• Survey the basement and/or crawl space walls for evidence of moisture seepage.
• Examine the exterior slope around the house for any ground settlement. A possitive slope should always be maintained around the homes foundation.
  
• Close any open foundation vents so as to prevent freezing of any plumbing piping inside the crawl space area.
  
• Close all opened storm windows.
  
• 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 windowsills and frames as necessary.
  
• Test all ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) devices.
  
• Shut off isolating valves for exterior hose bibs and disconnect any exterior hoses when below freezing temperatures are anticipated.
  After turning off the interior shut off, open the exterior hose bib so as to drain off any trapped water inside the line.
• Check for and eliminate any wood/soil contact around the perimeter of the home.
  
• Test the overhead garage door opener(s), to ensure that the auto-reverse mechanism is responding properly. Clean and lubricate
  hinges, rollers and tracks on overhead doors.
  
• Look in the attic (if accessible) to ensure that roof vents are not obstructed (nests, etc.). Check for evidence of leakage, condensation or vermin activity. Level out insulation if needed.
  
• Replace or clean exhaust hood filters.
  
• Clean, inspect and/or service all appliances as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
  
• Open drain valve on water heater so as to drain sediment from bottom of tank.
  
• Clean dryer vent duct to remove any lint or obstruction.
  
• Turn on your heating system for a trial run and replace filters.
  
• Have the heating system cleaned and serviced, including any humidifiers and electronic air cleaning units.
  
• Adjust HVAC registers for heating.