Check the roof for loose shingles.
American humorist Kin Hubbard once noted that "the fellow that owns his own home is always just coming out of a hardware store." That homeowner should use a house repair checklist to help him plan and prioritize his home repair projects. Keeping up with your house repairs helps maintain the value of your home. Grab a clipboard and a pencil, and start on the outside of the house in the daytime. Does this Spark an idea?
Exterior
Inspect the siding and trim around your doors and windows. Make a note of any air gaps around the perimeter that need to be caulked. Large cracks could mean that high winds or an earthquake have damaged the house or that the foundation has shifted. See that gutters are clean and securely attached. Check painted surfaces, especially on the south and west sides, for loose or peeling paint. Make a note of any overgrown shrubs or plants growing too close to the house.
Interior
Look closely at the ceiling of every room, looking for stains or swollen drywall that may indicate a leaking roof. Look for mildew and peeling paint, especially in the bathroom where these problems are signs of excessive moisture. Check stair railings and grab bars to ensure they are securely fastened to walls. In the bathroom, see if the toilet is shaky or loose, and check for dripping faucets. Inspect the walls around doorways and windows for cracks in the drywall as they can signal whole house shifting.
Appliances
Check water filters and ice dispensers in your refrigerator, and verify that the seal around the door is airtight. On your oven, test the burners, heating element and broiler. Check the hoses that connect your washing machine to the water source, and check that the connections are tight and the hoses are flexible and crack free. See that the dryer vent hose is securely fastened to the vent opening.
Crawl Space
Put on your hooded coveralls and goggles, and grab a flashlight before you enter the crawlspace. Note any areas where the moisture barrier has shifted, exposing raw earth. Inspect floor joists for dry rot or pest damage, and replace any insulation that has fallen down. Inspect drainpipes for leaks.
Tags: Make note, peeling paint, securely fastened
