Home Inspection and Maintenance Tips

Buying a home will probably be the biggest investment of your lifetime. Before you sign on the dotted line, inspect the house thoroughly. Your insurance company will share your concern for a safer house and it will be reflected in your homeowner's insuran

April 1, 2010

Buying a home will probably be the biggest investment of your lifetime. Before you sign on the dotted line, inspect the house thoroughly. You'll get the information you need to understand the safety issues and maintenance challenges ahead.

Your insurance company will share your concern for a safer house and it will be reflected in your homeowner's insurance premiums. Determine the extent of deterioration, especially in an older home, how much work you can personally handle, what it will cost to have a professional do the work, and what problems you can live with. Most of all, safety should be your major concern. Here are just some things to look for in your home inspection.

Know where your main water shut-off valve is located and know how to turn the water off
Inspect all exposed pipes for leaks
Inspect ceilings and walls for water spots, peeling paint and loose ceiling tiles for leaks
Check all faucets for leaks or corrosion
If exposed pipes exist, make sure warm air is circulated around them and an insulating wrap is used where possible
Inspect the rubber connecting hoses for dishwashers and washing machines
Have the roof inspected for damage such as lifting of shingles or missing shingles
Inspect around all flashing, vents and chimneys
Check for exposed wiring
Inspect the fuse or circuit breaker box for excessive wear or damage
Check electrical units for overheating
Inspect underground fuel tanks
All exterior doors should have deadbolt locks
A heat and smoke detector should be on every floor
Keep walkways, stairs and sidewalk free of obstacles
Keep stairs, porches, stoops and their rails in good repair

In addition to rewarding you for having a safe home ,your insurance company will also reward you for maintaining a safe home, and not submitting claims. Here are just a few simple home maintenance tips to help keep your home in tip-top shape and avoid unnecessary claims and insurance premium rate hikes:

Regularly bleed all pipes of air
Shut off and drain outside water lines before winter in locations subject to freezing
Replace the rubber connecting hoses for dishwashers and washing machines at least every 3-5 years
Equip your showers, sinks, and tubs with drain screens to catch the debris, hair, and bits of soap that can cause clogs and back-ups
Never flush items like diapers, Q-tips or sanitary napkins down a toilet
Flat or hot asphalt roofs should be resealed every three years and professionally checked every ten years
Inspect and clean all gutters and down spouts on a regular basis
Remove excessive snow or ice build-up
Label your circuit breakers
Eliminate all situations where more than one electrical unit is plugged into a single outlet
Check electrical units for overheating
Do not place floor coverings (i.e., carpeting) over electrical cords
Have furnace/air conditioners professionally cleaned and serviced annually (including the filter)
Hire a certified chimney sweep to inspect and clean creosote build-up in chimney
Do not leave personal property (such as lawnmowers, bikes or grills) unsecured outdoors
Check heat and smoke detector batteries every 3 months
Motion sensitive outdoor lighting is suggested for added safety and security
Do not hide a spare key outside your premises
Keep walkways, stairs and sidewalk free of obstacles
Keep stairs, porches, stoops and their rails in good repair
Maintain and use outdoor lighting