Owning Real Estate: Maintaining: Maintenance Schedule
Item to be
checked Monthly Every Every Exterior Item to be
checked Every
3 months Every
6 months Interior 
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The health of a home is a lot like our own personal
health. If it is regularly checked and maintained, the chances of problems
arising are less. With proper maintenance, if and when problems do occur,
there is less chance that they will blossom into major problems.
3
months
6
months
Roof:
Visually check
shingles from ground. Watch for missing shingles or broken pieces.
Check gutters and downspouts.
Gutters and
downspouts: Check
and remove any debris to assure unobstructed water flow away from
foundation.
Veneer or
siding: With brick,
watch for deteriorating bricks or masonry. For siding, watch for
warping or rot. Check all painted surfaces.
Windows and
doors: Check
caulking around doors and windows, glazing around window
panes.
Lawn and
garden: Watch for
accumulation of tree limbs, branches, debris that can attract wood
eating insects.
Asphalt
Driveways: Check for
cracks or deterioration. Reseal if necessary.
Heating and
cooling: Make sure
outside unit is unobstructed. Clean unit with garden hose.
Monthly
Attic:
Examine for evidence of any leaks
Baths: Check
for evidence of any leaks, especially around toilets and under sinks
(vinyl tile will usually discolor if water is getting underneath
it). Check grout on any ceramic tile.
Kitchen:
Check for leaks under sink and around dishwasher. Check burner
operation on stove. Check grout on any ceramic tile.
Kitchen:
Clean dust from refrigerator condenser (rear of unit).
Heating and
Cooling System:
Change filter, check coils for buildup
Heating and
Cooling System:
Professional check and "tune up" before the heating and cooling
seasons.
Water
Heater: Check for
signs of leaks.
Water
Heater: Drain to
remove any sediment. In areas with hard water, drain every 3
months.
Smoke
Detectors: Check
operation
Smoke
Detectors: Change
batteries
Basement or
crawl space: Check
for cracks or any sign of dampness or leaks. Check for any evidence
of termites or wood eating insects.
