Expert Guidance for Home Care

Home Maintenance Tips for a Safe, Durable, and Valuable Property

Preventive home maintenance is essential for protecting your investment and keeping your home in top condition. These practical tips from Coastal Pacific Home Inspection Services help prevent costly repairs and maintain your property’s value.

Foundation & Masonry

To avoid seepage and condensation issues:

Inspect the basement for dampness or leakage after wet weather.
Check chimneys for deteriorated caps, loose, or missing mortar.
Ensure the grading slopes away from foundation walls to direct water away.

Roofs & Gutters

To prevent leaks, condensation, and decay:

Inspect shingles for damage, looseness, missing pieces, or blisters.
Clean gutters, downspouts, strainers, and window wells; ensure water flows away from the foundation.
Trim back tree limbs near the roof.
Check flashings around vents, skylights, chimneys, and stacks for potential leaks.
Inspect vents, louvers, and chimneys for birds, squirrels, or insect nests.
Examine fascias and soffits for paint flaking, leaks, or decay.

Exterior Walls

To prevent paint failure, decay, and moisture penetration:

Check painted surfaces for flaking or peeling and trim back shrubs.
Inspect masonry walls for cracks, looseness, or missing mortar.

Doors & Windows

To prevent air and weather penetration:

Inspect caulking around doors, windows, corner boards, and joints; recaulk and weatherstrip as needed.
Check window glazing and putty for damage or gaps.

Electrical

For safe electrical performance:

Label all circuits clearly.
Trip circuit breakers every six months; test G.F.C.I. monthly.
Inspect lamp cords, extension cords, and plugs; replace at first signs of wear.
Check exposed wiring and cables for damage.
If you experience tingling shocks, flickering lights, or appliances turning on/off unexpectedly, disconnect and call a licensed electrician.

Plumbing

Preventive plumbing tips:

Drain exterior water lines, hose bibs, sprinklers, and pool equipment in fall.
Flush sediment from water heaters monthly or per manufacturer instructions.
Have your septic tank cleaned every two years.

Heating & Cooling

For comfort, efficiency, and safety:

Change or clean furnace and air conditioner filters as needed.
Service and clean humidifiers periodically and annually.
Have oil-burning equipment serviced annually.

Interior Maintenance

Keep the interior safe and durable:

Inspect bathroom tile joints, grout, and caulking; reseal to prevent water damage.
Close crawl vents in winter and open them in summer.
Check attics and undersides of roofs for water stains, leaks, dampness, or condensation—especially around chimneys.

Shut-Off Locations

Always know where these main shut-offs are located:

Main water shutoff valve.
Main electrical disconnect or breaker.
Main emergency shutoff for the heating system.

Keep Your Home in Top Condition

Get expert advice or schedule an inspection to ensure your home stays safe and well-maintained.

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