This document provides tips for conducting proactive home maintenance to reduce costs, health and safety hazards, and energy consumption while protecting your real estate investment. It outlines seasonal maintenance tasks that should be performed in the spring, including checking the roof, siding, windows, electrical and plumbing systems, heating and cooling systems, and more. Regular maintenance can avoid expensive emergency repairs, extend the life of home systems, and help identify issues before they become serious problems.

1. Chart Helping Keep Your Home In Shape: An easy way to reduce costs, save energy and protect your real estate investment Presented by:

2. Proactive Home Maintenance

3. The Value of Proactive Home Maintenance Reduces Costs Reduces Health/Safety Hazards Reduces Energy Consumption Protects Your Investment

4. Reduces Costs Prevention: Avoids expensive emergency repairs (Contractor fees rise in proportion to the urgency and the hour of the service call) Extends service life of elements and systems (Regular maintenance and servicing will extend the useful service life of many elements and systems in the home)

5. Reduces Costs Prevention: Minimizes homeowner insurance premiums (Correcting deficiencies before they represent an insurance claim will keep premiums reasonable) Eliminates costly consequential damage (Failure of major components, like a roof, cause damage to home interiors and furnishings)

6. Reduces Potential for Health Hazards Plumbing or roof leaks: (potential for mold growth) Outdated electrical system: (potential fire hazard) Faulty heating or venting systems: (carbon monoxide poisoning concern) Loose railings, lifted walkways: (fall or tripping hazard)

7. Reduce Energy Consumption Plug leaks: (cable lines, pipes, electrical outlets and switch plates) Insulate: (hot water heater, attic, attic door, walls and ceilings) Change filters: (potential for carbon monoxide poisoning)

8. Protect Your Investment Homes in good condition sell at higher prices than neglected counterparts!

9. SPRING – EXTERIOR Roofs Check for loose, damaged or missing roofing Check proper function of water drainage systems Check fascia and soffit for signs of leaks/moisture buildup Check all flashings for fit and seals Check television antenna or satellite dish mounting Check and clean all gutters (eaves troughs) and downspouts Clean fungi or algae from roof surface

10. SPRING – EXTERIOR Grounds Driveways and walks Window wells, dry wells, storm drains (blockage) Fencing and gates (damage) Retaining walls – cracks, bulges, leaning Landscaping – trim trees and bushes Check outbuildings, porches, patios Other (Lawn sprinkler/pools)

11. SPRING – EXTERIOR Grounds – Insect Infestation Signs of termite, ant or other insect activity Check for insect damage Arrange for treatment or repair as needed

12. SPRING – EXTERIOR Foundation Check (during rainstorm) for drainage away from foundation Check for settlement, cracks and spalling

13. SPRING – EXTERIOR Siding and Chimneys Check all surfaces for damage or deterioration Treat or paint worn or exposed wood components Check condition of masonry chimneys and vents

14. SPRING – EXTERIOR Windows and Doors Check for damaged screens and broken glass Check weather-stripping, caulking, and window putty Check for frame decay or damage Clean and install screens

15. SPRING – EXTERIOR Porch and Patio Check all wooden supports and railing components Check flooring for wear or damage Apply preservative to wood decking and components Seal patios at foundation

16. SPRING – EXTERIOR Electrical and Plumbing Check condition of incoming service wire and supports De-winterize and check exterior faucets Check dryer vent for damage; remove excessive lint buildup in vent system

17. SPRING – INTERIOR General Check attic, ceilings and walls for evidence of leaks Check attic insulation Check ventilation openings for nests, or other blockage Check condition of all painted or finished walls and trim Check carpet and flooring for wear and damage Check condition of all stairs and railings Check condition and operation of all windows and doors Test smoke/fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

18. SPRING – INTERIOR Basement/Foundation Check for cracks or breaks in wall, evidence of water infiltration or dampness Check for changes in framing conditions Check crawlspace ventilation, insulation and vapor retarders Test, clean and lubricate sump pump

19. SPRING – INTERIOR Electrical System Assess power distribution for overload issues Test circuit breakers and label all circuits at panel Test arc-fault and ground-fault circuit interrupters (regularly) Check circuits for over-fusing Check all receptacles and switches Check operation of vent and/or attic fans

20. SPRING – INTERIOR Heating/Cooling Systems Follow manufacturer instructions for HVAC systems Check that the A/C Unit is free from all debris and landscaping Clean all serviceable elements of the heating system Change or clean system filter (regularly) Check venting systems for corrosion and leaks Inspect and install room air conditioners Clean and de-energize humidifier Check and lubricate attic fan

21. SPRING – INTERIOR Plumbing Check well and components Check septic tanks and systems Check water and waste piping for leaks Check hot water supply temperature Follow manufacturer instructions for water heater

22. SPRING – INTERIOR Kitchen/Bathrooms Check condition and operation of all appliances Clean and change range fan filters Check all toilet flush mechanisms Check and repair all leaking faucets and valves Clean aerators and shower heads Caulk and grout tile at tubs and showers

23. Create Your Own Seasonal Maintenance “To Do” List build your own personal seasonal preventative maintenance list at housemaster.com ®

24. RESOURCES – housemaster.com ® Common Home Concerns Preventative Maintenance Checklist Home Owner Information Guides Newsletter Registration HouseMaster Library

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26. MASTERING MAINTENANCE Trained and annually tested inspectors (NIBI®) Easy to understand, comprehensive reports Universal, on-line access to report Professional liability insurance HouseMaster Inspection Resource Guide® HouseMaster Written Guarantee* * Review terms and limitations. Where permitted

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28. See you in the fall with more maintenance tips!