The document provides an overview of various home maintenance topics and inspection points for homes, wells, septic systems, and more. It discusses the importance of maintenance, common issues found with roofs, chimneys, decks, stairs, drainage, foundations, plumbing, electric, heating/AC, wells, and septic systems. Tips are provided on specific areas to inspect and maintain for each component.

1. P orter’s W isconsin I nspections, LLC Inspections and Evaluations of Homes, Wells,Septic Systems & More www.porterwisconsin.com 608-583-6024

4. Do you have a maintenance checklist? Do you know what to check? Maintaining a home will help keep it’s value Spring Summer Fall Winter Four seasons Each with specific needs

5. Courtesy of DIY Network This chart and others are in my links section on our Web Site “ porterwisconsin.com” You can also do an internet search for Home Maintenance Schedule Charts, then print it off

7. Roofs and Chimneys Nice rubber membrane roof and metal chimney

8. Roof conditions Aging shingles Lots of missing grit Shingle lay pattern How old is this roof? How long will it last? Just some of the many questions buyers may ask.

9. Roofs How long will these roofs last? Something to remember is home inspections are limited to what is visible. Are Home Inspectors required to shovel off snow to see the roof?

10. Chimneys This is how they should look

11. Chimneys Looks good on exterior Not so good on the interior

12. Chimneys What’s wrong here? Its very obvious, disconnected flue pipe for an oil furnace Shifted flue with missing refractory mortar

13. Leaking Chimney flashing?

14. Deck’s This deck was not fastened properly. There were people on this deck when it fell!

15. Deck flashing and fasteners This deck lacks flashing at the top of the plate. With today’s pressure treated wood you can not use just any kind of fasteners. They need to be non-corrosive and rated for this use.

16. Deck railings

17. All Stairs

18. Directing Moisture Away

19. Just because there is good soil pitch does not mean water runs away from home

20. Gutters & Downspouts Gutter cleaning needed Downspout extension needed

21. Grade & Drainage Settled backfill. Needs soil added again Very obvious repair need, but how?

22. Poor drainage evicence Settled footing with foundation dropping

23. Sump In Basement Usually sumps are connected to drain tile but not always

25. Electric I would say handyman done, wouldn’t you?

26. Electric Older 100 Amp Newer 100 Amp

27. Electric Older 60 Amp Newer 200 Amp

28. Knob & Tube Wiring Usually with knob and tube there are open connections or unsecured wires

29. Interior Electric Needs cover Handy man wiring ‘Hazard”

30. Interior Electric Over loaded junction box Improper location and no access behind bathroom sink pedestal

31. Interior Electric GFI Outlet’s should be located where finished plumbing fixtures are located and also garages, outside and unfinished basements. This bedroom floor outlet did not have a box, It was just attached in a hole in the floor. The hot wire was attached but not the neutral.

32. Heating & AC Condensate water leak on a high efficiency furnace Air Conditioner blocked by vegetation

33. Heating & AC

34. Typical Furnace

35. Do You Have An Emergency Plan Just in case you need it

36. Wood Stoves Be sure that manufacturers separation distances are met. These will be listed on newer stoves Be sure to have fire proof material on floor under and in front of unit.

37. Plumbing Very nice

38. Washer drain? Not so nice

39. Dryer Venting Should use metal vent hose or pipe

40. You don’t want this

41. Attic Some moisture stains and plugged soffits

42. Nice chimney chase

43. Attic Insulation to R42 would be great for these days of higher energy costs but as a very minimum R19. Also be sure there is adequate attic ventilation both upper and lower and that the attic is well sealed from the living areas of the home.

44. Wells Typical and correct well head Whitewater type

45. Wells Nice installation but should not have the threaded faucet

46. Septic Systems Finding the tank can be a challenge at times

47. Septic Systems Typical conventional system