The inspection report is the best manual you will ever get for your house. The first month is the time to use it.
Week 1: Safety
- Change or rekey the locks, and reset garage and gate codes.
- Test every smoke and carbon monoxide alarm; replace any older than ten years.
- Find the main water shutoff, the gas meter shutoff and the main electrical breaker. Label them.
- Put a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and the garage.
- Strap the water heater if the straps were missing.
Week 2: Systems
- Replace HVAC filters and note the size.
- Schedule service for the furnace and air conditioner if records are missing.
- Clean the dryer vent from the dryer to the exterior hood.
- Flush the water heater, or descale a tankless unit if it hasn’t been done.
Week 3: Water
- Check under every sink for leaks.
- Run every fixture, including ones in guest bathrooms, to catch slow leaks and dry traps.
- Adjust sprinklers so they don’t hit walls, windows or wood.
- Clean gutters and extend downspouts away from the foundation.
Week 4: The report
Go through the inspection report and sort the remaining items:
- Do now: safety items and anything that causes water damage.
- This year: repairs and replacements to budget for.
- Routine: put on a seasonal calendar. See our seasonal maintenance calendar.
Keep the report, receipts and warranties in one folder. You will want them when you sell.