HOME MAINTENANCE PROGRAM

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Good maintenance of your current home or your newly purchased home definitely protects your investment for years to come. It also enhances comfort, extends the life expectancy of systems and components within the home and also reduces your costs by ensuring your home is at it's peak efficiency.

MONTHLY MAINTENANCE CHECKS

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• Smoke Detectors: Test to make sure they work in the event of a fire;
• Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Test to make sure they work in the event of an appliance malfunction;
• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters: Test to make sure they work if there is an electrical problem;
• Filters/Air Cleaners on Heating & Air-Conditioning System: Clean to reduce heating costs, improve comfort and protect equipment;
• Automatic Reverse Mechanism on Garage Door Openers: Test to make sure no one will be injured by the door as it closes;
• Range Hood Filters: Clean to maintain efficiency, reduce energy costs and minimize the risk of grease fires;
• Central Vacuum System: Empty canister and clean filter (if applicable) so system will work effectively;

QUARTERLY MAINTENANCE CHECKS

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• Sliding Doors & Windows: Clean tracks and make sure drain holes are open to reduce the risk of water damage in the home;
• Floor Drains: Check that there is water in traps to prevent sewer odors getting into the home;
• Heat Recovery Ventilator: Clean or replace the filter (every two months is ideal) to ensure proper and cost effective operation;
• Bathroom Exhaust Fan: Clean grill to ensure good air flow;

SPRING MAINTENANCE CHECKS

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• Gutters: Clean to extend the life of the gutters and keep the basement/crawlspace dry;
• Air-Conditioning System: Have it serviced before turning it on – to protect the equipment;
• Humidifier Attached to Furnace: Turn off and shut off the water so we don’t get more humidity than we want in the summer;
• Humidifiers & Central Air Conditioners: Close the damper on the humidifier bypass to avoid short-circuiting the air-conditioning system;
• Well Water: Have tested by laboratory to ensure the water is safe to drink;
• Sump Pump: Test to make sure it will operate when needed, to avoid flooding;
• Chimneys for Fireplaces & Other Wood-Burning Appliances: Have inspected and swept to reduce the risk of a chimney fire;

FALL MAINTENANCE CHECKS

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• Gutters: Clean to extend the life of the gutters and keep the basement/crawlspace dry;
• Heating System: Service before turning on to protect the equipment;
• Gas Fireplace: Service with other gas appliances; include fireplace in service plan;
• Outdoor Hose Bibs: Shut off unless they are frost free to prevent freezing damage to pipes;
• Hot Water Heating Systems: Bleed radiators to remove air so the radiators will keep the house warm;
• Hot Water Heating Systems: Lubricate the circulating pump as needed to extend its life;
• Humidifier Connected to Furnace: Turn on and open the water supply so that the humidifier will work in the heating season;
• Humidifiers & Air Conditioners: Open the damper on the humidifier bypass to allow the humidifier to work in the heating season;
• Electric Baseboard Heaters: Vacuum to remove dust to increase the efficiency and reduce the risk of fire;
• Well Water: Have tested by laboratory to ensure the water is safe to drink;
• Sump Pump: Test to make sure it will operate when needed, to avoid flooding;
• Catch Basins: Test and clean out debris if needed – to make sure they will carry water away;
• Exterior Vents: Ensure vent flaps close properly to reduce heat loss and prevent pest entry;

ANNUAL MAINTENANCE CHECKS

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• Trees & Shrubs: Trim back at least 3 feet from air-conditioning to allow the air-conditioning to work properly;
• Trees & Shrubs: Trim back from walls and roofs to prevent damage and to reduce the risk of pests getting into the home;
• Vines: Trim away from wood building components;
• Roofing: Perform annual inspection and tune-up. This helps maximize the life of roofs;
• Bathtub & Shower Enclosures: Check caulking and grout to prevent concealed water damage;
• Attic: Check for evidence of pests and roof leaks to prevent infestations and water damage;
• Building Exterior: Check for weather tightness at siding, trim, doors, windows, etc. to prevent concealed water damage;
• Exterior Paint & Stain: Check and improve as needed to prevent rot in exterior wood. Wood in contact with soil is prone to rot;
• Exterior Grade: Check that it slopes to drain water away from the foundation. This helps prevent wet basement and crawlspace problems;
• Refrigerators & Freezers: Vacuum coils to improve efficiency and reduce cost;
• Fire Extinguisher: Check gauges to make sure they will operate if needed;
• Garage Door Hardware: Lubricate to ensure the door moves freely;
• Garage Door Operator: :Lubricate to ensure the operator works freely and minimize the load on the electric motor;

SET-UP YOUR HOME AFTER MOVING IN

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• Smoke Detectors: Install or replace as needed. (Usually one on every floor level near a sleeping area.);
• Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Provide according to manufacturer’s recommendations, typically in every sleeping area;
• Locks: Change the locks on all the doors. Deadbolts improve security and may reduce insurance costs;
• Heating & Air Conditioning Systems: Have these inspected and serviced. It makes sense to protect these expensive systems;
• Main Shut-Offs: Find and mark the main shutoff for the heating, electrical and plumbing systems in the event of an emergency;
• Electrical Circuits: Label the circuits in the electrical panel, so you can shut off the right fuse or breaker quickly;
• Wood-Burning Appliances: Have the chimney inspected and swept as needed;
• Outdoor Air Conditioning Unit: Make sure there is at least 3 feet clear around the air conditioner. Cut back trees and shrubs as needed;
• Clothes Washing Machines: Use braided steel hoses for connecting the washing machine to prevent possibility of a ruptured hose;
• Clothes Dryers: Use smooth walled metal exhaust ducts to vent clothes dryers outdoors. Keep the runs as short & straight as possible;
• Fire Extinguishers: Provide at least one on every floor. The fire extinguisher near the kitchen should be suitable for grease fires;
• Fire Escape Routes: Plan fire escape routes from the upper stories. Obtain rope ladders if necessary;
• Safety Improvements: If your home inspector has recommended any safety improvements, these should be taken care of immediately;

OUR SERVICE COMMITMENT

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360 Inspection Services is dedicated to delivering the best home inspection services throughout Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Brantford and London.

​Our top-rated reputation is built on honesty, integrity and excellent service to our customers at one of the most important decisions in their lives – buying or selling a home.

We are committed to ensuring that each of our customers enjoy an exceptional inspection experience.

​Contact us at (226) 972-6440 to schedule an appointment today, or request an inspection online using the contact form.

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