Owning a home is a big responsibility, and there are lots of things that can go wrong, so 1st Choice Inspection Services has created this list of monthly home maintenance tips for homeowners. By following this advice from professional home inspectors, you’ll be sure to cover all your bases and keep your home running smoothly from month to month. 

We want every North Texan to live in a home that is happy and healthy. If you suspect your house might have suffered damage from storms or other hazards, give 1st Choice Inspection Services a call right away! We are certified by the American Home Inspectors Training (AHIT). All of our inspectors are licensed through the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) and the Texas Department of Insurance and are capable of issuing a Certificate of Insurability. If there’s a problem, we’ll find it!

Monthly Home Maintenance

Follow these steps every month to keep your home safe and comfortable all year round:

Tip 1: Check the Roof. Examine the roof for evidence of damage to roof coverings, flashings and chimneys, especially after severe weather has passed through your area. Roof damage can create pathways for water to enter your home, leading to mildew and moisture damage over time.

Tip 2: Check the Attic. If your attic is accessible, look to make sure your roof vents are not obstructed. Check for evidence of leakage, condensation or vermin activity, and level out the insulation if needed. Poor attic insulation and ventilation can cause the air to get hotter and more humid, adding extra strain to your HVAC system and increasing your energy bills.

Tip 3: Prune the Foliage. Trim back tree branches and shrubs to ensure that they are not in contact with the house. Inspect the exterior walls and foundation for evidence of damage, cracking or movement. Watch for bird nests or other vermin or wood-boring insect activity. Keeping vegetation and dirt away from your home’s perimeter can help keep pests at bay.

Tip 4: Don’t Forget the Basement. Survey the basement and/or crawl space walls for evidence of moisture seepage. This is especially important for areas with a high water table, like Texas. Stress cracks and moisture are the first danger signs that a basement isn’t water-tight and might begin to flood.

Tip 5: Watch the Wiring. Look at overhead wires coming to the house. They should be secure and clear of trees or other obstructions. If your wires are sagging or fallen, don’t try to fix them yourself. Call your utility provider right away so they can correct the problem safely.

Tip 6: Avoid Potential Flooding. Ensure that the grade of the land around the house encourages water to flow away from the foundation. If your landscape causes water to flow toward your house, flooding and foundation repairs could be in your future. You might be able to install new landscaping and a drainage system to help.

Tip 7: Do a Safety Check. Inspect all driveways, walkways, decks, porches, and landscape components for evidence of deterioration, movement or safety hazards. You don’t want your loved ones to trip and fall over a loose stone or a deep crack that suddenly appeared. Check all steps and railings to make sure they’re sturdy as well.

Tip 8: Maintain Windows. Clean windows and test their operation. Improve caulking and weather-stripping as necessary. Watch for evidence of rot in wood window frames. Paint and repair windowsills and frames as needed.

Tip 9: Test Your Garage Door Opener. Test the overhead garage door opener to ensure that the auto-reverse mechanism is responding properly. Clean and lubricate hinges, rollers and tracks on the overhead door. If you hear rattling or squealing when the door ascends, it’s probably from tracks or rollers that need attention.

Tip 10: Have a Professional Inspection. A professional home inspector can detect signs of trouble before they become full-blown problems. 1st Choice Home Inspections is always ready and willing to help! Call us whenever you want a clean bill of health for your home.

1st Choice Inspection Services: Your DFW Inspection Experts

1st Choice Inspection Services is a division of Hill’s Construction, LLC, and is the premier home inspection company in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and surrounding areas. We have been involved in the home construction industry for over 30 years. Call us today to request an inspection and let us put our expertise to work for you!