Maintenance -> KHOV Info
CHECKLIST

Maintenance checklist provided by Khov (builder)

GETTING STARTED

As we all know from experience, getting started is sometimes the most difficult part of any task. Fortunately, most of the items on the maintenance checklist are neither time consuming nor difficult. In addition to the information provided in this newsletter, there are excellent reference books at your local library or home improvement store on the subject of homecare and maintenance.

STEP 1: Assemble the required, proper tools and supplies. Being prepared before you begin will save time later!

STEP2: Get organized and plan your approach to accomplishing the tasks at hand.

CAULKING MAINTENANCE

Most building materials are subject to varying degrees of shrinkage and settlement, as well as normal expansion and con­traction, caused by changes in climate and humidity.

Frequent inspection and maintenance of the caulking on the exterior of your home and in the tubs, sinks and showers inside your home will protect the finishes surrounding these typically wet areas. The following is a suggested checklist of some of the areas of your home that require caulking and subsequent maintenance:

CAULKING MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST


 

INTERIOR:

__bathtubs

__vanities tile

 

__showers

__trim

 

__sinks

__drywall

 

__countertops

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXTERIOR:

__windows

__siding/brick

 

__doors & sidelights

__flashings/copper roofs

 

__wood trim

__porches/columns

 

__wood bay & box windows

__vents

 

__garage doors/

 

 


Time and weather will dry and shrink caulking so that it no longer provides a good seal. Normal expansion, contraction and settlement will cause caulking to separate. As part of your routine maintenance, check the caulking in the above areas periodically and make timely repairs as needed.

Caulking compounds and dispenser guns are available at local hardware stores. Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully to be certain that you select an appropriate caulk for the intended purpose. As a homeowner, you should choose caulking wisely and apply it properly and consistently. Wise use of caulk will protect your home from damaging elements and maintain its beauty for years to come.

AVOID ELECTRICAL HAZARDS

If a GFI receptacle is not functioning press the Reset button on the wall plate to restore proper operation. If that does not work check and reset the circuit breaker in the panel box first, then press the GFI Reset button. If the outlet still fails it may indicate a short in the appliance. If other appliances will not operate in the outlet an electrician should be contacted and the GFI replaced.

FIRE SAFETY

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are perhaps the most important components of your electrical system. While they are wired directly into your home's electrical system, most models include a battery back-up. A chirping sound indicates that the battery is weak and needs to be replaced. Safeguard your family and guests by replacing all your smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries ANNUALLY.

Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly by pushing the test button on each unit. The alarm should sound. If it does not, call for service immediately.

A FAMILY FIRE PLAN:

Every family should develop and periodically review their fire plan. How do you all get out safely in the event of a fire? Where do you meet outside the home? You may want to contact your local fire department for general fire safety infor­mation for assistance.


 

 

FALL/WINTER MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST

 

 REGULARLY

Clean/maintain floor coverings per manufacturers' recommendations.

INTERIOR

 

 REGULARLY

Maintain appliances, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical equipment per manufacturers' instructions.

INTERIOR

 

 MONTHLY

Change or clean all furnace/air conditioning filters.

INTERIOR

 

 MONTHLY

 

Clean and test smoke detectors and CO detectors. Test smoke detectors by pushing round button on face  of detector (should be labeled "test"). Change batteries as necessary.

INTERIOR

 

 MONTHLY

Test and reset GFCI breakers/outlets

EXT/INT

 

 FALL

Check exterior caulking, and recaulk as required.

EXTERIOR

 

 FALL

Check exterior paint and stain surfaces and refinish as needed.

EXTERIOR

 

 FALL

Adjust exterior doors/weatherstripping as needed to close/seal properly

EXTERIOR

 

 FALL

 

Check gutters for debris and clean as required.   Confirm that downspouts and splash blocks drain away from the home.

EXTERIOR

 

 FALL

Fill in settlement of backfill soil where needed to maintain proper drainage.

EXTERIOR

 

 FALL

Winterize sprinkler system

EXTERIOR

 

 FALL

Winterize exterior hose bibs and disconnect hoses

EXTERIOR

 

 FALL

Apply driveway sealant (Fall/Spring - Season Optional)

EXTERIOR

 

 FALL

Seal wooden decks (Fall/Spring - Season Optional)

EXTERIOR

 

 FALL

Clean up lawn, and administer seasonal applications per lawn care plan.

EXTERIOR

 

 FALL

Wash windows and screens, clean weep holes, and lubricate tracks.

EXT/INT

 

 FALL

Verify sump pump operation. Keep drainage channels/discharge free of obstructions.

INTERIOR

 

 FALL

Start and operate heating system and provide service as required.

INTERIOR

 

 FALL

Service and startup humidifier per manufacturer's instructions.

INTERIOR

 

 FALL

Check condensation drain/pump for humidifier - clean/maintain as required.

INTERIOR

 

 FALL

Adjust HVAC registers. Confirm that supplies and returns are clear of furniture, etc.

INTERIOR

 

 FALL

Adjust doors/hardware to accommodate settlement/climatic conditions.

INTERIOR

 

 FALL

Check overhead garage doors. tighten bolts as needed, and lubricate springs/tracks.

INTERIOR

 

 WINTER

Check interior caulking, and recaulk as required.

INTERIOR

 

 WINTER

Inspect grout around floor and wall tile and touch-up as necessary.

INTERIOR

 

 WINTER

 

Inspect for shrinkage maintenance such as minor drywall cracks, nail pops, and separations of wood trim. Repair as needed

INTERIOR

 

 WINTER

Remove snow/ice from sidewalks and driveway surfaces.

EXTERIOR

 

 WINTER

Avoid using rock salt/or damaging de-icing agents

EXTERIOR

 

 PERIODIC

Spackle and paint as required due to normal living activity

INTERIOR

 

 PERIODIC

Recaulk and repaint minor separations in wood trim (due to natural shrinkage/settlement) as required.

INTERIOR

 

 PERIODIC

Recaulk and repaint faded/deteriorated exterior trim/doors/shutters (due to natural effects of sun  weather, etc.) as required.

EXTERIOR

 

PERIODIC

Drain water heater(s) per manufacturers' instructions. Your local water quality determines frequency  needed.

INTERIOR

 

PERIODIC

Have the water tested if your home has a private well.

EXTERIOR

 

PERIODIC

Service fireplace/flue by professional.

INT/EXT


 

SPRING/SUMMER MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST

 

 √

SEASON

TASK

INTERIOR

EXTERIOR

 

REGULARLY

Clean/maintain floor coverings per manufacturers' recommendations.

INTERIOR

 

REGULARLY

Maintain appliances, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical equipment per manufacturers'

instructions.

INTERIOR

 

MONTHLY

Change or clean all furnace/air conditioning filters.

INTERIOR

 

MONTHLY

Clean and test smoke detectors and/or CO detectors. Test smoke detectors by pushing

round button on face of detector (should be labeled "test"). Change batteries as necessary

INTERIOR

 

MONTHLY

Test and reset GFCI breakers/outlets

INTERIOR

 

SPRING

WHERE APPLICABLE -Check all sump pumps to ensure that they are operational

where applicable and remove any existing debris.

INTERIOR

 

SPRING

Open shut-off valves for exterior hose bibs.

INTERIOR

 

SPRING

Inspect for shrinkage such as minor drywall cracks, nail pops, and separations of wood

trim. Repair as needed.

INTERIOR

 

SPRING

Readjust doors/hardware to accommodate settlement/climatic conditions.

INTERIOR

 

SPRING

Check overhead garage doors, tighten bolts as needed, and lubricate springs/tracks

INTERIOR

 

SPRING

Check and operate air-conditioning system.

INTERIOR

 

SPRING

If applicable turn humidifier(s) off and shut off water supply.

INTERIOR

 

SPRING

Check condensation drain/pump for air conditioning system. Clean/maintain as required.

INTERIOR

 

SPRING

Make sure that all air registers and returns are clear of furniture and/or draperies. You

may find it necessary to vacuum all air returns to remove dirt and dust.

INTERIOR

 

SPRING

Ensure air-conditioning compressor is level and clear of obstructions and debris.

INTERIOR

 

SPRING

Check exterior caulking and recaulk as required.

EXTERIOR

 

SPRING

Check exterior paint and stain surfaces (especially stained doors). Refinish as needed.

EXTERIOR

 

SPRING

Check gutters for debris. Confirm that down spouts & splash blocks drain away from the

home.

EXTERIOR

 

SPRING

Inspect the ground surrounding your home for any soil erosion and positive drainage. If

any erosion exists it is your responsibility to restore the yard to the original grade.

EXTERIOR

 

SPRING

Wash windows and screens, clean weep holes, and lubricate tracks

EXTERIOR

 

SPRING

All areaways and window wells should be clear of dirt and leaves. It may also be neces-

sary to flush water through your drain to ensure water is flowing freely.

 

 

SPRING

Seal wooden decks/stairs annually (Spring/Fall- season optional)

EXTERIOR

 

SPRING

Start-up and adjust sprinkler system. Test system for leaks or broken pipes.

EXTERIOR

 

SPRING

Clean up lawn, and administer seasonal applications per lawn care plan.

EXTERIOR

 

SPRING

Adjust exterior doors/weather stripping as needed to close/seal properly

EXTERIOR

 

SUMMER

Check interior caulking, and recaulk as required.

INTERIOR

 

SUMMER

Inspect grout around floor and wall tile and touch-up as necessary.

INTERIOR

 

SUMMER

Check sprinkler head adjustments regularly.

EXTERIOR

 

PERIODIC

Spackle and paint as required due to normal living activity

INTERIOR

 

PERIODIC

Recaulk and repaint minor separations in wood trim (due to natural shrinkage/settlement)

as required.

INTERIOR

 

PERIODIC

Recaulk and repaint faded/deteriorated exterior trim/doors/shutters (due to natural effects

of sun weather, etc.) as required.

EXTERIOR

 

PERIODIC

Have the water tested if your home has a private well.

EXTERIOR

 

PERIODIC

If applicable inspect and clean out all weep holes in brick face

EXTERIOR