• Check for excessive moisture, most evident as dampness of insulation
• Check for musty smell which will indicate excessive moisture
• Check for pest infestation (rodent droppings, bird nests, bats)
• Check for water damage around plumbing vents, fire places, in roof valleys, eves
• Check that roof vents are free of obstruction, and that air flows freely through attic
• Install screens on vents to prevent birds from nesting in attic
• Lubricate exhaust fans, check electrical cable for deterioration
• Check seal on attic access hatch to prevent heat loss from house into attic
• Check for excessive sagging in roof joists

Basement Checklist
 

• Check for excessive moisture on exterior walls and floor
• Check for musty smell which will indicate excessive moisture even if not visible
• Check for pest infestation such as rodent droppings or termite infestation on sill plate and sill
• Use moth balls or steel wool to stop rodents from entering small openings
• Replace any burnt out lights, be certain light above stairs is bright enough for safety
• Check condition of stairs, consider high visibility paint for increased safety
• Check hazardous and poisonous chemical storage
• Sweep or vacuum floor, damp mop if possible, put mat at stairs to stop dust tracking
• Check area around furnace or water heater for flammable materials
• Label water lines and gas lines where they enter home, be familiar with shut off procedure
• Check for damage to water pipes which lead outside. Turn water back on for spring.
• Check windows for weatherproofing seal, and consider adding security bars or gates
• Clear drains on below grade entrances to prevent flooding
• Defrost and vacuum coils on 2nd fridge or freezer. Use old food to avoid freezer burn.
• Change batteries in smoke and CO2 detectors
• Check fire extinguishers pressure gauge or 'test' button, and expiry date

Garage Checklist
 

• Check for moisture in detached garage attic, most evident as dampness of insulation
• Check for musty smell which will indicate excessive moisture even if not visible
• Check for pest infestation such as rodent droppings or termite infestation on sill plate and sill
• Use moth balls or steel wool to stop rodents from entering small openings
• Replace any burnt out lights, consider using photo cells on exterior lights for energy savings
• Check windows for weatherproofing seal, and consider adding security bars or gates
• Check hazardous and poisonous chemical storage
• Sweep or vacuum floor, damp mop if possible, consider coating floor for easy maintenance
• Clean stains from salt, ice melt, antifreeze, oil, steering fluid, etc. from garage floor
• Check area around furnace, shut down for spring. Turn off pilot light for energy savings.
• Lubricate drive train on garage door openers. Check safety stop with a 2 X 4.
   
• Check floor drain to ensure proper drainage
• Remove metal grates and clean out the drain trough, if applicable, in front of garage door
• Check condition of paint and shingles, clean out eaves troughing, and check downspout
• Check fire extinguishers pressure gauge or 'test' button, and expiry date

Utility Room Checklist

• Replace filter on furnace, vacuum dust from inside, lubricate motor, check belts, turn off and
  Empty humidifier reservoir, if in a temperate climate, consider shutting off gas for summer to save energy (the pilot light otherwise will always use gas) check with your local utility
• Using a garden hose, drain 4 gallons of water from hot water tank to remove foriegn material
• Check exhaust vents from furnace and gas hot water heater for corrosion or damage
• Label water lines and gas lines where they enter home, be familiar with shut off procedure
• Post a list of contact numbers for furnace, plumbing, local utility, etc in utility room
• Sweep or vacuum floor, damp mop if possible.
• Check area around furnace or water heater for flammable materials
• Open built in canister vacuum, change bag, vacuum inside with a second vacuum or even
• a dust buster to remove dirt from inside the canister. Check wiring on hose for damage.
• Check floor drain, if any, to ensure proper drainage
• Change batteries in smoke and CO2 detectors
• Check fire extinguishers pressure gauge or 'test' button, and expiry date
  
   

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