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 foreign 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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