Follow the helpful ideas below to ensure your Home Diagnostics Report is stellar like a clean bill of health!

Exterior

								CHIMNEY
								Inspect outside of chimney for loose bricks, stones, deteriorated or cracked mortar joints or, if stucco look for cracks or loose sections
								Check chimney flashings for leakage.
								Inspect interior of chimney for creosote and soot buildup.
								Check chimney caps for loose or broken sections; for obstructions such as bird nests.
								Inspect metal chimney for rust, missing rain caps and loose braces.
								GUTTER SYSTEM
								Check for damaged gutters, hangars, downspouts and strainers.
								Remove debris in gutters and downspouts. (Use wire snake for elbows.)
								Check gutter alignment to make sure rainwater collects properely and drains away from house.
								Tighten loose mountings.
								Spot - paint worn areas. Repair or caulk holes. Replace any sections that have hoes or excessive rust.
								After cleaning gutters, install wire strainers over openings to downspouts.
								ROOFS
								Shingle Roofs - Check for damaged, loose or missing shingles. Pay special attention to ridge areas, or areas where downspouts from upper roof discharge onto lower roof. Replace or repair missing shingles.
								Flat Roofs - Check for blisters, bubbles, open seams and bald areas. If roof is tar and gravel, check for areas of gravel erosion.
								Tile Roofs - Check for loose or broken tiles. Replace damaged tiles.
								Check roof flashing for damage.
								Cut back tree branches from root to avoid damage to roof surface.
								Check all roof penetrations for signs of deteriorated installation and as possible source of leaks.
								EAVES
								Check sofits and fascia for loose and rotted areas and /or for water stains. Note condition of paint, and repaint or repair where necessary.
								EXPOSED FOUNDATION
								Check exposed foundation areas for evidence of deterioration, movement, dampness and cracking. If masonry, check for deteriorated bricks and mortar voids.
								Fill in cracks and voids with mortar mix and other sealant.
								Check foundation vent screens for damage. Repair damage as needed with proper materials.
								GRADING
								Check grading to ensure drainage away from house. Recommended: 1 -inch drop per foot for first 6 feet away from structure.
								Inspect for signs of termites and other pests infestation in areas near foundation.
								EXTERIOR WALLS
								Masonry Walls - Check for deteriorated brick and mortar voids.
								Stucco Walls- Check for cracking and separating.
								Wood Walls - Check for rot, loose or damaged wood, caulking and wood/soil contact. If paint deteriorations a result of blistering or bubbling, cause must be determined.
								Metal, Vinyl, Insubrick, Shingle and Asbestos Siding - Check for loose or missing components.
								All Walls - Check for settling, buckling and other evidence of movement.
								VEGATATION
								Keep all vegetation clear of wall surfaces by 6 inches.
								TRIM
								Check all trim for fit and paint condition.
								WINDOWS AND DOORS
								Check doors, windows and trim for finish condition.
								Check for broken glass and damaged screens
								Check all glazing for loose putty.
								Clear screens and install.
								Clean storm windows and install.
								Clean all windows.
								Check weather stripping for tight fit. Replace where damaged
								Check caulking where window, door and trim intersect with wall surfaces.
								Check all door hardware and lubricate.
								Remove debris from all foundation window wells.
								Overhead Garage Doors - Keep tracks clean. Lubricate hinges, rollers, wheels or ball bearings with oil powered graphite when in down position.
								PORCHES AND DECKS
								Check all components for rot and insect infestation.
								Check railings and steps for stability and loose components.
								Repaint or stain all areas required.
								GROUNDS AND YARD
								Drain outside waterlines and hoses. Store or winterize.
								Check all driveways and sidewalks for cracking, settling or uplifting.
								Check retaining walls, fences and other wood structures for rot and insect infestations.

Interior

								INTERIOR FOUNDATION WALLS
								Check foundation walls for evidence of deterioration, movement or dampness.
								Check to see if crawl areas are accessible.
								WOOD FRAMING
								Check all exposed wood structural components for evidence of rot or insect infestation.
								SURFACE CRACKS - WALL AND CEILING
								Check interior walls and ceilings for surface cracks.
								Check bulges in wall and ceiling surfaces and monitor any changes.
								Check wall and ceilings for evidence of water stains.
								DOOR FRAMES
								Check door frame for squareness.
								WINDOWS
								Check windows for condensation.
								Check double pane windows.
								ATTIC
								Check for water stains on underside of roof sheeting.
								Check for rot, mildew or fungus on wood components.
								Check to determine that insulation is not wet.
								Check to ensure roof vents are free of bird nests and that all vents are functional.
								Exterior
								MAIN PANEL
								Check main panel for rust or water marks.
								Breakers - Flip all breakers to OFF and then to ON to ensure that no breaker has seized and to ensure proper function.
								Fuses - Hand tighten all fuses.
								INDOOR WIRING
								Check condition of all lamp cords, appliance cords. Extension cords and plugs. Replace at first sign of wear or damage.
								Ground Fault Circuits (GFI) - Test ground fault interrupter (GFI) electrical outlet monthly by pushing test button on GFI receptacle.
								ALUMINUM WIRING
								If your inspection report indicated your home has aluminum wiring, all wire connections should be tightened annually by a qualified electrician.
								OUTDOOR WIRING
								Check all wires leading to house to make sure they are not loose or frayed.
								Check to make sure that trees and other vegetation are not in contact with outside wiring system.
								Check to make sure all exterior outlets have weather tight, protective covers.

Plumbing

								SUPPLY PLUMBING SYSTEM
								Have water tested for potability.
								Check exposed plumbing supply lines for signs of leaks.
								Repair all leaking or dripping faucets.
								Shot off exterior faucets from interior drain and insulate outside hose beds for winter.
								Remove winterizing protections for all exterior faucets. Check for leaks.
								Water Filter - (Point of service carbon activated unit) Every 20 gallons or once every 3 weeks, unless manufacturer says otherwise, Replace carbon cartridge.
								WASTE PLUMBING SYSTEM
								Check exposed drain and plumbing lines for leaks.
								Check and clean all basement and exterior drains and clean as necessary.
								Check slow drains and clear as needed.
								FIXTURES
								Check sump pump operation.
								Toilets that run continuously should be repaired.
								Check for leakage around and under toilet bowl, sinks, showers and tubs.
								Check caulking around all bathroom and kitchen fixtures, repair as necessary.
								Check lawn sprinkler system for leaky valves and exposed lines.
								Water Heaters
								Hot Water Heater Tank- Drain hot water heater to remove accumulated sludge and sediment from bottom of the tank.
								Electric - Shut off power to water heater prior to draining. Drain tank completely.
								Gas - Shut off Gas. Check exhaust vent and air shutter penning for dirt and obstructions. Vacuum air passages to burner and clean burner of dirt and lint.

Heating

								FORCED AIR SYSTEMS
								Check air filters on conventional systems for dust and dirt.
								Check electronic air filters for dust and dirt, and clean by following manufacturer’s instructions.
								Clean dirt and dust from around furnace area and air grills and ducts.
								HUMIDIFIERS AND DEHUMIDFIERS
								Check humidifier water level and adjust.
								Clean water pans, water inlet and work float arm back and forth to dislodge obstructions.
								Replace pad on drum- type humidifier.
								Lubricate motor with drop of two of 20 weight oil.
								Shut off water supply to humidifier during humid months and turn on water to humidifier during months when heating system is in operation.
								OIL FURNACES AND BOILERS
								System should be checked by a qualified mechanic for soot, debris and corrosion. Cleaning and corrective measures should be taken.
								Check exhaust pipe from furnace for loose connections or corroded sections. Any debris should be removed from chimney cleanout.
								GAS FURNACES
								If gas odors can be detected, contact gas company immediately.
								Check burner flame color. (Should be blue with yellow or no yellow.)
								Furnace should be serviced by a qualified mechanic and system should be checked for loose or corroded sections.
								Heat Exchanger - Due to danger of carbon monoxide poisoning from a faulty heat exchanger, the heat exchanger should be checked by a qualified technician.
								ALL HOT WATER SYSTEMS
								Check radiators and convectors for leakage. Pay particular attention to the valves.
								Bleed radiators to remove trapped air once a month during heating season.
								Lubricate circulating pumps.
								Drain and refill expansion tanks.
								ELECTRIC HEAT
								A qualified technician should inspect furnace to ensure all components are operating properly and that no connectios are lose or burned out.
								Check electric baseboard heaters to ensure adequate clearance from combustible materials.

Cooling

								AIR CONDITIONER (CENTRAL UNIT)
								Clean or replace filters.
								Remove debris around compressors.
								Flush evaporator drain line.
								AIR CONDITIONER (ROOM UNIT)
								Clean filter (behind air intake grill.)
								Remove dirt from compressor, tubing and motor blades.
								Cover with insulated dust and moisture proof cover inside and out, or remove unit from wall and seal opening.
								Charge compressor.
								ALL WHOLE HOUSE FANS (ATTIC)
								Clean fan blades.
								Lubricate motor and pulley bearings with drop of oil on each pivot and oil port.
								Check drive belt and replace if sides appear glazed or smooth or if tension is not tight.

Safety

								SMOKE ALARMS/CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS
								Test by pressing test button.
								Replace batteries if not hard -wired unit.
								FIRE EXTINGUISHER
								Check indicator on pressure gauge to be sure extinguisher is charged.
								Be sure lockpin is firmly in place and intact.