SELLERS MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST Prepared By Gloria Brda SPRING SEASON: SUMP PUMPS should be tested before the rains begin. Consider a back-up battery when electricity fails. GARAGE floor drains should be checked for good drainage. GUTTERS and downspouts need to be cleaned and checked for proper slope. Also, check for rust, leaking joints, and split seams. DOORS AND WINDOWS should be checked and repair caulking and weather stripping. Check for paint deterioration and rot. DRIVEWAYS AND SIDEWALKS should be observed for cracking and settling. HUMIDIFIERS should be disconnected from their water source on the furnace, and the damper to the ductwork closed. ROOFS need to be checked for missing or damaged shingles. Check all flashings and the base of the antenna. Check roof vents to be sure that they are not loose. The chimney should be capped. AIR CONDITIONING should be checked for efficiency and freon levels. FALL SEASON: FIREPLACES AND WOOD STOVES need to have chimneys checked and cleaned by a chimney sweep. WINDOW WELLS should be cleaned out and all leaves and debris removed. It is good idea to cover the wells with covers. OUTDOOR FAUCETS need to be shut off from the interior and wrapped with insulation if needed. FURNACES should be checked by licensed technician. HOT WATER SYSTEMS should be checked for leaks at valves and other connections. Also, the radiators should be bled. HUMIDIFIERS should be reconnected and filter changed. CENTRAL AIR units should be covered with a tarp for protection. TREE BRANCHES and SHRUBS should be cut away from roofs and siding. ANYTIME CHECKS: GARAGE DOORS should be operational to allow for the reverse mechanism. ATTICS need to be inspected for water stains on the underside of the roof sheathing, wood rot, fungus and evidence of animal entry. Check to make sure that all vents are open. ELECTRICAL PANELS should be checked for watermarks and rust. All breakers should be turned off and on and all fuses tightened. Check ground fault interrupters at the same time-especially exterior GFI'S. BATHROOM FIXTURES should be checked for all caulking around tubs, showers, and sinks. Check that toilets are secure to the floor, and that the wax rings are not leaking. WATER HEATERS should have the drain valve near the bottom opened to check for build-up. TURN the gas or power off first, check the pressure of the release valve, and then drain the tank halfway. Refill. EXTERIOR including eaves, soffits, siding, moldings, porch, and deck should be checked for peeling paint, pockets of wood rot, and insect infestation annually. BASEMENTS/FOUNDATION WALLS should be checked for signs of wetness, deterioration, and cracking. Fill existing cracks by a licensed water proofing service and obtain a transferable warranty. THESE HOME MAINTENANCE TASKS SHOULD BE FOLLOWED ON A ROUTINE BASIS. [ Back to Gloria's Library of Helpful Articles ] Gloria Brda, Realtor Associate® RE/MAX CENTER 100 N. Atkinson Road, Suite 106 Grayslake, Illinois 60030 Toll Free: 800.257.REMAX Office: 847.223.7878 x3021 Fax: 847.223.1703 www.gloriabrda.com Real Estate in Northern Illinois ©1999-2007 Gloria Brda