“How Old Is It? / How Much Longer Will It Last?” © “How old is the furnace?” “How much longer will the roof last?” “When will the water heater need to be replaced?” These are questions that home inspectors are regularly asked by customers. While it may be gratifying to know that customers have so much confidence in you that they believe that you possess the expertise to be able to predict the future, you know that you don’t. If you could predict the future, you wouldn’t be an inspector. You would be retired, having become wealthy from playing the stock market or betting on the ponies. (COPYRIGHT 2006 PROSPEX, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED) Here is another resource from the National Association of Home Builders .  (advertisement)What is this gadget? Click here for a demo . Regular routine maintenance doesn't cost, it pays! How does routine maintenance pay? By lowering expensive "in season" repairs. Here is a partial list of regular home maintenance checks for you (the new home owner): After taking possession of a new home, there are some maintenance and safety issues that should be addressed immediately.  The following checklist should help you undertake these improvements: Change the locks on all exterior entrances, for improved security. Check that all windows and doors have the correct hardware and that it be adjusted as necessary.  Security lockrods can be added to sliding windows and doors.  Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on each level of the home.  Ensure that there are smoke and carbon monoxide detectors within 15 feet of all sleeping areas.  Replace batteries on any existing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and test them.  Make a note to replace batteries again each year at the same time. Create a fire safety plan in the event of a fire in your home.  Ensure that there is an operable window or door in every room of the house. Examine all driveways and walkways for trip hazards.  Plan and complete repairs where necessary. Examine the interior of the home for trip hazards.  Loose or torn carpeting and flooring should be repaired. Plan and complete improvements to all stairways, decks, porches and landings where there is a risk of falling or stumbling. Review your home inspection report for any items that require immediate improvement or further investigation.  Make a priority list of all improvements needed and address these areas as required. Install rain caps and spark screens on all chimney flues, as necessary. Make sure to find the location of the main shut-offs for the plumbing (main water supply), heating  (main gas supply) and electrical systems(main electrical panel). These will all be listed in you home inspection report. Every month: Check that fire extinguisher(s) are fully charged.  Re-charge if necessary. Examine heating/cooling air filters and replace or clean as necessary. Inspect and clean humidifiers and electronic air cleaners. If the house has a hot water heating system, bleed excess air from radiators. Clean gutters and downspouts as debris in gutters will allow the gutters to rust through.  Make sure that downspouts are secure, and that the discharge at the downspouts is far enough from the house as to keep water from pooling around the foundation. Remove debris from window wells and check for broken window paynes. Carefully inspect the condition of shower enclosures.  Repair or replace deteriorated grout and caulk.  Make sure that water is not escaping from around the enclosure during showering.  Check below all plumbing fixtures for evidence of leakage. Repair or replace leaking faucets or shower heads. Check that the toilets are secure, and  repair or replace flushing mechanisms that start to stick. Every spring and fall: Examine the roof for evidence of damage to roof coverings, flashings and chimneys. Look in the attic (if accessible) to ensure that roof vents are not obstructed.  Check for evidence of leakage, condensation or critter activity.  Trim back tree branches and shrubs to ensure that they are not in contact with the house. Inspect the exterior walls and foundation for evidence of damage, cracking or movement.  Watch for bird nests or other critter or insect activity.  Check the basement and/or crawl space walls for evidence of moisture seepage. Look at overhead wires coming to the house.  They should be secure and clear of trees or other obstructions. Check that the grade of the land around the house encourages water to flow away from the foundation. Inspect all driveways, walkways, decks, porches, and landscape components for evidence of deterioration, movement or safety hazards. Clean windows and test their operation.  Improve caulking and weather-stripping as necessary.  Watch for evidence of rot in wood window frames.  Paint and repair window sills and frames as necessary. Test all ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) devices, as identified in the inspection report. Shut off isolating valves for exterior hose bibs in the fall, if below freezing temperatures are anticipated. Inspect for evidence of termite activity.  Eliminate any wood/soil contact around the perimeter of the home. Test the overhead garage door opener, to ensure that the auto-reverse mechanism is responding properly.  Clean and lubricate hinges, rollers and tracks on overhead doors. Replace or clean exhaust hood filters. Clean, inspect and/or service all appliances as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Annually: Replace smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries. Have the heating, cooling and water heater systems cleaned and serviced. Have chimneys inspected and cleaned.  Make sure that rain caps and spaerk arresting screens are in place and secure. Examine the electrical panels, wiring and electrical components for evidence of overheating.  If you notice anything out of the ordinary, BE SAFE and CALL an PROFESSIONAL.  Prevention is the best method to extend the useful life of many everyday use items.