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Home > Blog > Annual Home Audit Checklist
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2023

Annual Home Audit Checklist

Addressing potential safety risks on your property is an important part of being a homeowner. Use this home audit checklist to review your property and help make sure everything is safe and secure. Contact a licensed professional to complete tasks that you are unable to complete safely or comfortably. 

Indoor Safety Considerations 


Here are a few indoor areas of your home to focus on when conducting your annual home audit: 

Electrical Considerations 


  • Check all electrical wires, cords and plugs for signs of damage or fraying. Make sure all wires and cords are arranged neatly to mitigate tripping hazards. 

  • Inspect all electrical outlets and panels. Look for loose-fitting pieces or poorly fitted covers, and replace these parts if needed. 

  • Do not overcrowd outlets or power strips to decrease fire risk. 

  • Contact a qualified electrician for any further inspection of your home’s electrical system. 


Appliances and Furniture 

  • Deep clean all surfaces, furniture and appliances in your home that are frequently touched or used. 

  • Make sure your washer and dryer are the proper distance from the wall, and move them if needed. Use a vacuum to clean out your dryer’s vent from any lint buildup. 

  • Vacuum dust and debris from your refrigerator coils. 

  • If applicable, make sure all appliances, surfaces and furniture are pet- or child-proofed. 


Utility Systems 

  • Inspect your plumbing system for leaks. Pay special attention to bathtubs, showerheads, sinks, faucets and toilets. If you find an issue, contact a qualified plumber for further assistance.a car parked in front of a house 

  • Check your kitchen and bathroom drains and pipes for blockages and if you find them, clear them or contact a qualified plumber to do so. 

  • Inspect all major household features, such as your sump pump, furnace and water heater. Contact a qualified repair technician if you have any concerns. 

Filters 

  • Clean your HVAC system’s filters and air vents to prevent excess dust buildup. 

  • Inspect filters in your oven and furnace to make sure they are working properly and have no debris buildup. If needed, replace your filters. 



Health and Cleaning Supplies 


  • Inventory your medications to be sure you have what you need. Properly dispose of expired medication. 

  • Store cleaning materials away from children or pets. These materials can be flammable, toxic or otherwise potentially dangerous and should be stored properly to help prevent accidents. 


Structural Considerations 


  • If you have a chimney, contact a qualified professional to inspect it before use. 

  • Inspect your home’s walls and ceilings for any cracks, leaks or other types of deterioration. Pay special attention to the attic or crawl space. Make repairs as needed. 

  • Repair damaged steps and tighten loose handrails in your stairwells. Consider adding slip-resistant padding or paint to your stairs if they are not carpeted. 

  • Check your home for signs of pests and call a certified pest control manager if you find any evidence. Signs could include droppings, nests and wood damage. 

  • Check windows, doors and screens to make sure they are properly installed. Watch for broken glass, cracks or chipped paint, and repair as needed. 

  • Consider switching from corded blinds to cordless blinds to reduce choking risks for pets or children, if applicable. 


Outdoor Safety Considerations 

Consider these categories when conducting your annual outdoor home maintenance: 

Structural Considerations 

  • Inspect your home’s foundation for any cracks, sinking or deterioration. Contact a qualified contractor for any serious concerns and be sure to make the necessary repairs as soon as you can. 

  • Clean out gutters, exterior vents and pipes to remove any debris. 

  • Check your roof for any missing shingles, dents, loose items or other damages. Make repairs and clean your roof as needed. 

  • Inspect your home’s siding for chipped paint, cracks, excess moisture or other damages. Make repairs and clean your siding as needed. 


Landscaping and Yard 

  • Clear your driveway and any walkways in your yard of debris or other obstructions to help avoid slip and trip hazards. Be sure these areas are level and crack-free. 

  • Trim any tree branches that come close to your home or any other structures on your property. This can help prevent damage from these branches in the event of a storm. 

  • Consider installing exterior lighting to keep your yard well-lit when it gets dark and help avoid any potential slips or trips. 


Detached Structures 

  • If applicable, maintain any outdoor play equipment, such as play sets or trampolines, to help avoid safety hazards. Also, if applicable, keep your pool clean and covered when not in use and make sure access barriers and alarms are in working order. 

  • Ensure all fencing is sturdy and in good condition, and is secured with a locking gate. Make repairs as needed. 

  • Check all outdoor furniture, tools and appliances for any safety concerns. Repair or replace these items if needed, and store them in a safe, locked place, such as a shed or garage. 


Emergency Preparedness Considerations 


The following safety considerations detail how you can prepare your home and family for an emergency: 

Alarms/Security 

  • If you have home security alarms, be sure they are in working order. Consider installing them if you have not already done so. Either way, be sure there are proper locks on all windows and doors, and install a sturdy deadbolt on each exterior door. 

  • Ensure that smoke alarms are properly installed in every bedroom, outside of sleeping areas and on every level of your home, including the basement. Test your smoke alarms each month for effectiveness and replace the batteries at least once a year. Replace the entire alarm every 10 years or in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. 

  • Make sure that carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are installed on every level of your home, including the basement. Test your CO detectors for effectiveness and replace their batteries if needed. Replace the entire alarm every seven years or in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. 


Fire Plans 

  • In areas of your home with an elevated fire risk, such as the kitchen and garage, make sure you place a portable fire extinguisher in an easy-to-access place. Be sure that every member of your household knows how to safely use a fire extinguisher. Inspect your extinguishers to be sure the pressure is adequate and all pieces are still intact. Replace your extinguishers when needed. 

  • Create a fire emergency escape plan that outlines different escape routes from different places in your house. Practice this plan with all members of your household so everyone is more prepared in the event of a fire. 

  • Consider installing a fire escape ladder near a window for each upstairs room in your house, and make sure all members of your household know how to use these ladders safely. 



Other Important Considerations 

  • Create a home emergency kit to be prepared for any potential disaster, and store it in a safe yet accessible place. This kit should include the following: 

  • Emergency documents (bank account numbers, insurance policies, etc.) 

  • Food and water 

  • First-aid supplies 

  • Extra clothes 

  • Flashlight and batteries 

  • Battery-powered radio 

  • Matches 

  • Electronic device chargers 

  • Sleeping bags 

  • Pliers (to help turn off utilities) 

  • Be sure that your house number is clearly visible from the street. This allows your home to be more easily identified and located in case of an emergency. 


Summary 

Conduct this home audit every year to help ensure the safety of your home and your family. Contact licensed professionals if you need assistance. 
Posted 7:35 AM

Tags: homeowners, policy, coverage, insurance
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