For purposes of home inspection there are about a dozen systems. There also exists a short list of items that every homeowner should be on top of regularly. These do not usually require a professional to identify and between Youtube and Google, you can figure them out comfortably. Test yourself as you read below; what kind of grade do you give yourself?
- You are on the lookout for plumbing leaks and jump on them immediately.
- You change your HVAC filters regularly.
- You remove debris from your gutters on a timely basis.
- Your handrails are secure and graspable (i.e., able to be grasped comfortably).
- There are no open exhaust vents that flow improperly into your attic.
- Your stairs are free of debris and clutter so no one trips when in a hurry.
- Your registers are unblocked and able to heat & cool your home efficiently.
- Your kitchen appliances are working correctly and safely.
- Your doors are able to be accessed easily, locked & unlocked and opened quickly in case of an emergency.
- Your windows work well and can be used to exit the home in case of a fire.
- A fire in your fireplace presents no safety issues with regard to smoke, venting, unmanaged sparks, flame doors, etc.
- You know where your water main shut-off value is. What about your gas shut-off valve? Main electricity shut-off breaker?
- You check your fire extinguisher in the kitchen regularly.
- All electrical receptacles are grounded and do not spark when used.
The list could go on, but you get the idea. You deserve to live safely. And you can train yourself to see hazards before they become a threat to your own safety. And if your spouse or kids do not know the items above, now is a good time to teach them (before you go on another business trip)! 😊
