A 30-minute seasonal home check
30 minutes · Easy · Estimated materials $0
A short walk inside and outside catches many maintenance problems while they are still small.
Likely cause
Weather changes expose drainage, sealing, airflow and safety issues that are easy to miss day to day.
First safe check
Pick a dry daylight hour and start at the front door with your phone camera.
Tools and materials
Tools
- Flashlight
- Phone camera
- Binoculars
Materials
No materials needed for the first check.
Step by step
- 1Walk the exterior and photograph drainage, loose trim and damaged seals.
- 2From the ground, scan roof edges, gutters and downspouts.
- 3Check under sinks and around toilets for moisture.
- 4Test smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms.
- 5Review HVAC filters, hoses and upcoming reminder dates in My Home.
Common mistakes
- Skipping photos
- Climbing onto the roof
- Waiting for visible damage
When to call a professional
Any job
Nothing here says you can't do it. These are simply the moments where a professional is the cheaper answer.
- The same problem comes back after a correct repair.
- The next step needs a tool or permit you don't have.
- You'd be working alone on something that could pin or fall.
- You've lost confidence — that feeling is information, not failure.
General guidance only. Codes and conditions vary. When in doubt, stop and use a licensed professional.