The four-times-a-year home walkaround
About 45 minutes
One slow lap around your home each season catches almost every expensive surprise.
Printable steps & toolsNo film for this one — yet
We haven't found a film we'd stand behind for this one, so we're showing none rather than an unrelated embed. The written steps below are complete on their own — and the practice routine works without video.
Practice now
Do these 3 things next
- Outside: look at the roof edge, gutters, siding gaps, and the ground sloping away from the walls.
- Inside: check under every sink with a dry paper towel, and around every toilet base.
- Systems: filter, water heater relief valve area, and any drip pan under an appliance.
Say it while you work: Ítara — like this, in this way
Steps
- Outside: look at the roof edge, gutters, siding gaps, and the ground sloping away from the walls.
- Inside: check under every sink with a dry paper towel, and around every toilet base.
- Systems: filter, water heater relief valve area, and any drip pan under an appliance.
- Safety: test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries on a fixed date each year.
- Write down what you saw with the date. The record is what makes the next lap useful.
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. Local codes and conditions vary. If work involves electrical, gas, structural, HVAC or plumbing systems — or if anything feels beyond your comfort — stop and hire a licensed professional.
Bumada Bridge
Want to learn this in Garifuna?
Ítara — like this, in this way
Want the deep version? Itara ebooks are $7 during the Back to School Savings (usually $17).