How Often Should You Check These 10 Things in Your House?
Your Pro-Backed Guide to Preventing Costly Repairs Before They Start
It’s not about being paranoid — it’s about being smart.
Owning a home is one of the best long-term investments you can make — but only if you keep it standing strong. The truth is, most expensive repairs don’t start as big problems. They start small. A drip under the sink. A blocked vent. A bit of cracked caulk that lets water in.
I’m not here to scare you — I’m here to help you stay ahead of those problems with a few simple, regular check-ins that can save you thousands. Here’s a straightforward list of 10 things I recommend homeowners check on a regular basis, and how often to do it.
Monthly Checks (The Quick Wins)
1. Under-Sink Plumbing
Look for: Drips, warped cabinet base, mildew smells.
Leaks often hide in plain sight and can destroy cabinets or floors over time.
What to do: Feel the shutoff valves and pipes for moisture. Tighten any visible compression nuts. If the cabinet feels soft or smells musty, call a pro — there could be mold or a hidden leak.
A side-by-side comparison of an under-sink kitchen cabinet. The left image shows a worn, dirty cabinet base with visible water damage and exposed plumbing lines. The right image shows the same space after being cleaned, sealed, and lined with a fresh, water-resistant surface, creating a clean and protected under-sink area.
2. HVAC Filter
Look for: Dust-covered filters or rising energy bills.
A clogged filter forces your system to work harder, reducing efficiency and lifespan.
What to do: Replace monthly during peak use (summer/winter). If you're unsure of filter size or location, ask during your next maintenance visit.
3. Dryer Vent (Inside and Out)
Look for: Excess lint, poor drying performance, warm laundry room air.
Lint buildup in the vent hose or outside exhaust is a major fire hazard.
What to do: Clear the lint trap after each load. Monthly, vacuum the vent hose and check the outside flap — it should open freely. If airflow feels weak, professional cleaning may be needed.
A two-image collage of an exterior dryer vent. The left image shows a hand holding a lint-clogged bird and rodent guard cover that was removed from a dirty vent outlet. The right image shows the same vent after cleaning, with a new vent cover and with the protective bird guard properly reinstalled on the home’s vinyl siding.
Seasonal Checks (Every 3–6 Months)
4. Exterior Caulk & Trim
Look for: Cracked, missing caulk; soft or discolored trim boards.
Failed caulk lets moisture into the envelope of your home, which can lead to rot and energy loss.
What to do: Scrape and recaulk where needed. Use exterior-grade silicone or paintable latex. If trim feels soft or punky, it’s time to replace and seal.
This side-by-side image shows two separate instances of early-stage wood decay caused by water infiltration. The left image displays deteriorating caulk and paint at the base of a sloped skylight (also known as a roof window), where moisture has begun to affect the wood trim. The right image shows similar damage along the bottom trim of a kitchen window, with visible paint separation and swollen wood grain — common indicators of water damage due to aged caulking failure.
A close-up view of the same exterior skylight trim area as above where rotten wood has been removed. The exposed cavity shows cleaned, solid wood edges ready for treatment. This stage prepares the damaged area for sealing and patching, helping to restore structural integrity and prevent future water infiltration.
5. GFCI Outlets
Look for: No “click” when pressing test button
GFCI outlets help prevent electrical shock — but only if they’re working.
What to do: Press “test,” then “reset.” If nothing happens or power doesn’t restore, the outlet may need to be replaced.
6. Sump Pump
Look for: Water not draining, sediment in pit, pump not activating.
When it fails, it usually fails when you need it most — during heavy rain or snowmelt.
What to do: Pour a bucket of water in to test. Clean intake screen. If it hums but doesn’t pump, or doesn’t run at all, get it inspected immediately.
A close-up photo of a PVC sump pump discharge line in a basement sump pump room. The rubber coupling at the connection point is secured with two ring clamps, one of which had loosened—resulting in water spurting out during pump operation and contributing to standing water issues in the sump pump area. This can be easily tightened with (usually) a 5/16” hex head driver bit, or a flat head screwdriver. Look out for easy fixes like this when inspecting and testing the sump pump itself.
7. Gutters & Downspouts
Look for: Overflow during rain, sagging, water pooling near foundation.
Clogged or damaged gutters can lead to roof leaks, foundation issues, and siding damage.
What to do: Clean twice a year. Ensure downspouts extend 4–6 feet from the home. If water isn’t flowing out freely, flush with a hose or call for a full cleanout.
A view looking down at a first floor gutter partially filled with leaves and small twigs. While the debris doesn't completely fill the gutter, it's enough to easily block the nearby downspout, rendering the system ineffective during rain. This image highlights how even a modest amount of buildup can defeat the purpose of a gutter system and lead to water overflow or foundation damage.
An upper roof view showing a downspout extension draining onto a lower roof plane. While the water currently flows freely down the shingles, the image emphasizes that proper drainage doesn't stop at roof level — it's crucial that water is guided all the way to the ground and ideally into a buried pipe system that terminates at a pop-up emitter or safe runoff zone to prevent foundation damage or erosion.
8. Attic & Crawlspace
Look for: Signs of rodents, insulation displacement, mold, condensation.
These hidden areas often show the first signs of bigger problems.
What to do: Use a flashlight to scan for droppings, wet insulation, or discoloration. If you see mold, stains, or smell ammonia, call a pro to assess further.
This side-by-side photo shows two separate areas within the same attic, both displaying signs of mold or mildew growth on the underside of roof sheathing. The left image shows dark, concentrated mold patches between rafters, while the right image reveals a broader but lighter pattern of moisture staining and mold along the decking. Both examples highlight the need for proper attic ventilation and moisture control to prevent wood decay and indoor air quality issues.
Photos courtesy of Andy Kolar, American Inspections Inc.
Stop small problems before they cost you big
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Stop small problems before they cost you big !
Annual Must-Dos
9. Water Heater Flush
Look for: Rumbling sounds, rusty water, slow heating.
Sediment builds up at the bottom of tank heaters, reducing efficiency and damaging components.
What to do: Drain a few gallons from the drain valve once a year (hose needed). If water is discolored or draining slowly, consider a full flush or hire it out.
10. Full Exterior Walkaround
Look for: Hairline cracks in the foundation, gaps in siding, sloping toward foundation, soft spots near trim or behind siding, unsecure gutters, gaps for pests.
Many major issues (like water intrusion or pests) start with something visible if you know where to look.
What to do: Walk your property once a year. Note anything new or worsening and call for an evaluation if unsure.
Water was discovered seeping into the basement from a visible crack in the foundation wall, located in a space that was frequently used by the homeowners. In this case, the issue was caught relatively early because the area was accessible and regularly monitored. However, many foundation cracks form behind finished walls or in low-traffic areas where water problems can go unnoticed for months or even years. Spotting a small crack from the exterior — like the one found near ground level here — is critical for catching hidden structural issues early and preventing more serious water damage inside the home.
A series of three photos showing the uncovering and progression of exterior wall repairs. The first image shows the original intact vinyl siding around a window where the homeowner first noticed a soft spot at the lower left corner. In the second image, the siding has been removed, revealing extensive water damage and rot across multiple OSB sheathing panels below the window. The third image shows further removal of compromised sheathing and insulation exposure, documenting the full extent of hidden moisture damage that had spread more widely than initially suspected.
A short video showing the repaired section of exterior wall sheathing located about two feet above the ground. After removing soft, water-damaged material, new sheathing has been installed and sealed. The video highlights the solid, restored wall surface behind the vinyl siding before final reassembly, ensuring long-term protection against moisture intrusion.
Look for cracks in foundation walls wider than 1/8" or that appear to grow. Use a pencil or ruler to monitor crack growth. (Example seen above)
Check that siding is flush (no gaps, warps, or soft spots)
Press on exterior trim — soft wood = rot
Ensure gutters are secure and pitched properly
Look for water stains on siding or brick
Make sure the ground slopes away from the house, especially near downspouts
Look for gaps where pests could enter (around pipes, vents, soffits)
If something looks off or you're unsure, take a photo and ask.
Final Thought: Small Checks, Big Payoffs
A home doesn’t fall apart overnight — it happens little by little, unless someone’s paying attention. These small, regular checks don’t take long and are quite simple, but they can make a big difference in how your home holds up over time.
Whether you handle them yourself or just keep this list handy for reference, staying ahead of maintenance is one of the best things you can do as a homeowner.
All photos and videos shown are personally taken by me during real inspection, repair, and maintenance projects, unless otherwise noted.
