Keeping Your Home Healthy

Good home maintenance and housekeeping practices are the most important ingredients to a Healthy Home.  By practicing a once or twice a year inspection (depending on the age of your home), problems can be identified and addressed before they become huge catastrophes.  Through our housekeeping and maintenance practices, we can reduce contaminants and allergens and prevent injuries and illnesses.

Outside

The gutters and downspouts are free of debris and are in working order.

Rain and water drains away from the foundation.

There are no signs of termites, roaches, pests, or rodents.

Faucets and hoses are in working order and are not leaking.

Window wells and yard drains are free of debris.

Roof is in good order.

All vents, windows, sky lights and openings on the roof and through the walls are secure with no leaks or debris.

Exterior paint and siding are in good shape.

Exhaust ducts and dryer vents are free of debris.

Basement and Crawlspace

There are no wet areas.

The sump pump is in working order.

All drains are free of debris.

There are no signs of termites, roaches, pests, or rodents.

Garage

There are no wet areas.

All drains are free of debris.

The garage door is in working order.

There are no signs of termites, roaches, pests, or rodents.

Attic

There are no wet areas.

All vents and openings are free of debris.

There are no signs of termites, roaches, pests, or rodents.

Interior

There are no indications of water intrusions or water damage.

All painted surfaces are in good shape (no peeling paint).

All windows and doors are operational and safe.

All appliances are in good working order, including clean screens and new filters.

All toilets, tubs, showers, and sinks are leak-free and in good working order.

The bathroom and kitchen fans are free of debris and in good working order.

All filters have been cleaned or replaced in the HVAC unit, dehumidifiers, ventilation systems, etc.

All electrical cords are damage-free and in good working order.

All smoke detectors and CO alarms have fresh batteries and are in good working order.

All clutter has been organized, stored or removed.

After all annual or bi-annual repairs have been made, the next crucial step to having a Healthy Home is good housekeeping practices.  Allergens, contaminants, and bacteria build up in homes that are not well-kept.  Shortly after spring cleaning, dust and spores begin laying on horizontal surfaces.  Dusting, vacuuming, and cleaning the bathroom and kitchen on a regular schedule is crucial to a healthy environment.

The key to a healthy home:  keep it dry, keep it clean, keep it well-ventilated, keep it free from contaminants and pets, keep it safe, and keep it well-maintained!