Back to School, Back to Home Basics: A Home Inspector’s Checklist for the Season

The kids are packing their backpacks, the bus routes are back in motion, and your schedule is shifting back into “school mode.”

While the focus is on homework, sports practices, and packing lunches, this is also the perfect time to give your home a little seasonal check-up.

As a home inspector, I can tell you—small maintenance steps now can save you big repair bills later. Think of it as giving your home its own “report card.”

1. HVAC – Keep the Air Grade A

Just like students need fresh air to focus, your home needs proper airflow to stay healthy.

• Change your air filter (most need replacing every 30–90 days).

• Schedule a professional HVAC check-up before the colder months sneak in.

• Vacuum around vents to keep dust and allergens from circulating.

Inspector Tip: A dirty filter can reduce efficiency by up to 15%—which is like handing your furnace a failing grade.

2. Gutter & Downspout Check – No Clogged Arteries

With fall leaves on the horizon, make sure gutters are clear and downspouts are directing water at least 6 feet away from your foundation.

• Look for sagging or pulling away from the roofline.

• Make sure no water is pooling near your home’s perimeter.

Inspector Tip: Water near your foundation is the #1 cause of foundation shifts—costly “F’s” on the home report card.

3. Safety Equipment – Quiz Your Home

Every semester, teachers review safety procedures with students. Do the same for your home:

• Test smoke and CO detectors.

• Replace batteries if needed (even if they “seem fine”).

• Keep fire extinguishers accessible and check the expiration date.

Inspector Tip: A working smoke alarm cuts the risk of death in a home fire by half—worth an A+ in my book.

4. Exterior Walk – Don’t Trip Over the Details

Morning dew, dark bus stops, and fall rains can make sidewalks slick.

• Look for cracked, uneven, or loose pavement that could cause a trip hazard.

• Check exterior lighting for burned-out bulbs.

Inspector Tip: Well-lit, safe walkways aren’t just about safety—they also improve curb appeal (bonus points for resale value).

5. Weather Prep – Dress Your Home for the Season

Before you pull out the sweaters and jackets, help your home layer up, too.

• Inspect door and window seals for drafts.

• Touch up peeling paint or exposed wood.

• Make sure attic insulation is in good condition.

Inspector Tip: Drafts can account for 25–30% of heating energy use. That’s like your home forgetting to study for winter.

✅ Final Bell: A little time spent on these “homework assignments” now means fewer emergencies later. If you’re unsure about what you’re seeing—or want a thorough seasonal check—schedule a professional inspection. Think of it as a parent-teacher conference… for your home.