End-of-Year Home Inspector’s Maintenance Tips

Start the New Year Right: Home Inspection Tips from Idaho Elite Inspection Team for a Safe, Well-Maintained Home

As the calendar turns and new goals are set for the year, one of your biggest investments — your home — should not be overlooked. The start of a new year is the perfect time to ensure your home is safe, efficient, and ready for the months ahead. Idaho Elite Inspection Team, the trusted professional inspector in Idaho Falls, ID, and surrounding areas, can help you get your home in top shape.

While many focus on personal health or finances, your home deserves the same attention. A thorough home inspection or safety check can uncover hidden issues, prevent costly repairs, and ensure your family’s comfort throughout the year. Below are 10 key areas every homeowner should review, along with expert advice from your local home inspector.

1. Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

These small devices save lives — but only when they work properly.

• Test each unit and replace batteries if it’s been more than six months.

• Clean away dust that can block sensors.

• Replace detectors that are 10 years or older.

💡 Inspector Tip: Your inspector can confirm that detectors are properly located in bedrooms, hallways, and near gas appliances to meet safety standards.

2. Inspect Electrical Outlets and Panels

Electrical problems are one of the leading causes of house fires, especially in older homes.

• Look for outlets that feel warm, spark, or show black marks.

• Make sure outlets are covered and tight.

• Ensure GFCI outlets are installed in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas.

⚡ Inspector Insight: Your certified home inspector can spot overloaded circuits, outdated wiring, or breaker panels that may not meet current safety codes.

3. Evaluate Heating and HVAC Systems

Your heating system works overtime during winter. Keep it efficient and safe.

• Replace or clean filters monthly.

• Inspect furnace flames — they should burn steady blue, not yellow.

• Schedule a professional HVAC service annually.

🏠 Why It Matters: During the inspection, we often uncover leaks, worn components, or venting issues before they lead to costly repairs or reduced air quality.

4. Examine the Roof and Gutters

After a year of rain, wind, and debris, your roof deserves a close look.

• Check for cracked or missing shingles.

• Clean gutters and downspouts.

• Look for attic leaks or moisture stains.

💧 Inspector Tip: With tools like drones and infrared imaging, your inspector can detect hidden leaks and insulation gaps long before they cause visible damage.

5. Test Windows and Doors for Drafts

Energy loss from gaps around doors and windows can add up quickly.

• Feel for drafts and reseal with weatherstripping or caulk.

• Confirm locks and seals are tight.

• Consider upgrading older windows to energy-efficient models.

🌬️ Inspector Help: A thermal scan can reveal unseen leaks, insulation problems, and other efficiency issues throughout the home.

6. Inspect Plumbing and Water Systems

Even minor leaks can cause major headaches later.

• Check under sinks for dampness or corrosion.

• Test your water heater’s pressure relief valve.

• Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas.

🚰 Inspector Insight: During your home maintenance inspection, visible plumbing is checked for leaks, pressure irregularities, and early warning signs of failure.

7. Review Attic and Insulation

A well-insulated attic means lower energy bills and consistent comfort.

• Check for missing or compacted insulation.

• Ensure ventilation is clear and unobstructed.

• Look for pests or moisture buildup.

🌡️ Inspector Tip: We measure insulation depth and ventilation to confirm your home meets modern efficiency standards.

8. Examine Foundation and Exterior Walls

A solid foundation supports everything above it.

• Look for cracks, water stains, or settling around the home’s perimeter.

• Make sure downspouts divert water away from the foundation.

• Check siding or brickwork for gaps and damage.

🏡 Professional Insight: Your inspector can determine whether small cracks are cosmetic or signs of structural shifting that need attention.

9. Test Safety Equipment and Emergency Supplies

Be ready for anything.

• Ensure fire extinguishers are charged.

• Review your family’s escape plan.

• Replace flashlight batteries and restock first-aid kits.

🔦 Inspector Reminder: We offer guidance on fire safety and emergency planning as part of a comprehensive inspection.

10. Schedule a Professional New Year Home Inspection

Even the most diligent homeowners can miss issues hidden behind walls or under floors. A professional home maintenance inspection ensures your home’s systems are safe, efficient, and ready for the year ahead.

During a professional inspection, your home inspector will:

• Evaluate key systems: roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.

• Use advanced tools such as infrared cameras and moisture meters.

• Provide a digital report with photos, priorities, and repair suggestions.

• Share preventive maintenance tips customized for your home’s age and region.

Why Start the Year with a Home Maintenance Inspection?

A yearly inspection is the perfect opportunity to get ahead of potential problems before they become costly emergencies. It gives you a clear understanding of your home’s health, helps you budget for upcoming maintenance, and offers peace of mind for the months ahead.

Stay safe. Save money. Protect your investment.