Seller's Maintenance Checklist

Interior

Kitchen

• Organize cabinets and pantry
• Clean out and organize refrigerator
• Check for leaks in faucets, pot fillers or hot water dispensers
• Clean and polish all appliances
• Clean and degrease exhaust fan or vent hood on stove
• Remove accumulation of grease from cooking areas
• Check for insects under sink or in food storage areas. Professionally treat if necessary.

Walls and Ceilings

• Repair cracks, holes, or damage to drywall
• Check condition of paint and wallpaper
• Repaint or touchup where necessary
• Clean scuffs, fingerprints, grease, and dirt off of walls and baseboards
• Think about changing any bold or unique colors to more neutral tones

Bathrooms

• Check tile joints, grouting and caulking 
• Remove mildew
• Repair leaking faucets and shower heads
• Check the condition of paint and/or wallpaper
• Test operation of toilet and faucets

Attic Floors

• Check underside of roof for leaks, stains, or dampness
• Look around chimney for condensation or signs of water
• Clean and clear ventilation openings if necessary
• Clean out stored junk
• Inspect for creaking boards, loose, missing or cracked tiles and worn areas
• Test the staircases for loose handrails or posts or worn tread

Exterior

Exterior Walls

• Check exterior walls for cracks
• Replace loose or missing caulk
• Repair drywall cracks and chips
• Repair loose or damaged siding, stucco, brick, stone, etc.
• Look for areas where insects may be entering the home and seal; treat professionally if necessary

Yard

• Check sprinkler system for broken heads or cracked pipes
• Adjust sprinklers which spray onto walkways
• Mow and edge lawn; sod where necessary
• Trim hedges, prune trees and shrubs
• Weed and mulch flower beds

Foundation

• Walk around and visually inspect for cracks; check walls, steps, retaining walls, walkways, and patios for disrupted areas - fix where necessary

Roof and Gutters

• Clear obstructions from vents, louvers and chimneys
• Check trim for rot, decay and peeling paint
• Inspect chimney for any loose or missing mortar

Windows and Doors

• Look for and replace and broken or cracked window panes
• Make sure all doors open and close smoothly
• Check condition of weather stripping and caulking
• Repaint or touch up where necessary
• Test doorbell and alarm system
• Clean windows to let in as much light as possible; clean window sills, tracks, blinds, etc.
• Remedy squeaking and creaking

Garage

• Test garage door opener for smooth and quiet operation
• Clean and organize the garage
• Test electrical outlets
• Lubricate hinges and other hardware on your garage door
• Inspect doors and windows for any peeling paint
• Put away tool that are considered dangerous

Driveway

• Repair concrete or blacktop if necessary
• Clean grease or other stains
• Remove grass or weeks growing from driveway seams

Mechanical Systems

Heating and Cooling

• Change or clean furnace and air conditioning filters.
• Clear and clean areas around heating and cooling equipment. 
• Have equipment serviced if needed.

Electrical

• Check exposed wiring and outlets for signs of wear or damage. 
• Repair and test switches and outlets.
• If any part of your electrical system is in question, hire a professional to service it.

Plumbing

• Check water pressure when faucets in bathroom(s) and kitchen are turned on. 
• Look for leaks at faucets, sink traps, and valves.
• Clear slow-running or clogged drains. 
• Have septic systems serviced and emptied if necessary.
• If any part of your plumbing system is in question, hire a professional to service it.