When January arrives, we all set goals for healthier, better lives. But what about your home? Just like you, your house deserves a fresh start each year. Taking care of small maintenance tasks now can save you from big, expensive surprises later.
At All Coast Home Inspections, we’ve seen countless cases in Houston, Galveston, Alvin, Angleton, and across Brazoria County where simple upkeep could have prevented major repairs. To help, we’ve created a step-by-step New Year’s home maintenance guide with tips on how to perform or begin each task. “Inspections That Protect What Matters Most.”
1. Inspect Your Roof and Gutters
Why it matters: Roof damage leads to leaks, mold, and costly repairs. Gutters protect your foundation from water pooling.
How to do it:
- Use binoculars from the ground to spot missing shingles, sagging areas, or flashing damage.
- Clear gutters with gloves or a scoop, and flush them with a garden hose.
- Check downspouts to ensure water flows away from the house (extend if necessary).
Pro tip: If you’re not comfortable climbing a ladder or your roof is steep, hire a professional roofer or inspector. We often catch early roof issues during inspections.
2. Check Foundation and Exterior Walls
Why it matters: Shifting Texas clay soils can crack foundations, leading to uneven floors and doors that don’t close right.
How to do it:
- Walk around your house and look for cracks in the slab, brick, or siding.
- Push gently on exterior walls to check for movement.
- Re-caulk windows and doors to prevent moisture intrusion.
- Ensure soil slopes away from your foundation.
Pro tip: For cracks wider than 1/8 inch, call a foundation specialist or inspector for evaluation.
3. Service Your HVAC System
Why it matters: HVAC systems work hard in Gulf Coast climates. Proper care improves comfort and lowers energy costs.
How to do it:
- Replace air filters every 1–3 months.
- Vacuum around vents and registers.
- Clear debris from outdoor condenser units.
- Schedule a professional tune-up to check refrigerant levels, coils, and ductwork.
Pro tip: If your system is more than 10 years old, ask about efficiency upgrades to reduce long-term costs.
4. Perform a Plumbing Check
Why it matters: Small leaks waste water and cause major damage if ignored.
How to do it:
- Look under sinks for dampness, mold, or corrosion.
- Flush toilets to check for running water.
- Turn on faucets and check for low pressure (could mean buildup or leaks).
- Drain a few gallons from your water heater to remove sediment.
Pro tip: If you see water stains on ceilings or hear running water when everything is off, call an inspector — it may be a slab leak.
5. Test Electrical Systems
Why it matters: Faulty wiring and overloaded outlets are leading causes of house fires.
How to do it:
- Press the “test” and “reset” buttons on GFCI outlets. Replace any that don’t trip.
- Open your breaker box and sniff for burning odors. Tighten any loose screws if safe.
- Replace old extension cords or power strips.
- Ensure outlets aren’t warm to the touch.
Pro tip: If your breakers trip frequently, call a licensed electrician — it may signal a serious problem. “Inspections That Protect What Matters Most.”
6. Replace Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Batteries
Why it matters: These devices save lives, but only if they’re working.
How to do it:
- Change batteries at least once a year (January is perfect).
- Press the test button to ensure alarms sound.
- Clean detectors with a vacuum hose to remove dust.
- Replace detectors every 10 years (check manufacture date).
7. Review Fire Safety Plans
Why it matters: In an emergency, every second counts.
How to do it:
- Check expiration dates on fire extinguishers (usually 5–15 years).
- Keep at least one extinguisher in the kitchen, garage, and near bedrooms.
- Practice a family evacuation plan — two exits per room, meeting place outside.
- If you have a fireplace, hire a chimney sweep before burning season.
8. Inspect Attic and Insulation
Why it matters: Proper insulation saves energy, prevents mold, and deters pests.
How to do it:
- Wear protective gear (mask, gloves) before entering.
- Check insulation depth: in Texas, you want at least 10–14 inches.
- Look for damp spots, dark stains, or animal droppings.
- Make sure soffit vents aren’t blocked.
Pro tip: If you feel excessive heat in your attic in winter, ventilation may be poor — leading to moisture buildup.
9. Seal Windows and Doors
Why it matters: Drafts cost money and make HVAC work harder.
How to do it:
- Run your hand around edges of windows and doors; feel for cold air.
- Replace worn weatherstripping (self-adhesive types are easy to apply).
- Re-caulk cracked window frames with exterior-grade caulk.
- Add door sweeps to stop drafts under doors.
10. Complete a Seasonal Deep Clean
Why it matters: A cleaner home is safer, healthier, and functions better.
How to do it:
- Unplug dryer and vacuum lint from vent ductwork.
- Dust ceiling fan blades and wipe with damp cloth.
- Wash blinds, windows, and baseboards.
- Move large appliances slightly and clean behind them.
Pro tip: Dryer vent cleaning is one of the most important — clogged vents cause thousands of house fires yearly.
Why January Maintenance Matters in Brazoria County
In coastal areas like Houston, Galveston, Alvin, Angleton, and Brazoria County, we face unique challenges: salty air, humidity, hurricanes, and clay-based soil. By tackling these ten tasks in January, you’re proactively fighting the local conditions that can wear your home down faster than you realize. “Inspections That Protect What Matters Most.”
Make a Resolution to Protect Your Home
This year, let your home’s resolution be to stay strong, safe, and sound. Regular upkeep gives you peace of mind, reduces bills, and protects your family.
If you’d rather not climb ladders or crawl through attics, let the pros handle it.
At All Coast Home Inspections, we proudly serve homeowners in Houston, Galveston, Alvin, Angleton, and Brazoria County with thorough, professional inspections that catch problems before they become disasters. “Inspections That Protect What Matters Most.”
📞 Call us today at (713) 494-3721
📧 Email: acchinspections@gmail.com
🌐 Visit: allcoasthomeinspections.com
Start the new year off right — with peace of mind and a safe, well-maintained home.
