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After the holidays, units have hosted guests, thermostats were fiddled with, and cold fronts may have stressed systems. A quick, structured inspection catches small problems before they turn into claims or one-star reviews. Use this concise checklist to walk each property once residents are back to normal schedules.
Before you start (5-minute prep)
- Print/work from a unit-specific checklist with photos from the last inspection.
- Bring: headlamp, outlet/GFCI tester, moisture meter, IR thermometer, screwdriver/multi-tool, ladder, batteries, door sweeps, caulk, smoke/CO alarms, faucet supply lines, and felt pads.
- Open the last work orders and warranty items for quick reference.
Exterior & site
- Walkways/steps: Ice melt residue cleaned; no slick algae; handrails tight.
- Roof/gutters/scuppers (visual): No new sagging or debris; downspouts discharging away from walks and slab.
- Siding/trim/paint: Cracks or gaps caulked; utility penetrations sealed.
- Hose bibs/backflows: Covers intact; no drips; escutcheons sealed to wall.
- Lighting: Entry and path fixtures working; photocells/Timers functioning.
- Parking/trash: No overflow; enclosures close fully.
Entry & living areas
- Doors: Weatherstripping intact; threshold/sweep seals; latch aligns; no daylight.
- Floors/walls/ceilings: Look for water staining, cracks from cold contraction, and popped nails.
- Windows: Lock/operate; check drafts with back-of-hand test; re-seat loose panes.
- Smoke/CO alarms: Test each; replace batteries or units >10 years old (7 for CO).
- Thermostat: Confirm heat mode, schedule reasonable (no extreme setbacks); replace weak batteries.
Kitchen
- Under-sink: Moisture at shutoffs, P-trap joints, and cabinet base; meter if suspicious.
- Supply lines/shutoffs: Braided lines in good condition; angle stops turn freely; label if missing.
- Disposer & dishwasher: Run test; check for leaks at air gap and drain loop.
- Range/hood: Fan moves air; filters clean; gas connections tight (soap test if trained).
- GFCI: Test and reset; replace failed.
- Fridge: Door seals intact; icemaker line not kinked or sweating.
Bathrooms
- Toilets: Rocking bowls, slow fills, ghost flushes; tighten or rebuild (flapper/fill valve).
- Tubs/showers: Caulk/grout intact; no soft flooring at tub edges; fan actually moves air (tissue test).
- Vanities: Moisture at supplies and traps; look for swelling or staining.
- GFCI: Test and reset.
Laundry/utility
- Washer hoses: No bulges/cracking; prefer braided stainless; verify shutoffs.
- Dryer: Lint screen/duct clean; exterior flap moves freely; no foil flex where code prohibits.
- Water heater: Pan dry; T&P discharge unobstructed; flex connectors tight; combustion clearances respected.
- Furnace/air handler: Filter condition; condensate lines clear; float switch trips; listen for bearing noise.
- Electrical panel (visual): Legible labels; no scorch marks; GFCI/AFCI breakers test.
Bedrooms & secondary spaces
- Egress windows: Open/close/lock; ensure security bars (if any) have quick-release.
- Closets: Check ceiling corners for condensation/mold from holiday crowding.
- Doors/hardware: Latches catch; quiet squeaks; add felt pads where needed.
Balcony/patio & storage
- Guardrails: Firm; no rust-through or loose fasteners.
- Decking: Trip hazards; stored items not blocking drainage.
- Storage rooms: No combustibles near mechanicals; pest signs addressed.
Common areas (multifamily)
- Stairs/landings: Treads secure; nosings intact; lighting and exit signs working.
- Mail/package rooms: No overflow; shelves stable; cameras functioning if installed.
- Boiler/recirc rooms: Pumps running, no cavitation; heat-trace energized where designed.
- Amenity spaces: Thermostats reasonable; filters and CO detectors in place.
Quick fixes to do on the spot
- Replace smoke/CO batteries, faucet aerators, and shredded door sweeps.
- Re-caulk small gaps at sinks/tubs and penetrations.
- Tighten loose handrails, hinge screws, and toilet tank bolts.
- Swap HVAC filters and label size/date on cabinet.
When to escalate
- Any moisture reading >16–18% in wood or visible staining: open a ticket, document photos, and schedule mitigation/plumbing.
- No-heat or short cycling: call HVAC; bring loaner thermostat if needed.
- Electrical odors, hot breakers, or repeated GFCI trips: call a licensed electrician.
- Compromised guardrails/stairs: immediate safety work order; restrict access if needed.
Documentation & follow-up
- Take 6–8 photos per unit: entry door sweep, under-sink, water heater pan, furnace/air handler filter, bathroom caulk line, and any notable issues.
- Name files clearly: 2026-01-07_Unit204_Post-Holiday_Check.pdf.
- Convert notes into a priority-coded scope: Safety (24–48 hrs), Habitability (7 days), Deferred/Cosmetic (budget cycle).
- Send residents a short thank-you with any scheduled fixes and a reminder about reporting drips or no-heat immediately.
Final pass (property-wide)
- Restock deicer, towels, filters, batteries in maintenance rooms.
- Update shutoff maps and door tags if changed.
- Log lessons learned (drafty stacks, chronic wet walls) and add to spring project list.
A single, disciplined post-holiday inspection tightens comfort, prevents winter claims, and sets up a clean spring maintenance plan—without emergency pricing or surprises.
