Inspect attic

Short answer

Once a year, walk your attic with a flashlight and check the roof deck, insulation, and framing for water stains, pest signs, and daylight gaps.

Priority: Medium
Difficulty: DIY
Time: 20 min
How often: Once a year

Why It Matters

Roof leaks, pest activity, and insulation problems often start in the attic and stay invisible for months. Left alone, they lead to mold, structural damage, and rising energy bills.

Tools

Flashlight

How to Do It

Enter the attic and give your eyes a moment to adjust before moving in.
Shine the flashlight along the underside of the roof deck, looking for water stains, dark streaks, or soft spots that indicate a leak.
Check the insulation for damp patches or matted areas, which signal moisture intrusion.
Look for droppings, nesting material, or chewed wiring, which indicate pest activity.
Scan for any points where daylight is visible through the roof or eaves where it shouldn't be.
Note every finding and address each one promptly: leaks, pest entry points, and damaged insulation all worsen if left alone.

Inspect basement Once a year
Inspect crawlspace Once a year
Lubricate door hinges and locks Once a year
Re-caulk tub and shower Once a year
Seal tile grout in showers and floors Once a year

Part Of

Interior

Last updated 23 September 2026

Put this on your schedule

Stu adds tasks like this one to a maintenance plan for your home and reminds you when they're due.