Preventive Maintenance Walkthroughs: what a handyman does
A preventive maintenance walkthrough is a planned look at your whole house that ends with a repair list. We check caulk, hardware, doors, trim, alarms, gutters and signs of moisture, fix the small items we can on the spot, and name anything that belongs to a plumber, electrician, roofer or HVAC company.
Jobs we take on
Tap one to add it to your list.
- Re-caulk cracked or pulled-away seams at tubs, sinks, windows and exterior trim
- Tighten loose hinges, handrails, cabinet pulls and door hardware
- Adjust sticking doors and latches that no longer catch
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries
- Replace furnace and HVAC filters and clear blocked vents and registers
- Check gutters and downspouts for sags, clogs and water dumping next to the foundation
- Touch up paint where bare wood or caulk is exposed to weather
- Patch nail pops and small drywall cracks before they spread
- Write up a dated condition list with photos so the next visit starts from facts
Signs it is time to call
- Caulk has cracked, shrunk or turned dark at a tub, sink or window
- A damp spot, stain or musty smell. The EPA says drying wet materials within 24 to 48 hours usually prevents mold growth
- Condensation on windows, walls or pipes, which the EPA lists as a sign of high indoor humidity
- Gutters that overflow, sag or send water against the foundation
- A smoke or carbon monoxide alarm you cannot remember testing
What is not a handyman job
Plumbing leaks, electrical problems and roof repairs go to licensed independent contractors. Furnace tune-ups go to an HVAC contractor, and chimney cleaning goes to a chimney professional. The EPA advises a professional for mold covering more than about 10 square feet or any suspected hidden mold. Remodels and structural work are outside a handyman visit.
Plumbing, electrical and roofing go to licensed independent contractors.
What a visit looks like
- We agree on the areas to check and what you want done on the spot before we start.
- Small fixes are done during the visit when we have the parts. Anything bigger goes on a written list.
- Problems that belong to a licensed trade are named and referred out, not patched over.
- We clean up and leave the work area as we found it.
Common questions
How often should a house get a maintenance walkthrough?
Many owners tie it to the seasons, with a fall check before heating season and a spring check after winter. Older homes and rentals may need more. Choose a schedule that matches how fast your house shows wear, and move it earlier after any storm or leak.
Is a walkthrough the same as a home inspection?
No. A home inspection is a buyer's review before a purchase. A maintenance walkthrough is for owners, and the aim is to fix small items and keep a list of what is changing. We are not inspectors and do not write inspection reports.
What if you find something that is not a handyman job?
We tell you what we see, take photos, and point you to the right trade. Plumbing, electrical and roofing go to licensed independent contractors. We do not guess at hidden damage, and we do not cover over a problem that needs a specialist.
Do you do these for businesses too?
Yes. Offices, shops and restaurants use the same idea with a different checklist, such as door closers, ceiling tiles and signage. See our commercial handyman page for the business version of a preventive maintenance walkthrough.