Introduction

I recently moved into a new house and I'm so happy! But as a first-time solo dweller, I found myself worrying about many issues. For instance, is the smoke detector still working? Is the security camera functioning properly? Is that pipe in the basement leaking again? These problems really gave me headaches. Fortunately, after browsing many online posts and consulting experienced friends, I finally developed a suitable house inspection plan for myself. Today I'd like to share it with everyone, hoping it can help young people like me.

Safety First

To be honest, I knew nothing about home safety at first, thinking that a house was just for living in. Until one night when I was awakened by a fire alarm from my upstairs neighbor, I realized that safety issues cannot be taken lightly.

After this incident, I began to seriously study home safety issues. I discovered that many things aren't actually complicated; the key is to develop a habit of regular inspection. I divided the year into four quarters - spring, summer, fall, and winter - and conduct a comprehensive inspection on the first weekend of each quarter.

Let's talk about smoke detectors first. I was really scared when I saw a statistic online that over 23% of household fires are caused by malfunctioning smoke detectors! But checking smoke detectors is super simple - just press the test button and you're done. I now check them quarterly and replace the batteries. It might seem troublesome at first, but when you think about safety, this small amount of time is really nothing.

As for the security system, I installed several surveillance cameras, but I used to forget to check them. Once when a friend came over, they casually asked, "Hey, why is your camera screen black?" When I looked, oh my goodness, it had been broken for over a month! Since then, I've added camera inspection to my quarterly checklist. Mainly checking if the image is clear, if storage is normal, and if the network connection is stable.

By the way, the door lock system is also very important. Whether it's traditional mechanical locks or smart locks, they need regular inspection. For mechanical locks, check for looseness or rust, and if the key moves smoothly. For smart locks, check the battery level and ensure spare keys are kept in a safe place.

I made a safety checklist for myself, following this format for each inspection: - Smoke detector testing and battery replacement - Security camera image and storage check - Door and window lock inspection - Burglar alarm system testing - Emergency lighting equipment testing - Fire extinguisher check (check expiration date)

Emergency Preparedness

Regarding emergency preparation, I was also very casual at first. I just kept a few band-aids at home, thinking it wasn't a big deal. Until one time when I accidentally cut my hand while chopping vegetables at home, I realized that band-aids alone weren't enough.

Later, following the Red Cross's recommendations, I prepared a more complete home first aid kit. It contains: - Various sizes of band-aids and bandages, both large and small - Medical alcohol and iodine for disinfection - Scissors, tweezers, and medical gloves - Common medications like fever reducers, pain relievers, cold medicine, etc. - Medical tape and gauze - Ice packs and thermal blankets - Anti-allergy medications - Masks and disposable gloves

I keep the first aid kit on top of the shoe cabinet by the entrance for easy access. During each quarterly inspection, I go through the first aid kit to check for expired medications that need replacement and replenish any missing items.

Speaking of emergency preparation, another crucial item is the emergency contact list. I posted a list on the refrigerator that includes: - Family doctor's phone number and address - Contact information for several nearby neighbors - 24-hour pharmacy addresses and phone numbers - Insurance company's claims hotline - Property management office phone number - Utility repair service hotlines - Nearest hospital emergency room phone number - Emergency contact information for family and close friends

To prevent the list from getting lost or becoming unclear, I also kept an electronic version on my phone and sent a copy to family members.

Seasonal Inspection Focus

Each season's inspection focus is actually different. I've summarized my experience:

Spring Inspection Focus: This season mainly involves checking for various issues that might have occurred during winter. For example, whether pipes have frozen and cracked, if the roof is leaking, or if there are cracks in exterior walls. Additionally, spring is a good time to clean air conditioning and ventilation systems. I wash all the AC filters, check if the vents are working normally, and also have professionals do a deep clean and maintenance.

Summer Inspection Focus: The most important things in summer are waterproofing and moisture prevention. I pay special attention to checking the basement or areas prone to water accumulation to see if waterproofing measures are adequate. Also, because electricity usage is high in summer, checking the electrical system is important. I check if any outlets are overheating and if there's any damage to wiring.

Fall Inspection Focus: Fall is the crucial period for winter preparation. I focus on checking the heating system, including radiators and floor heating pipes. I also check the sealing of doors and windows, replacing weather stripping when necessary. During this season, I also inspect fire safety facilities to ensure heating equipment is safe to use.

Winter Inspection Focus: Winter mainly focuses on heat preservation and fire safety. I check all insulation facilities, including whether pipe insulation layers are intact. Also, because indoor spaces are relatively sealed in winter, gas safety inspections need to be more frequent. I check gas pipe connections weekly with soapy water to see if there are any leaks.

Smart Home Security

Many young people now like smart home devices, and I've installed quite a few. But smart devices also need regular inspection and maintenance:

First is network security. Every quarter I: - Change router passwords - Check if smart device firmware needs updating - Review connected device list, remove unknown devices - Back up important smart home settings

Then there's the device inspection itself: - Check connection status of each device - Test if automation scenarios are running normally - Check backup battery status - Confirm manual controls are available for emergencies

Daily Maintenance Tips

Besides quarterly major inspections, I think some daily habits are also particularly important:

1. While doing weekly cleaning, check if furniture is loose or if there are cracks in the floor.

2. While showering, observe if water pressure is normal and if there are any leaks.

3. While cooking, pay attention to any unusual smells, especially gas odors.

4. Before bed, check if doors and windows are properly closed and if appliances are turned off.

5. Regularly add lubricant to door locks to prevent rust and sticking.

6. Frequently check corners for water accumulation or mold.

Professional Inspection Recommendations

Although we can complete many inspections ourselves, some items still need professional attention:

1. Annual Electrical System Inspection: Have professional electricians check for wire aging, test ground fault circuit interrupters, and inspect the distribution box. This is really not something to mess with yourself, electricity is very dangerous.

2. Gas System Inspection: Have professionals inspect gas pipes and equipment, including water heaters and stoves, at least once a year.

3. AC and Heating System Maintenance: It's best to have professionals do a deep clean and inspection before each season change.

4. Waterproofing System Inspection: If the house is older, it's recommended to have professionals check if the waterproofing layer is intact.

Cost Control

To be honest, I was also worried at first that these inspections and maintenance would cost a lot. But through practice, I found that most inspections can be done by ourselves, with main expenses being:

1. Items for Regular Replacement:
2. Smoke detector batteries
3. Expired medications
4. Expired fire extinguishers
5. AC filters

6. Door and window weather stripping

7. Professional Inspection Services:

8. Annual electrical inspection
9. Gas system inspection
10. AC maintenance and upkeep

My suggestion is to record all these expenses and make an annual budget. For example, I set aside about 3,000-5,000 yuan annually for home maintenance, so I have a clear idea of the costs.

Record Keeping and Summary

To better track house maintenance, I created a specific spreadsheet to record: - Inspection dates and items - Problems discovered - Repair records - Replacement parts information - Maintenance costs

This not only helps me better plan maintenance work but can also serve as proof of house upkeep when renting or selling in the future.

Conclusion

Through this year-plus of practice, I've really felt the importance of regular inspections. Although it seems troublesome at first, it gradually becomes a habit. Most importantly, it makes me feel very secure living here. After each inspection, I have this feeling of "home, how wonderful."

Actually, everyone's living environment and habits are different, and my methods might not suit everyone. But I think the most important thing is to establish your own house maintenance system, making this space that carries our lives safer and warmer.