🏡 Southwest Florida
Home Maintenance &
Inspection Schedule

For Homeowners in Coastal & Inland Areas

🌴 Monthly Tasks

1. Air Conditioning (Critical in SWFL)

Replace or clean AC filters (more often if you have pets or allergies).
Check for water around the indoor air handler (common issue in humid climates).
Ensure outdoor condenser is free of debris, vegetation, and salt buildup.

2. Humidity & Mold Prevention

Keep indoor humidity ideally between 45–55%.
Inspect for condensation around windows, vents, and sliding doors.
Clean bathroom exhaust fans and ensure they’re functioning.

3. Pest Control Check

Look for signs of ants, roaches, termites, and rodents.
Keep landscaping trimmed back from the home.

🗓️ Quarterly Tasks (Every 3 Months)

1. Test Safety Devices

Smoke detectors
CO detectors
GFCI outlets
Test garage door safety sensors

2. Plumbing

Flush unused toilets to prevent stale water and sewer gas.
Check under sinks and around toilets for leaks caused by humidity-swollen seals.

3. Exterior/Roof Look‑Around

Rinse windows and frames (especially near the coast—salt air corrodes fast).
Check soffits, fascia, and roof edges for insect intrusion or moisture.

🪟 Biannual Tasks (Every 6 Months)

1. Deep Clean Windows & Screens

Salt and UV exposure degrade frames and tracks quickly.
Lubricate sliding glass door tracks.

2. Water Heater Maintenance

Flush tank-type heaters to reduce sediment buildup.
Inspect tankless heaters for scale (very common in FL).

3. Hurricane Prep & Review

Inspect shutters for smooth operation.
Check emergency supplies.
Trim trees away from the home and roofline.

4. Exterior Pressure Washing

Clean siding, patios, driveways, and walkways to prevent mildew growth.

📅 Annual Tasks

1. Full Roof Inspection

Look for loose tiles, broken shingles, lifted flashing, and rusted fasteners.
Check for prior hurricane damage or salt deterioration.
More information about roof inspections listed below.

2. Termite Inspection

Florida is extremely high-risk for subterranean and drywood termites.

3. AC System Service

Have a licensed HVAC technician clean coils, inspect refrigerant levels, and clear the condensate line.
South Florida AC units run year-round, so annual service is crucial.

4. Exterior Caulking & Sealants

Reseal around windows, doors, and stucco cracks.
UV and humidity break down caulking faster than many other climates.

5. Gutter & Drainage Check

Clean gutters (if applicable).
Ensure downspouts direct water away from the home to prevent foundation issues.

6. Water Intrusion Checks

SWFL storms and humidity make this essential:
- Inspect attic for moisture or mold
- Look around doors/windows for staining
- Review areas around skylights, chimneys, vents

🌀 Hurricane Season (June–November) Prep Checklist

Trim trees & remove loose debris
Service generator (run monthly during season)
Inspect pool cage for loose fasteners
Check roof for any pre-season vulnerabilities
Photograph home for insurance documentation
Ensure flood insurance and wind policies are updated

🔎 Recommended Roof Inspection Schedule

Southwest Florida roofs face heavy UV exposure, salt air, high winds, and tropical storms. Homeowners should have a professional roof inspection as noted below.

Shingle Roofs – Every 12 Months

Shingle roofs should be inspected yearly for:

Granule loss
Lifted or wind‑damaged shingles
Nail pops
Flashing issues
UV deterioration
Early signs of leaks

Tile Roofs (Concrete or Clay) – Every 12-18 Months

Tile roofs should have a professional roof inspection for:

Cracked or broken tiles
Missing or deteriorated mortar/grout
Loose ridge caps
Lifted or slipped tiles (often wind-related)
Flashing deterioration
Signs of water intrusion

A tile roof can still look “fine” from the ground while hiding damage that leads to leaks — especially after storms.

Metal Roofs – Every 2 Years

Metal roofs hold up well but still need periodic checks for:

Loose fasteners or panels
Scratches or coating corrosion (salt air speeds this up)
Sealant breakdown around penetrations
Rust spotting near fasteners

📄 Insurance-Related Inspections Homeowners Should Know

Four‑Point Inspections – Valid for 12 Months

A Four‑Point Inspection covers:

Roof
Electrical
Plumbing
HVAC

Insurance companies generally consider a Four‑Point report valid for 12 months, although some insurers may accept slightly older reports at their discretion.
If homeowners are shopping for insurance, they should get a fresh Four‑Point report if theirs is over a year old.

➡️ For more information about Four‑Point Inspections, click here: What is a 4 Point inspection?

Wind Mitigation Inspections – Valid for 5 Years

A Wind Mitigation report (Form OIR-B1-1802) is valid for 5 years in Florida, regardless of insurer.
This inspection provides discounts for features such as: