By 
Most major repairs can be avoided if homeowners inspect their homes each spring. Spotting potential problems will save the owner money and allow you to find unexpected surprises. So grab a pencil and start crossing off your list.
External inspection:
Driveway:
Check for cracks that might have formed over the winter.
Base:
Is it cracked or crumbling?
Are there water spots or signs of moisture?
Do you notice any moss or mold growth?
Structure:
Is the liner splitting or otherwise loosening?
Is a brick missing?
Does the porch or door sill seem straight?
Check decks and railings for damaged wood.
Ceiling:
Do you see any missing tiles?
Did any of the shingle edges lift?
Chimney:
Does the chimney seem straight?
Can you see large cracks or lack of mortar between the bricks?
Do you see any missing bricks or stones?
Have you checked any metal flashing near your chimney for corrosion?
Do you have a fireplace screen on top to keep birds and rodents out of your home?
Gutters and Downspouts:
Are the gutters still in place and free of debris?
Are downspouts positioned correctly so runoff is angled away from the house?
Windows and doors (also part of your interior control):
Do they open smoothly with no strings attached? Sliding doors should open and close smoothly.
Is all the hardware working properly?
Is there any rotten or missing trim?
Is the weather stripping intact?
Check if crystals are missing or broken.
Are the screens tear free?
Garage:
Check the concrete floor for major cracks.
Does the garage door opener work and does the door open and close smoothly?
If the garage is attached, does the door to the house close tight and secure?
Interior inspection
Base:
Check for large cracks.
There should be no standing water or water on the walls, especially in the corners.
Check for sagging floor joists.
Check the age of the water heater; there should be no water around the water heater.
Plumbing:
Check that all plumbing fixtures are working (drains are clear, no dripping faucets, etc.)
Check tile in showers for cracks and gaps.
Heating and air conditioning:
Check that the flues and ventilation grills are open.
The system must be clean and free of debris.
Turn the thermostat to the lowest setting and check for cooling.
Check your furnace filter; if it is dirty, clean it or replace it.
Turn on ceiling fans to make sure they don’t wobble. Make sure the fan blades are rotating clockwise (as you are looking at it), they rotate counterclockwise for winter.
Ventilation:
Check all vents to make sure there are no obstructions inside or outside (kitchen oven vent, bathroom vent, and dryer vent)
Chimney:
Make sure the damper and vents open freely.
Look for any obstructions in the chimney.
Check for cracks or loose bricks in the firebox.
You may want to have your chimney cleaned by a professional.
Kitchen:
Check under the sink for moisture.
Check that the cabinet and drawer doors open and close smoothly
Once you’ve completed your checklist, you can decide which projects you want to undertake and which projects you might need to have a professional handle for you. For most of us, our home is the biggest investment we’ll ever make. It is important to maintain that investment with good maintenance and smart choices.