<p>The most expensive home repair you'll ever pay for is the one that could have been caught six months earlier.</p>

<p>Water damage discovered after the drywall is ruined. A roof leak found after the insulation is soaked. A small crack in the foundation that became a large one. These aren't surprises — they're the result of skipping the walk-around.</p>

<h2>The 5-minute monthly walk</h2>

<p>You don't need a checklist. You need eyes and five minutes. Walk the perimeter of your home, look up at the roofline, look down at the foundation, check the gutters for obvious blockages, and note anything that looks different from last month.</p>

<p>Inside: check under every sink (water stains mean a slow leak), look at the ceiling in any room below a bathroom, and open the access panel to your water heater if you have one.</p>

<p>That's it. Five minutes, once a month. Most problems show up as something small before they become something big.</p>

<h2>The seasonal check</h2>

<p>Twice a year — spring and fall — go a layer deeper:</p>

<ul>
  <li>Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors</li>
  <li>Check caulk around windows and doors</li>
  <li>Flush the water heater if you haven't in a year</li>
  <li>Clean the dryer vent (this causes house fires)</li>
  <li>Inspect the attic for signs of moisture or pests</li>
</ul>

<p>The full annual maintenance checklist is in the Fixer Nation resource library: <a href="/resources">fixernation.org/resources</a></p>

<h2>When you find something</h2>

<p>The right time to call a professional is before a small problem becomes a big one. If you're not sure what you're looking at, take a photo and ask in the community feed. Someone there has seen it before.</p>

The 5-minute inspection that saves you thousands

This article is for members