The Power of Prevention: What Every Homeowner Should Check Before It Costs Them

They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure — and nowhere is that truer than in your home.

Hidden issues often start small: a faint musty smell in the attic, a dripping faucet, or a little discoloration on the ceiling. Left unchecked, they can turn into expensive repairs that could’ve been prevented with a few minutes of awareness.

As a home inspector, I see it all the time — small issues that snowball into major problems. Here’s a short checklist to help you stay ahead and protect your investment year-round.

🌬️ Change Your HVAC Filter

It’s simple, cheap, and often forgotten. A clogged filter restricts airflow, strains your A/C system, and drives up your energy bills.Pro tip: Write the date right on the filter when you replace it. Most should be changed every 1–3 months, especially in Florida’s humidity.

☔ Check the Attic for Moisture or Leaks

Grab a flashlight and take a quick look inside your attic every few months.Damp insulation, dark spots, or a musty odor are early signs of a problem. Moisture often points to roof leaks, blocked vents, or poor airflow — and catching it early can save you thousands.

🚰 Inspect Plumbing for Drips or Polybutylene

Even a slow drip adds up, both in wasted water and hidden damage.If your home was built between the late 1970s and mid-1990s, you might have polybutylene pipes — a material known to fail suddenly. Replacing them now is far cheaper than repairing a surprise leak later.

🧱 Walk the Exterior

Take five minutes to circle your home once a season. Look for cracks around windows, soffits, and siding. Florida’s moisture and heat create ideal conditions for termites and water intrusion — a quick visual check helps stop issues before they start.

🔦 Test GFCI Outlets

Those “test” and “reset” buttons on outlets in bathrooms, kitchens, and garages are your first line of defense against shock hazards. Press “test,” make sure power cuts off, then press “reset.” If it doesn’t trip or reset, it’s time to replace it.

🪟 Mind the Gaps

Inspect caulking and weatherstripping around windows and doors. Even tiny gaps let in moisture, pests, and hot air — increasing your energy costs. A few tubes of caulk can make a big difference in both comfort and efficiency.

🕯️ The Real Value: Peace of Mind

A preventive mindset isn’t just about saving money — it’s about confidence. When you know your home is being cared for, you can enjoy it more fully. And if it’s been a while since your last inspection, a maintenance or pre-listing inspection can help you catch what you can’t see and prepare for what’s next.

About Florida Born Inspections

At Florida Born Inspections, we help homeowners, buyers, and sellers protect their investment with clear, thorough inspections — from roofs to air quality and everything in between.

Jay Sousa📞 561-632-0295🌐 www.FloridaBornInspections.com📧 jsousa0309@gmail.com