{"id":6681,"date":"2010-06-05T18:16:55","date_gmt":"2010-06-05T18:16:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/preferhome.com\/home-safety-inspection-checklist\/"},"modified":"2010-06-05T18:16:55","modified_gmt":"2010-06-05T18:16:55","slug":"home-safety-inspection-checklist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/preferhome.com\/locations\/blog\/home-safety-inspection-checklist\/","title":{"rendered":"Home Safety Inspection Checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"

This easy-to-read inspection checklist is specially designed for senior homeowners who wish to maintain their independence in the comfort and security of home and want to have their homes inspected for potential updates to address safety, convenience and accessibility concerns.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This specialized checklist is also useful for any homeowner or resident whose mobility or physical condition is or may become compromised.<\/p>\n

This inspection checklist highlights specific exterior and interior components for which the inspector may provide suggestions and recommendations for modification, which will then assist homeowners in prioritizing, planning and budgeting appropriately for any necessary upgrades, both short-term and long-term.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

NOTE: This inspection checklist is not meant to replace the requirements of a standard residential home inspection, but can be used in addition to a standard home inspection for clients with special needs.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
KEY:OK = No modification or repair is needed or recommended.MOD = Inspector recommends minor modification or repair.REP = Inspector recommends repair or replacement of same.<\/p>\n

NEW = Inspector recommends new installation.<\/p>\n

NA = Not applicable to residence.<\/p>\n

SN =\u00a0See inspector\u2019s note.<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

EXTERIOR<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

________ Slip-resistant stairs and ramp, with color contrast or glow-strips at treads<\/p>\n

________ Handrails are easy-to-reach, of graspable size and slip-resistant<\/p>\n

________ Porch area is in usable condition and free of obstructions or dark areas<\/p>\n

________ Accessible doorways for walkers, wheelchairs, etc.<\/p>\n

________ Lighting (security or interior-controlled, or both)<\/p>\n

________ Low-maintenance exterior (vinyl, brick, etc.)<\/p>\n

________ Driveway and walkways (in good repair for safe walking)<\/p>\n

________ Yard, gates, fence (easy to access, locking\/secured)<\/p>\n

________ Garage (attached or freestanding); other outbuildings<\/p>\n

________ Low-maintenance shrubs and plants, lawn care, trees on property<\/p>\n

________ Snowblower or other provisions for snowy weather, where applicable<\/p>\n

NOTES: _____________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

ENTRANCE<\/strong><\/p>\n

________ House number is clearly visible from street for first-responders<\/p>\n

________ Sensor\/security light at main exterior door<\/p>\n

________ Peephole of proper height for all residents (may require multiples)<\/p>\n

________ Doorbell in accessible location<\/p>\n

________ Surface on which to place packages while opening door<\/p>\n

________ All exterior doors have secure, easy-to-use locks, bolts and knobs<\/p>\n

________ Non-slip flooring in foyer<\/p>\n

NOTES: _____________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

INTERIOR: Electrical, Lighting, Safety and Security<\/strong><\/p>\n

________ Light-activated doorbell for hard-of-hearing residents<\/p>\n

________ Smoke and CO detectors<\/p>\n

________ Security alarm, emergency alert system and\/or video-monitoring system<\/p>\n

________ Thermostats are easy to locate; settings are easy to read (and no higher\u00a0than 48 in. from floor); thermostats are pre-programmed<\/p>\n

________ Light switches located near each entrance to each hallway and room<\/p>\n

________ Standard light switches, or rocker or touch light switches<\/p>\n

________ Two light bulbs or receptacles in each vital place (exits, bathrooms, etc.)<\/p>\n

________ Electrical cords out of the flow of traffic<\/p>\n

________ Receptacles are easy to reach; receptacles are not overloaded<\/p>\n

________ Windows and safety locks are easy to operate<\/p>\n

________ Window drapes\/shades\/cords are easy to reach and open\/close<\/p>\n

________ Interior stairs use contrast strip on top and bottom stairs, and color contrast between treads and risers on stairs, with use of lighting<\/p>\n

NOTES: _____________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

KITCHEN: Appliances & Maneuverability<\/strong><\/p>\n

________ Microwave oven in wall or on counter; settings are easy to read<\/p>\n

________ Refrigerator and freezer are a side-by-side unit<\/p>\n

________ Side-swing or wall oven; settings are easy to read; knobs are easy to turn<\/p>\n

________ Raised washing machine and dryer; settings are easy to read; knobs are\u00a0easy to turn; washing machine is front-loading<\/p>\n

________ Raised dishwasher with push-button controls or easy-to-turn knobs<\/p>\n

________ Stoves with electric cooktops (safer than gas), with level burners for\u00a0safely transferring between the burners; front controls and downdraft\u00a0feature to pull heat away from user; light to indicate when surface is hot<\/p>\n

________ Space around counters, islands, etc., are wide enough for residents:\u00a030-inch by 48-inch clear space at appliances, and 60-inch diameter clear\u00a0space for turns<\/p>\n

________ Cabinets are easy to reach; knobs\/pulls are easy to use to open\/close, or\u00a0shelves are open\/doorless, or have glass fronts<\/p>\n

________ Counters are of ample area; custom-height\/adequate and safe for\u00a0residents; countertops have contrasting-color edges for the vision impaired and to provide visual orientation to workspace<\/p>\n

________ Placement of task lighting in appropriate work areas<\/p>\n

________ Rugs have slip-resistant backing to prevent slips and falls<\/p>\n

________ Window curtains\/shades\/cords are easy to reach and open\/close<\/p>\n

NOTES: _____________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

BATHROOM: Fixtures & Maneuverability<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

________ Counter heights are custom-fit\/adequate and safe for residents<\/p>\n

________ Rugs have slip-resistant backing to prevent slips and falls<\/p>\n

________ Windows are easy to reach and open\/close<\/p>\n

________ Door access to tub\/shower<\/p>\n

________ Fold-down seat installed in shower<\/p>\n

________ Shower\/s equipped with adjustable showerhead with 6-foot hose<\/p>\n

________ Shower stall has recessed, waterproof, automatic light<\/p>\n

________ If stand-up shower is used in main bath, it is curbless and wide; if tub is used, it is low for easy access and egress<\/p>\n

________ Flooring in bathtub\/shower is slip-resistant<\/p>\n

________ Emergency call button or intercom is located in bathroom, easy to reach, and is easily operated<\/p>\n

________ Wall grab-bars of appropriate height located in tub\/shower\/toilet areas<\/p>\n

________ Adjustable or appropriate-height counters with removable base cabinet for wheelchair-accessibility<\/p>\n

________ Countertops have contrasting-color edges<\/p>\n

________ Toilet is raised or height-adjustable<\/p>\n

________ Toilet-paper holder is designed such that rolls can be switched out using only one hand<\/p>\n

________ Faucet handles are lever design rather than knob, or pedal-controlled<\/p>\n

________ Cabinets are easy to reach and are open shelves\/glass fronts\/doorless<\/p>\n

________ At least one bathroom is wheelchair-accessible and on main level<\/p>\n

NOTES: _____________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

FLOORING<\/strong><\/p>\n

________ If carpeted, use low-density pile with firm pad<\/p>\n

________ Smooth, non-glare, slip-resistant surfaces<\/p>\n

________ Color and texture contrast to indicate change in surface levels<\/p>\n

________ Rugs and rug runners are secure and non-slip; edges are secured down<\/p>\n

________ No steps between rooms on a single level<\/p>\n

NOTES: _____________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MISCELLANEOUS TIPS:<\/strong><\/p>\n

________ In multi-story homes, laundry chute or laundry facilities located on same\u00a0floor as master bedroom<\/p>\n

________ Main living area is on a single story, including full bath<\/p>\n

________ 5-foot by 5-foot clear turn space in all main rooms<\/p>\n

________ For multi-level home, residential elevator or lift installed<\/p>\n

________ Lighting in all closets<\/p>\n

NOTES: _____________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

****************PRIORITY REPAIR \/ INSTALLATION LIST******************<\/em><\/p>\n

SHORT- TERM: _________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

_____________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

NEXT YEAR: ___________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

_____________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

LONG- TERM: __________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This easy-to-read inspection checklist is specially designed for senior homeowners who wish to maintain their independence in the comfort and Learn More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[944,945],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6681","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-senior-health-wellness","category-senior-safety"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nHome Safety Inspection Checklist - Preferred Care at Home<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Home Safety Inspection Checklist\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"This easy-to-read inspection checklist is specially designed for senior homeowners who wish to maintain their independence in the comfort and Learn More\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/preferhome.com\/locations\/blog\/home-safety-inspection-checklist\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Preferred Care at Home\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2010-06-05T18:16:55+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Jody Guerrieri, RN.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Jody Guerrieri, RN.\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/preferhome.com\/locations\/blog\/home-safety-inspection-checklist\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/preferhome.com\/locations\/blog\/home-safety-inspection-checklist\/\",\"name\":\"Home Safety Inspection Checklist - Preferred Care at Home\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/preferhome.com\/locations\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2010-06-05T18:16:55+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2010-06-05T18:16:55+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/preferhome.com\/locations\/#\/schema\/person\/61f2c3006d6a22b84f97faa0af9f82dc\"},\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/preferhome.com\/locations\/blog\/home-safety-inspection-checklist\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/preferhome.com\/locations\/blog\/home-safety-inspection-checklist\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/preferhome.com\/locations\/blog\/home-safety-inspection-checklist\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/preferhome.com\/locations\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Home Safety Inspection Checklist\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/preferhome.com\/locations\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/preferhome.com\/locations\/\",\"name\":\"Preferred Care at Home\",\"description\":\"\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/preferhome.com\/locations\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/preferhome.com\/locations\/#\/schema\/person\/61f2c3006d6a22b84f97faa0af9f82dc\",\"name\":\"Jody Guerrieri, RN.\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/preferhome.com\/locations\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/807ca605f0528a2171baad04dd9805b47a39223979ae7632df92434dba4b264f?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/807ca605f0528a2171baad04dd9805b47a39223979ae7632df92434dba4b264f?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Jody Guerrieri, RN.\"},\"description\":\"Jody Guerrieri, RN, is the vice president and co-founder of Preferred Care at Home. 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