December Home Checkup: The Year-End Items East Texas Homeowners Miss

Why now?

December is the one month most East Texas homeowners aren't in crisis mode — no hurricane season, no peak AC season. It's the right time to catch issues before they become emergencies, and before the spring rush locks up contractor schedules.

Your Checklist

• ✓Test all smoke and CO detectors — replace batteries in any unit over 12 months old
• ✓Check your water heater for rust, dripping pressure relief valve, or sediment rumbling
• ✓Verify your homestead exemption is on file with your county appraisal district
• ✓Review your homeowner's insurance coverage — has your home value exceeded your dwelling coverage?
• ✓Check attic insulation — add if you can see floor joists between the rafters
• ✓Flush your water heater if you haven't in 12 months (reduces sediment buildup)
• ✓Test your GFCI outlets in bathrooms and kitchen — they should trip and reset correctly
• ✓Look for signs of pest activity: droppings, gnaw marks, or unexplained insulation disturbance
• ✓Check exterior caulking around windows, doors, and penetrations — cold air infiltration is expensive
• ✓Schedule any deferred maintenance before contractor demand picks up in spring