Annual Home Safety Checks: What You Can DIY (and When to Call for Help)

Whether you’re a homeowner or a property manager, keeping your property safe and in top shape is a priority. Annual safety checks are one of the smartest ways to prevent major issues, protect your investment, and ensure peace of mind. But here’s the good news: you don’t always need a licensed specialist for every inspection.

In fact, most of the work involved in annual home safety checks can be handled by a skilled handyman — like the team at Triangle Services — or even by a hands-on homeowner or landlord.

Let’s break down what should be inspected each year, what you can handle yourself (or outsource to a handyman), and when it’s smart to call in a licensed pro.

Why Annual Safety Checks Matter

• Homeowners: Keep your family safe and avoid expensive surprises.

• Landlords & Property Managers: Meet safety obligations, retain happy tenants, and reduce liability.

And the best part? With the right support, annual maintenance doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive.

What to Include in an Annual Home Safety Check

Smoke & CO Detectors — DYI or Handyman Job

Test alarms, change batteries, check placement. A handyman can help swap out outdated units or install new ones with better coverage.

HVAC Filters & Ventilation — DYI or Handyman Job

Changing filters, cleaning vents, and checking airflow are simple tasks. For a more thorough inspection or refrigerant issues, call an HVAC tech.

Basic Plumbing Checks — DYI or Handyman Job

Check under sinks for leaks, test water pressure, look for signs of water damage. A handyman can tighten fittings, replace worn parts, or install new shutoff valves.

Electrical Safety (Visual Checks) — Handyman-friendly Job

Check for loose outlets, worn cords, or flickering lights. A handyman can replace light fixtures, outlets, and switches — but if you have outdated wiring or circuit issues, a licensed electrician is best.

Appliances & Gas Connections — Handyman-friendly Job+Pro as Needed

A handyman can check appliance condition, clean dryer vents, and inspect visible gas line connections for wear. For gas leaks or pressure tests, call a licensed gas technician or a plumber.

Doors, Windows & Locks — Handyman Job

Ensure all locks, deadbolts, and latches work properly. A handyman can adjust hinges, replace hardware, or re-seal windows for energy efficiency and security.

Exterior Inspection: Decks, Railings, Walkways — Handyman Job

Wobbly handrails, loose boards, trip hazards — all easily addressed by a handyman before they become serious liabilities.

Roof & Gutters (Visual) — DYI (from the ground) or Handyman Job

Look for missing shingles, clogged gutters, or signs of leaks. A handyman can clean gutters, patch minor issues, and flag concerns that may need a roofer.

When You Need a Licensed Pro

While handymen (like Triangle Services) can handle most tasks, certain systems do require a licensed specialist for legal or safety reasons:

• Full electrical panel inspections or rewiring

• HVAC system tune-ups involving refrigerant

• Gas leak detection or line replacement

• Major plumbing repairs or water heater installation

When these come up, your handyman can often identify the issue and help you connect with the right licensed contractor.

Why Work with Triangle Services?

At Triangle Services, we specialize in preventative maintenance for both homeowners and property managers. We know what to look for — and we know when to bring in licensed help if something is outside the scope of a handyman. That means one call gets you peace of mind without the hassle of juggling multiple vendors.

You don’t need a clipboard and an engineering degree to keep your property safe. Most annual safety checks are simple, affordable, and manageable with a good handyman — or a little DIY effort. And when something bigger is uncovered? That’s when you bring in the pros.

Ready to schedule your home or rental safety check? Let Triangle Services handle the heavy lifting — so you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing your property is in good hands.