Authored by Shawn Reed of Pre Closing Inspection, this guide serves as a practical manual for new homeowners navigating their first year in Metro Detroit. It emphasizes the importance of proactive, preventative maintenance – described as "keeping your finger on the pulse" – to protect the home's value, ensure safety, and avoid costly repairs often seen in the local climate and housing stock.
 
The guide is structured chronologically, starting with essential monthly checks (like HVAC filters, smoke/CO detectors, and leak inspections) to build consistent habits. It then details crucial seasonal tasks tailored to Michigan's distinct weather patterns:
 
Spring: Focuses on recovering from winter, managing snowmelt/rain (critical gutter cleaning, grading), and prepping cooling systems.
Summer: Emphasizes efficiency, pest control, and maintaining the home's exterior during peak use.
Fall: Highlights critical winter preparation, especially winterizing plumbing to prevent burst pipes, sealing drafts, and servicing heating systems.
Winter: Shifts to monitoring for ice dams, keeping vents clear, preventing frozen pipes during deep freezes, and managing indoor air quality.
 
Throughout the guide, "PCI Perspectives" and lessons learned from Shawn Reed's extensive inspection experience provide context on why specific tasks are important, linking them to common issues found in Metro Detroit homes.
 
Finally, the guide looks beyond the first year, advising on budgeting for major replacements and positioning Pre Closing Inspection as a long-term partner for deeper diagnostics (like essential sewer scope inspections) and periodic check-ups, complementing the homeowner's routine maintenance efforts.