Hazel Crest
Department of Fire, Rescue, and Inspectional Services
Property Maintenance
Self-Evaluation Checklist
The following checklist was compiled to allow properly owners to conduct a self-evaluation of their property prior to arranging for the required inspections. This list is not in any way intended to be a complete list of Code Requirements, but it is a list of the most common code violations found during Point-of-Sale and Rental Inspections.
Note: Some vacant structures that require extensive rehabilitation may require additional heating, plumbing, electrical, or structural certification before a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued.
Instructions: For each item place either a Yes ( Y ) or No ( N ) in the blank before the question. Examples have been provided for some of the questions. these examples are listed so that the properly owner has an idea of some of the potential problems. There may be other items which are not listed under the examples.
| ON THE INTERIOR OF YOUR PROPERTY: | |
| ____ | Are the smoke detectors, which are required on each level and within 15-feet of sleeping areas, in an operable condition? |
| ____ | Can the locks, on the required exit doors, be operated with out any special knowledge? For example, dead bolts with a key that can be removed are prohibited and create a life safety hazard in fire situations. |
| ____ | Are all the windows in good repair? For example, repairs would be necessary if the windows are not weather-tight and free of cracks. |
| ____ | Are all the window and door screens in good repair? For example, repairs would be necessary if the screens are tom or if they have holes. |
| ____ | Do all interior and exterior stairs, which are over four (4) steps high, have handrails? If so, are the handrails securely installed to a wall or other structural member? |
| ____ | Do all open stairways and porches, both interior and exterior, have guardrails? If so, are the guardrails installed securely? |
| ____ | Are all floor and wall tiles in place and in good repair? For example, repairs would be necessary if the tiles are cracked, broken, and / or if they are not secured to the surface. |
| ____ | Are all electrical outlets and switches in good repair? For example, repairs would be necessary if wires are exposed, components are unsecured, and / or if there are cover plates missing or broken? |
| ____ | Is the electrical panel in good repair? For example, repairs would be necessary if there are any exposed wires. Also, does each circuit have the proper size breaker or fuse? |
| ____ | Are there extension cords extended through the walls, under carpets, or placed in walkways? Extension cords are for temporary use only and should not be used for permanent applications. |
| ____ | If extension cords are present, are they under 6 feet in length, do they have a thick insulated covering, and are they free of frayed wires and breaks? "Lamp Style" extension cords and multi-plug adapters pose a significant fire hazard and are prohibited. |
| ____ | Are all outlets that are located within 6 feet of a water source and exterior outlets, protected by ground fault interrupters ( GFI )? (This does not apply to outlets for sump pumps.) GFI outlets have a built in circuit breaker and can usually be identified by test and reset buttons located on the face of the outlet in some cases, outlets may have GFI protection back at the breaker panel. If this is true, then the protected outlets must be marked as such. |
| ____ | Are all walls and ceilings in good repair? For example, repairs would be necessary if there are openings, cracks, or water damaged spots. |
| ____ | Is ventilation, either through a window or mechanical fan vented directly outside, provided for all bathrooms? |
| ____ | Is the relief valve for the water heater piped down to within 6 inches of the floor 7 |
| ____ | Are all flue and chimneys in good repair and sealed properly? For example, repairs would be necessary if there are cracks, missing mortar, and / or other openings? |
| ON THE EXTERIOR OF YOUR PROPERTY: | |
| ____ | Is the street address posted on properly and visible from curbline of street? (If there is alley access, the address must also be posted at the most visible, rear location such as the garage.) |
| ____ | Are the siding, fascia, and soffit areas free of peeling paint and deterioration? |
| ____ | Are all wood surfaces properly surface coated? |
| ____ | Is the roof in good repair? For example, repairs would be necessary if there are deteriorated shingles, missing shingles, obvious holes, or other obvious structural defects. |
| ____ | Are all exterior doors in good repair? For example, repairs would be necessary if hardware is missing, screens are damaged, and / or there is no automatic closer for storm doors. |
| ____ | Are all gutters and associated parts in good repair? For example, repairs would be necessary if there is peeling paint, holes from rust, and / or there are missing downspouts. |
| ____ | Are all the brick walls and chimneys in good repair? For example, repairs would be necessary if bricks are deteriorated and / or mortar is missing. |
| ____ | Are all light fixtures in good repair and do they all have bulb covers? |
| ____ | If applicable, does the garage door opener unit have a grounded plug ( 3 prongs ) ? |
| ____ | On attached garages, is the common wall between the house and garage in good repair? For example, repairs would be necessary if there are any cracks or openings. It is important that this wall is free of any openings because it provides protection for occupants if a fire starts in the garage. |
| ____ | Does the fire rated door between the attached garage and house have an automatic closer? |
| ____ | Are all exterior concrete surfaces in good repair. For example, repairs would be necessary if there are deteriorated portions, cracks, and I or heaved or sunken areas. |
| ____ | Are all fence sections and gates in good repair? For example, repairs would be necessary if sections have fallen, boards are missing, and / or the gate is broken. |
| ____ | Is the exterior and interior of the properly free of garbage and other obsolete items? |
If a "No ( N )" reply was placed next to any of the above questions, it is to your advantage to correct the problem prior to requesting the inspection. Your compliance will assist us in performing a thorough and expedient inspection. If you have any questions about the checklist items, please feel free to call us at ( 708 ~ 335 - 9630.)
Important Reminders
| Did you notify the Hazel Crest Water Department for a final reading? | (708) 335-9600 | |
| Did you notify Northern Illinois Gas? | (708) 597-0110 | |
| Did you notify Commonwealth Edison? | 1/800-334-7661 | |
| Did you notify Jones Intercable? | (708) 748-9300 | |
| Did you notify your garbage service? | ||
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(708) 798-1004 (708) 798-1004 (708) 422-2225 |
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| Did you notify the Post Office of your change of address? | (708) 647-0465 |