Rebuilding Together's 25 Safe and Healthy Priorities for Your Home

When Rebuilding Together Chattanooga assesses a home for a potential repair project, we start with our list of our 25 Safe and Healthy Priorities to get an initial impression of the project’s scope. These are so important for all homeowners and a good resources for our future volunteers. How does your home compare to a safe and healthy home?

1. The homeowner has safe ingress and egress to the home.
   
2. The roof is watertight.
3. Rainwater is effectively shed and directed away from the structure.
4. Exterior walls have no gaps, cracks or holes larger than 1/8 inch.
5. Windows and exterior doors open and close, lock securely and seal well.
6. Home is free of live infestation of pests, and sources of attraction are removed.
7. The numerals in the property’s street address are clearly visible from the street.
8. Working smoke detector is on each floor and in or near bedrooms to meet code.
9. A working CO detector protects home with gas appliances or attached garage.
10. A currently dated Class ABC fire extinguisher is available in or near the kitchen.
11. Water heaters, furnaces and space heaters that produce CO exhaust outside.
12. No known electrical hazards are present, and kitchens and baths have GFCIs.
13. The homeowner has access to a working water heater, refrigerator and range.
14. The kitchen and bathrooms have an exhaust fan vented outside.
15. The homeowner has access to a working sink, toilet and bathtub or shower.
16. Modifications to toilets and tubs assist those who need help.
17. Grab bars are strategically placed for those at risk of falls.
18. Stairs and steps have secure handrails that meet occupants’ needs.
19. Main rooms and stairs are free of tripping hazards.
20. Old, filthy carpeting has been replaced, preferably with durable flooring.
21. Clothes dryer, if present, vents outside w/ metal duct and unobstructed airflow.
22. The homeowner can maintain the interior temperature in a comfortable range.
23. Main rooms and stairs have adequate lighting for occupants to move safely.
24. Interior paint and wall covering is intact.
25. The home is free of active water leaks and serious moisture problems.