Fascia, soffit and trim
Look for peeling coatings, open joints, swelling, soft spots, loose sections and staining below roof edges. Discoloration may point to water traveling from somewhere above the visible mark.
Hernando Beach homeowner guide
Salt air, humidity, strong sun and wind-driven rain can make small openings and worn finishes more important than they look. Use this guide for a careful visual check of the accessible parts of your home.
Start outside
Walk around the home in daylight after a dry spell. Look from the ground and avoid roofs, ladders, electrical equipment and any damaged area that may be unsafe.
Take one wide photo and one close photo of anything questionable. A dated photo makes it easier to see whether a gap, stain or soft area is changing over time.
Pay attention to changes, not just obvious breakage.
Look for peeling coatings, open joints, swelling, soft spots, loose sections and staining below roof edges. Discoloration may point to water traveling from somewhere above the visible mark.
Test whether exterior doors close and latch without force. Check weatherstripping, thresholds, trim joints and the lower corners of the frame for gaps, movement or moisture damage.
Inspect accessible joints around doors, windows, trim transitions and wall penetrations. Cracked, separated or missing sealant should be evaluated before water has an easy path inside.
Look for rust streaks, loose screws, movement and corrosion on exposed hardware. Coastal air can shorten the life of materials that are not suited to the location.
Note loose pieces, cracks, impact damage, bubbling paint and edges that no longer sit flat. Do not cover a moisture problem until its source is understood.
After rain, check for water collecting beside walls, doors or steps. Keep visible drainage paths clear and have persistent standing water assessed by the appropriate professional.
Inside the home
Inspect baseboards, flooring edges, door openings and walls near exterior penetrations. New staining, musty odor, lifted flooring, swollen trim or a door that suddenly sticks can justify a closer look.
Review AG Holmes services →Seasonal routine
Document current conditions and handle accessible maintenance items before repeated heavy rain and wind.
From a safe location, look for new movement, missing material, open joints and water marks. Avoid unstable surfaces and downed electrical equipment.
Correct loose material, moisture sources and failed joints before applying a new finish. Paint should not be used to hide an active problem.
Choose the right help
A handyman may be a good fit for accessible non-structural trim repairs, door adjustments, hardware, flooring transitions, caulking, finish work and bundled maintenance items. Contact AG Holmes with photos and a short description so the scope can be reviewed.
Use an appropriately licensed specialist for structural movement, roofing, major water intrusion, mold assessment, electrical work, plumbing systems, HVAC equipment or any work that requires a permit or trade license. If the source of damage is unclear, inspection should come before cosmetic repair.
Include a wide photo showing the location, a close photo showing the damage, and an object for scale when useful. Photograph nearby joints and the area above a stain, because the visible symptom may not be the source.
Bundling small tasks can make scheduling more efficient, but do not delay an opening that is admitting water, a loose item that could fall, or damage that is actively getting worse.
Need help with the list?
AG Holmes Handyman Services reviews repair and maintenance requests for Hernando Beach homes by appointment.