With Spring around the corner, it is a good time to think about giving your house a thorough check-up. A regular Spring maintenance plan will go far in helping you identify problems early on and mitigate costly damage and repairs.
Inspect and repair anything suffering the effects of winter weather. Start a thorough Spring cleaning room by room and check all house systems. Think through each area of your property to make a comprehensive checklist of basic tasks, such as the following:
Home Exterior Spring Check List
- Inspect the roof for leaks and damaged tiles or shingles
- Check siding for loose pieces and check trim for cracked paint
- Clean gutters, repair holes and weak joints, and replace damaged sections
- Replace exterior caulking that is peeling
- Check windows and doors – You may need to get new windows and doors for spring
- Inspect the foundation for cracks or other signs of weakening.
- Repair cracked or uneven driveways, stairs, and sidewalks to prevent injuries
- Remove and store storm windows and doors
- Wash windows and repair any damaged frames; clean and reinstall screens
- Clean up yard debris such as dead foliage and weeds; begin spring landscaping projects
- Clean and repair outdoor patio furniture
- Check sprinkler system for leaky or loose valves
- Inspect decks, patios, porches, stairs, and railings for loose pieces and deterioration
Home Interior Spring Check List
- Service the water heater pump and motor
- Clean the air conditioning unit and replace the belt when necessary; follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for professional maintenance
- Replace the furnace filter
- Make sure the electrical system is adequate to support any new appliances, technology, or increased wattage use; upgrade as necessary
- Clear slow-moving drains and ensure that plumbing shutoff valves function properly
- Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air filter
- Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct and damper
- Ensure that fire extinguisher are operable and accessible
- Clean smoke alarm covers and install new batteries
- Replace older light bulbs with energy-efficient models
- Sort through closets and other storage and pull out things that are no longer used, then make a plan to donate or sell them
With an established Spring Home Maintenance routine, you will also become better acquainted with the nuances of your home systems and better equipped to deal with problems when they do arise. It is a good idea to supplement your Spring Home Maintenance efforts by making a professional home inspection part of the routine. While most homebuyers have an inspection as part of their due diligence when considering a new home, most homeowners don’t think to schedule an inspection once they are living in the house. Yet, a professional home inspector can help you identify problems in your home before they become huge strains on your lifestyle and your wallet. Once you have gone through your spring home maintenance checklist to note things that concern you, an inspector can give you insight into necessary repairs and upgrades.
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