Spring Housing Checkup and Maintenance

March 30, 2023

Tips For Conducting A Spring Home Checkup.

The longer days and warming spring weather are beginning to bring us out of our winter hibernations. As we head back outside to enjoy the seasonal change and tackle spring projects, be sure to take time to complete a post-winter home inspection.

Follow these tips for your spring cleanup, maintenance, and home refresh.

• Assess Your Home’s Exterior.
Conduct a visual inspection and walk around your house. Look for damaged siding, gutters, shingles, loose flashing, etc. Look for holes and cracks in the foundation, roof easement, and around windows that may allow water and animals to penetrate. Make note of any damage or potential repairs that need to be addressed or further inspected by professionals. Plan to address any issues in a timely manner to prevent them from becoming larger, expensive issues down the road. If you notice loose or missing shingles, contact a licensed roofing company for an assessment. A leaky roof can cause significant, costly damage beyond the exterior roof.

• Clean The Gutters and Downspouts.
If you can safely reach your gutters, inspect and clean them of any debris that will prevent water from draining properly. Gutters that clog can cause water backups that can lead to water penetrating your house and rotting away wood components of your roof. Inspect the downspouts to ensure they are clear of debris and that water is free to run away from the house. Water should flow away from your home’s foundation.

• Clean Siding and Fences.
Improve your home’s curb appeal by removing the green mildew and mold. Use a soft wash method that avoids high pressure water coming in close contact with surfaces when washing.

• Move Items Away From The House.
Clear items away from the foundation or near doors and windows. Move things like firewood that was used during winter, stacked furniture, etc. These may have become shelters for animals during winter months and may become homes for pests that could infiltrate your house (termites, rodents, bees, etc.).

• Clear Around Your AC Unit.
Trim any bushes near your outside AC unit and remove any leaves or debris that have accumulated. You want to ensure a clear, clean space around your unit to allow it to breathe better for improved efficiency and energy savings. (Also, inside your house, check and change your air filter. Give your AC a brief test run to ensure it is working properly.)

• Protect From Pests.
Spray a pest barrier around the foundation of house and doorways to help prevent insects from making their way into the house (e.g., ants).

• Paint.
Extend the life of any painted surfaces and give your curb appeal a refresh. Give a fresh coat of paint to anything that may be fading or have winter damage (e.g., doors, windows and door trim, etc.).

• Driveways and Sidewalks.
Check your driveway and the sidewalks around your house for cracks and buckling. Remember, you’re responsible for the sidewalks in front of your property. Any incidents caused by poor maintenance could be your liability.

• Lawn Equipment.
While at it, don’t forget to check up on the lawn equipment. Give your mower and other lawn equipment a start to ensure they are in good working order and ready to start their spring activity.

Take the time to assess your property and address any issues sooner rather than later. Your home is a major investment, so it’s worth putting in the effort for the necessary routine upkeep. Waiting to make repairs could lead to bigger and more costly issues, along with delays as service providers’ schedules fill up.