As the sun shines brighter and the birds sing louder, signaling the arrival of spring, it’s time to prepare your home for the season ahead. Ensuring your indoor and outdoor living spaces are in top condition is essential for a smooth transition into the warmer months.
We’re sharing the essential maintenance tasks to prioritize this spring, so you can fully enjoy your home without any unexpected issues disrupting your relaxation and entertainment plans!
Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
This is first on the list because these devices will save your life.
It’s recommended that you change your batteries twice a year, in the spring and fall. And, you should test your detectors regularly to ensure they’re working properly.
Take a few minutes, change the batteries, and then test each device to make sure they’re operating as they should.
If you do nothing else on this list, do this.
Check Your HVAC
Air conditioning is your ticket to comfort in the dog days of summer.
To keep your HVAC system working as it should, start by replacing old air filters, removing any debris obstructing the AC unit, and testing your cooling system to ensure it’s doing its job properly.
And, if you haven’t done so in a while, consider scheduling a professional AC tune-up. If there are issues, it’s better to find and resolve them now vs. the 4th of July holiday when it’s 100°!
Inspect Your Washer and Dryer
Washing machines have three hoses: for hot water, cold water, and for drainage. This means three opportunities for your otherwise reliable appliance to suddenly break and leak water – which is often a messy fix!
Check hoses for minor leaks and consider replacing rubber hoses with more durable stainless steel braided hoses.
As far as your dryer goes, you’ll want to make sure that your lint traps are clean, the vent cap on the exterior of your home is clear of debris so air can flow freely, and, if you haven’t done so in the past couple of years, remove the exhaust vent on the back of the unit and clear out the lint to eliminate a fire hazard.
Get Pest Control
We can often tolerate pests and rodents outside; the same cannot be said when it comes to your home’s interior!
Prevent unwanted guests by hiring a professional pest control company to service your home. Depending on your climate, you may need to do this quarterly.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters need to be able to route water from April showers and summer storms away from your home to prevent water damage.
During the winter, snow and ice build up in gutters, putting extra weight on them and possibly causing them to pull away from the house. It’s also very likely that leaves and other debris made their way into your gutter since the fall.
Leaving gutters and downspouts packed with leaves and pine straw not only looks messy, but it can also cause leaks, moisture and mildew problems, and rotting wood. Spring is the perfect time to get gutters sparkling clean so they can work as intended.
If you don’t like heights, hire a professional. Worth every penny.
Check the Roof
A properly functioning roof is vital to a healthy and comfortable home. Snow, ice, hail, and high winds have the power to inflict serious damage on shingles during the winter months, making spring the perfect time to do a quick health check.
To ensure that your roof keeps your interior dry and comfortable, check for these signs of wear and repair accordingly:
- Cracked or torn shingles
- Missing shingles
- Sagging areas
- Curled shingles
- Water stains on the ceilings, which could point to a roof leak
- Water spots on exterior walls
- Rust or stains where exterior walls meet the roof
Inspect, Clean, and Repair Outdoor Surfaces
As the weather warms, you’ll be spending lots of time on your patio and/or deck. Knowing this, now is the right time to make sure these spaces are safe and looking their best.
You will want to get rid of winter mud and mildew from patios and walkways. This not only makes your home look refreshed but will also help with curb appeal should you be planning to sell your home.
Also, check for cracks in concrete or pavement, lose or rotten planks on your deck, and repair accordingly to prevent injury.
Inspect and Clean Your Windows
Properly functioning windows are essential to your safety and comfort in all seasons.
In addition to giving your windows a thorough cleaning, make sure to:
- Check for holes in screens that could let insects inside
- Ensure that they open and close properly
- Check internal and external seals to prevent drafts and water intrusion — and re-seal accordingly
Check Your Siding
Well-maintained siding not only makes your house look great and boosts curb appeal, but it also protects the interior from water intrusion, drafts, and rot. You’ll need strong siding to stand up against summer storms.
In the spring, after everything has melted, you’ll want to check all the exterior walls and siding for needed repairs. To check the condition of your siding, look for these signs of possible damage:
- Cracks
- Gaps
- Uneven layers
- Warping
- Rotting
- Water Stains
Inspect the Foundation
Water belongs in swimming pools — not your basement.
Like your roof and gutters, your foundation protects your home from water intrusion. Cracks in your foundation make it easy for water to seep in and cause problems in your basement.
Walk the perimeter of your home, search for cracks and, if you find them, seal them to prevent them from expanding.
Who Should You Hire for Help?
Some of the remedies on this list can be done yourself. Other, larger fixes should be handled by professionals to save you money long-term.
If you’re unsure of how to evaluate and approach potential repairs, contact us for a free consultation.
