Spring maintenance isn’t just about cleaning! It’s also a great time to inspect your home for damage caused by the winter months and prepare it for the summer heat. Your home is more than likely your biggest investment. Scheduling seasonal maintenance is a good way to protect it. By implementing regular maintenance practices, you have the potential to:
- Avoid catastrophic repairs
- Eliminate safety hazards
- Reduce overall stress
Spring maintenance doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. We’ve assembled a list of tips to guide you through your home maintenance inspection, inside and out. The inspection can be completed in one day, one week or one month. You can go at your own pace.
Inside
- Home safety – Replace batteries for all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure the needle on your fire extinguisher gauge is still in the green area. Schedule your annual chimney sweep.
- Woodwork – Termites swarm during the spring months. With a screwdriver and flashlight in hand, check your baseboards, window and door trims for any signs of termite frass.
- Plumbing – Run water through all faucets to determine if there are any leaks or clogged drains. Clean drains and change faucet washers, if needed.
- Appliances – Before conducting any cleaning or inspection of major appliances, make sure to turn off your gas and electricity, and wear protective gear. If you are uncomfortable with the DIY approach, contact a certified professional. If you haven’t already done so, you may want to consider investing in energy-efficient appliances, which can increase your comfort and save you money.
- Refrigerator – Replace water filter, if applicable.
- Washer & dryer – Check for any leaks and clean out the dryer ducts.
- Hot water heater – Look for any drips or leaks. If your hot water hasn’t been at optimal temperature, consider flushing the tank.
- HVAC systems – Clean or replace filters. Schedule your yearly vent and duct cleaning.
Outside
- Roof – Inspect the roof for signs of damage, missing shingles or signs of mold.
- Gutters and downspouts – Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts. Make sure they’re in good condition and leak-free.
- Windows and doors – Clean the windows and window screens. Patch or replace any torn screens. Tighten and lubricate door hinges.
- Foundation – Examine the foundation for any cracks. While hairline cracks are of little concern, large cracks, particularly horizontal cracks, could be a sign of structural damage. If you find cracks that appear alarming, contact a structural engineer.
- Woodwork – Warmer weather makes it a perfect time to gather with family and friends outside on the deck. Make sure to perform a full inspection for any loose fittings or deterioration.
- Landscaping and sprinkler systems – Reseed and fertilize your lawn. Weed and mulch your garden before updating your flower beds with seasonal annuals. Run the sprinkler system to make sure the sprinkler heads and lines are in proper working order.
- Exterior paint – You may need a touch-up or a fresh coat of paint. There’s no time like spring to add a new pop of color to the front door.
Implementing a home maintenance schedule can save you time, money and stress by addressing problems or making improvements before things get out of control. Not only will you enjoy your home more, but those efforts can help increase your home’s value and curb appeal if you’re thinking of selling. Buyers tend to shop for homes as the weather gets warmer, so spring is considered one of the best times to put your home on the market. For information about title insurance on the purchase of a new home, contact your Old Republic Title representative today.