Spruce up your home for spring
Spruce up your home for spring
Mother Nature is clearly confused this year but the peepers and birds are certainly telling us that spring is here. As we head out of the winter doldrums it is time to start fixing items that have become loose, broken, or damaged and plan for the warm summer months. The team at Premier Home Inspection Services created this list to help you spruce up your home for spring and target the areas that are essential to maintain in order to ensure the longevity of your house. It will also help prevent bigger problems from arising down the road. If you are thinking about putting your house on the market, this will also make your house more appealing to potential home buyers and help obtain a clean bill of health from your local NH home inspector.
Take some time to walk around the outside of your home and check for the following:
Gutters
- Check if loose, damaged, leaky, or filled with leaves and tree debris
- Ensure they slope towards the downspout and drain away from the foundation, ideally at least 6 feet
- Consider installing gutter screens/protectors
- Look to see if any shingles or flashing are deteriorated or missing
- Check for damaged , cracked, buckled, or areas missing the granules
- Have a qualified inspector or roofer assess the flashing around vents, skylights, and chimneys
Windows/Doors
- Probe the sills and trim with a screwdriver to assess for rot and repair accordingly
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- Make sure all trim is caulked appropriately to keep out heat and humidity during the summer and decrease cold drafts in the winter
- Caulking tips:
- Spring or fall is the best time to caulk outdoor joints because the width of the joint is halfway between its seasonal extremes
- A plastic drinking straw or piece of plastic tubing can work as an extension for caulking those hard-to-reach places.
- Ensure adequate weather stripping is present
- Repair damaged screens
- Clean screens and windows
Concrete Slabs & Driveway
- Check for cracks and movement- seal with concrete crack filler or silicone caulking
- Power wash and seal the concrete
- Remove plant debris and sand from driveway
- Seal driveway every 3-4 years or when looking worn and “dry”
Deck & Patio
- Hammer in loose nails and replace any damaged boards
- Power wash, sand, and stain deck if needed
- Wash patio furniture
- Check propane level and clean grill, smoker, etc.
Chimney & Foundation
- Inspect for signs of cracks, missing or loose bricks and mortar, water stains, or a missing cap
- Examine the foundation walls for cracks, leaks or signs of moisture, and repair as required
Air Conditioner Unit
- Contact a qualified professional to service the unit in order to maintain efficiency and longevity
- You can read more about maintaining your AC unit at: http://energy.gov/energysaver/maintaining-your-air-conditioner
- Change or clean any filters
- Ensure drainage hole at base is clear of debris
Don’t forget the shed!
Lawn equipment
- Make sure it is clean and has a fresh air filter and spark plugs
- Gas it up if you drained it in the fall
- Have dull blades sharpened
Well that should keep you busy for at least one weekend! Stay tuned for more spring tips for inside your home and info on how to clean all sorts of items. This will keep things working smoothly and in tip-top shape for those prospective home buyers (if you are selling). If you are not quite sure where to start and would like some help, please contact us for more information on our home maintenance inspections where we can help you learn about your home and how to prioritize any repairs that need made.
