Spring brings longer days and warmer weather, both of which make it easier for us to plan and take on important spring home maintenance tasks. From repairing property damage to preparing for summer, there are a number of things that we should do to “tune up” a home’s major systems and features. Doing so doesn’t just maintain your home’s property value – it also helps to prevent bigger breakdowns and repairs down the line.
Not sure where to start? These 8 basic maintenance needs are each worth your attention this month:
Get Your HVAC Inspected
If there is one system you always want to be functional, it’s your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. All too often, people skip spring maintenance only to find their system breaking down during the hot summer. Rather than losing the comforts of home during a heat wave, you should hire a licensed professional to service the equipment before the start of summer. Just be sure to discuss any health and safety measures needed during your appointment this spring.
Clean Your Dryer Vent
One of the biggest fire hazards in your home is a clogged dryer vent. Fortunately, you can prevent this hazard by cleaning out your dryer vents each spring. Even better, this is one bit of maintenance that you can take care of yourself!
Check Your Windows’ Caulking
Caulk, the material used to seal the seams around your windows both inside and outside your home, doesn’t last forever, and its breakdown leads to air drafts and water leaks. It’s important to check the caulking in your home every spring for tears, cracks, or gaps. Should you find damaged caulking, it will need to be replaced, either by you or a professional.
Inspect Your Home’s Woodwork
Because it’s exposed to the elements, exterior woodwork requires lots of maintenance. Each spring, you should inspect the state of your wood decks, fences, railings, trellises, pergolas, and other outdoor structures.
In addition to planning necessary repairs and addressing wood rot, you should also plan on staining or resealing these structures every year or two. During your inspection, you should also check for signs of termites, as these insects need to be addressed by pest control sooner rather than later.
Examine Your Roof
Roof maintenance is one of the most important parts of home ownership. Are the shingles in place? Are the vent pipes, flashing, or anything else damaged? Answering these questions annually can help you spot small issues before they become big ones. If you notice anything that needs closer inspection or repair, the next step is to call a roofer, who can work with you to safely determine your next steps.
Clean Your Gutters
While not exactly a favorite chore around the house, cleaning your home’s gutters is extremely important. Blocked or damaged gutters can’t do their job during those numerous spring rain showers. Clogged gutters can also lead to wood rot, pest infestations, and other problems. So debris needs to be removed from gutters each spring, and you should also check that downspouts are still turned away from your home. Additionally, make sure water isn’t collecting at the foundation of your home.
Pressure Wash Your House
Rain, leaves, dust, and other outdoor elements tend to create a buildup of residue on your home’s exterior. In the worst cases, this buildup can lead to green mold! So it’s best to pressure wash the outside of your house each spring to prevent this. At the very least, the annual wash will add shine to your property!
Check Your Basement
In addition to examining exterior elements and essential household systems, you should also examine the state of your basement each spring. Because moisture is a common problem in basements, these are easy places for mold and other types of fungus to grow. To prevent a serious problem from developing, you should examine your basement each spring for signs of moisture or water damage.
These home maintenance projects each play an important part in keeping your home in good condition. Not only will they help you live comfortably and safely – but they’ll also be important should you look to sell your house at some point. So be sure to schedule time to complete each maintenance item this spring.
Should you also have specific questions about the home maintenance necessary to sell a house, we can help! Howard Hanna’s real estate agents can answer all of your selling related questions and help you prepare to start the process when you’re ready to do so. To connect with a real estate agent in your area, just use our website to find an office near you!
