It’s time to consider getting your home ready for the season ahead. Here are some home maintenance items that can be checked off your list. Let’s start with the exterior of your home. Check the roof, gutter and downspouts for shingle issues, flashing issues, leaks, debris, loose connections. Check your attic for signs of leaks or moisture.
Examine the siding, windows and doors for cracks, missing caulk, wood rot or missing or fading paint. Remember that fresh paint, not only makes the home look great, it also protects wood from the elements. Check for proper water run-off away from the foundation. Grade the ground to slope it away from the foundation to eliminate standing water at the foundation wall.
Ensure there are no cracks, missing pavement or damaged concrete in walkways or driveways that may be a trip hazard or allow moisture below the surface. Moisture that freezes may cause even more damage to the pavement or concrete.
Once inside your home, check the doors, windows and floors for cracks, missing or damaged caulking and missing or faded paint or broken glass. Inspect the plumbing for leaks, moisture, loose connections and worn valves. Look for sinks, tubs, showers or toilets that drain slowly. They may require auguring. Replace or clean filters in your HVAC system and any appliance that has a filter such as clothes dryers, refrigerators and vacuums. Disconnect your clothes dryer, from the vent system. Clean the dryer’s output and the vent system. Do this, at least, twice a year or as required. Replace batteries in your smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms, at least once a year or when indicated by the alarm.
Homeowners can typically perform many of these maintenance items themselves, but if you find any type of maintenance or repair task overwhelming, call a qualified professional. Remember, it's less expensive to perform periodic maintenance, on your home, because it can be planned and budgeted. Unexpected repairs, from deferred maintenance, are neither planned and are rarely budgeted.
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