Spring maintenance isn’t just about cleaning; it’s about protecting your investment, enhancing curb appeal, and boosting energy efficiency. Here is a list of to-dos to help you prep your home for the months ahead.
The Exterior Check-Up: Protecting Your Investment
- Inspect the Roof and Gutters: Look for missing, loose, or damaged shingles, particularly near chimneys and pipes. Clean out gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage to your foundation.
- Check the Foundation and Siding: Walk around your home and look for cracks in the foundation or damaged siding. If you can fit a dime in a crack, it’s time to call a professional.
- Touch Up Exterior Paint: Inspect your siding and trim for peeling paint, which can expose wood to moisture and cause decay.
- Maintain Your Deck and Patio: Check for loose or rotted boards. Power wash your deck to remove mildew and grime, then reapply a sealant if water no longer runs off the surface.
- Service the Sprinkler System: De-winterize your irrigation system and check for broken sprinkler heads to avoid wasting water.
- Preserve Your Driveway: Inspect your driveway for any damage (cracks, potholes) and clean off any debris. If you live in a winter climate, consider de-icing salt with a pressure washer, and repair cracks with filler to prevent water damage. Don’t forget to reseal your driveway to preserve it long-term. With asphalt it’s required every 2-3 years and concrete it’s recommended every 3-5 years.
The Interior Tune-Up: Preparing for Summer
- Service the Air Conditioning: Before the summer heat hits, have a professional inspect your HVAC system, replace the filter, and ensure it’s running efficiently.
- Check Windows and Doors: Inspect caulking and weather stripping for gaps that can let in air and pests. Don’t forget to clean your windows and replace damaged screens.
- Clean the Dryer Vent: Lint buildup can be a serious fire hazard. Clean your dryer vent at least once a year to help prevent fires and improve efficiency and always clear the lint filter after every load.
- Check Safety Devices: Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries.
- Inspect Plumbing: Look under sinks and in the basement for leaks or water damage.
Yard and Landscaping: Boosting Curb Appeal
- Rake and Clean Up: Remove dead leaves, branches, and debris from your lawn to prevent mold and suffocating your grass. Consider creating a mulch pile in an unseen corner of your yard for use next spring in your plant beds.
- Prune Trees and Shrubs: Trim back any branches that are too close to your home, as they can damage siding, paint, and roof shingles. It could also prevent a tree branch from falling onto your home during a bad storm.
- Prep Garden Beds: Add fresh mulch to garden beds to retain moisture and control weeds. Consider including a decorative edge for better definition.
- Clean Outdoor Furniture: Wash down chairs, tables, and cushions to get them ready for lounging.
- Deep Clean Grill: Deep cleaning your grill is essential to remove stubborn grease, bacteria, and mold buildup to ensure food safety with better taste, to prevent dangerous grease fires/flare-ups and improve performance.
Why Now?
Taking these steps in the spring helps you avoid the “summer rush” for contractors and prevents minor issues from becoming major, costly, or dangerous problems. Plus, a clean, well-maintained home makes the warmer season much more enjoyable! Pro Tip: Don’t forget to tackle these tasks in manageable steps to avoid burnout. Happy spring cleaning!
Need Financing?
If you have a larger outdoor project you’re planning, such as an outdoor kitchen, patio, or driveway, reach out to your Novus Loan Officer to learn about financing options that may be available based on your home equity.
Novus Home Mortgage is a division of Ixonia Bank, NMLS 423065. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.