It’s time to open those windows and let fresh air into your
home, plant flowers in the yard to step up your curb appeal, and
spruce up the house for prime selling season. Whenit comes to
spring cleaning, dont neglect some of the bigger home maintenance
tasks. Saveyourself time by tackling these jobs annually. Last
thing on your to-do list? Reward yourself with a refreshing
seasonal cocktail or icy glass of lemonade when youre done. .
.
INSPECT THE EXTERIOR OF YOUR HOME
Winter storms can take quite a toll on a roof. Checkyourroof for
damage and look for missing shingles, metal pipes that are damaged
or missing, oranything that simply doesnt look right. Take a walk
around your property and scan all exteriorconcrete slabsfor cracks
or signs of movement.Fill cracks with a concrete crack filler or
silicone caulk. When weather permits, power-wash and then seal the
concrete. Be sure to inspect the house itself for paint chips and
holes. Finally, have yourchimney flue cleaned and inspected by a
certified chimney sweep.
CLEAN OUT YOUR GUTTERS
Check for loose or leaky gutters. Improper drainage can lead to
water in the basement or crawl space (hello, Spring showers!). Make
sure downspouts drain away from the foundation and are clear
ofdebris from the previous season.
PREPARE WINDOW AND DOOR SCREENS
Screens are designed to let the breeze flow in and keep the bugs
out, but they can only do their job if theyre free from holes and
tears. Clean the grime off glass inside and out for a lighter,
brighter home indoors and increased curb appeal outdoors.
DO A SAFETY CHECK
Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (refer to
yourmanuals for instructions) and
ensurethat your fire extinguisher is in working order. You
should do thismonthly, but if you arent, now isthe perfect
time.
GET YOUR GARDEN READY
Get your backyard in prime BBQ party shape by pulling out weeds,
adding compost, cleaning the deck, taking stock of all your garden
tools, cleaning the grill and rinsing any outdoor furniture. Cut
back and trim all vegetation and overgrown bushes from structures,
andapply a thick layer of mulch wherever you can. Mulch is much
more effective at keeping weeds at bay if it’s in place before
weeds beginsprouting.
CHECK THE ATTIC AND BASEMENT
Mold and pests are two common concerns, so be on the lookout for
any signs of damage. For mold, check for visible growth (usually
black or green spots) or use the sniff testmold has a damp and
musty smell. And youll know if you have a pest problem if theres
any physical damage to walls or furnishings, but also look out for
droppings. Call in the experts if you suspect a problem.
TESTYOUR AC
Nows the time to make sure your air conditioner is in good
condition (not when its the first day of summer and a sweltering 90
degrees). Have a qualified heating and cooling contractor clean and
service the outside unit of the air conditioning system.Filters
should be changed on a regular basis.
CHECK FOR AIR LEAKS AND SEAL WINDOWS
Now that youve checked your AC, make sure all that cool air
stays inside (and the hot summer air stays out) by
eliminatingdrafts. Usethe tools of the trade, like caulk and spray
foam, to help seal up stationary materials and fixtures.Of course,
you can also hire a professional to helpidentify air leaks by
performing ahome energy
audit.One important thing to note: Air sealing may
inadvertently cause a different problem, trapping indoor pollutants
like radon or carbon monoxide and creating an unsafe situation
inside your home. Consider bringing in a professional to test for
radon.
INSPECTOUTDOOR FAUCETS
Check outside hose faucets for freeze damage. Turn the water on
and place your thumb or finger over the opening. If you can stop
the flow of water, it is likely the pipe inside the home is damaged
and will need to be replaced. While you’re at it, check the garden
hose for dry rot.
GIVE YOUR CARPETS A FACELIFT
Even if you have zero qualms asking guests to remove their shoes
before stepping foot into your home, your carpets deserve some love
after a winter of tracking inmud and snow.