Summer is just around the corner, and we can’t wait! As winter weather leaves us, it’s time to check your home for damage, make any necessary repairs, and prepare your home for the warm days ahead. Here is a quick list of things to accomplish around your home this Spring so you can soak up as much summer sun as possible.
Tasks to Check Off Your List in an Hour or Less
- Open your crawl space vents outside at the foundation. If needed, replace any vent covers so you’re ready for the Fall!
- If your home has a wooden deck look for loose hand railing, split or decaying wood, and loose or missing hardware/connectors. Also look closely for signs of rot, insects, and water damage which is especially common where the deck meets your home. If you find things that need addressed, schedule a time to complete them.
- Check and treat your home for insects. To avoid mosquitoes, frequently inspect your yard to make sure you have no standing water. For other common pests, there are several good products on the market that you can apply yourself, or simply hire a pest control company.
- Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are functioning properly. Replace any batteries or units as needed and set a reminder to test them every 30-days. Keep in mind that smoke detectors only have a 10-year lifespan – when in doubt, change them out.
Tasks to Check Off Your List in an Hour or Less
- Remove lint from the dryer exhaust vent with a long brush or vacuum attachment. >> How to Clean your Washer & Dryer
- Check your plants, shrubs, and trees to ensure they are pruned back and away from your house. If not, time to prune! Foliage that touches your home leads to excessive moisture and creates an easy path for ants and other unwanted insects on your siding.
- After the last frost has passed, clear out leftover winter debris from your gutters and downspouts. Make any repairs if necessary. >> How to Clean your Gutters
- If your home has a working wood-burning fireplace, the end of winter is a great time to clean it up! Remove completely cool remains of logs and ash then give the surround a wipe down. If the inside of your chimney needs cleaned, this is a great time to schedule an appointment with your chimney sweep!
Maintenance & Extras
- Keep your cooling systems running smoothly for the warm months ahead. Change your air filters and schedule maintenance for your cooling system. Additionally, dust ceiling fans, clean portable fans, and install window air conditioning units if needed. We also suggest adding curtains to windows to keep the sun out!
- Do a visual inspection of your roof. Check for missing shingles, metal pipes that are damaged or missing, or anything that simply doesn’t look right. You can use binoculars or your smartphone to avoid using a ladder if that’s more comfortable for you. If you notice anything out of place, or needs a closer inspection, call a professional to look!
And one last final reminder, if you plan to do any digging in your yard, please call 811 to have your utilities located and marked BEFORE you dig. This is a free service that will help keep you and your family safe.
We hope this list is helpful for you to help keep your home as happy as you are! If we don’t chat soon, we hope you and your family have a wonderful summer filled with fun memories!