The first day of spring has finally sprung. It’s time to throw open the windows, let in the fresh air, and revel in some sunshine.
Once that’s done—and stick with us here—spare some time for some easy home maintenance tasks.
Spring brings an hour of extra daylight, and you might now notice that all the ice, snow, and general wintry mix have given rise to small (but essential) home maintenance tasks you won’t want to skip this season.
We know, we know—fixing up the house is not as fun as frolicking among the flowers. Yet a few minutes of upkeep now will help save you hours of headaches down the line.
Here are the six biggies you should tackle now, either by yourself or by hiring a pro.
1. Inspect your home’s exterior and roof
No. 1 on any spring maintenance checklist is inspecting the outside of your home for any storm damage.
Depending on where you live (and what kind of home you have), it’s possible that your house took a beating during harsh, cold weather. Avoid nasty surprises—like a leaky roof—by giving everything a once-over now.
“It’s essential to inspect your home regularly for any potential damage,” says professional handyman Walter Bennett. “That includes checking the exterior and roof for water leaks, storm damage, or anything else that may need fixing.”
DIY route: If you feel comfortable climbing a ladder, you can easily inspect your home’s exterior.
Call in the pros: Are you concerned about climbing onto the roof? Find a local roofing company that can help.
2. Check for water leaks in the basement
What’s good for the outside of your home is also imperative for the inside’s darkest corners. It’s time to journey into the basement and look for water leaks or musty odors indicating moisture problems.
“Many homeowners neglect this important task, but it’s crucial to catch any potential problems early on to be fixed before they become more significant issues,” says Bennett.
DIY route: Start by inspecting the walls and floor for any signs of moisture or water stains. Check for dampness or puddles in corners and along the baseboards. Examine pipes, joints, and connections for signs of dripping or pooling water.
Call in the pros: If you find water you cannot quickly stop from entering your home, call in a pro. Unchecked water damage in the basement can lead to foundation issues.
3. Reseal driveways and paths
Driveways and paths are another vital part of our homes that degrade during the long winter months. These areas need to be resealed every few years to protect against inevitable corrosion.
Call in the pros: Resealing a driveway isn’t rocket science, but getting the job done well takes time and experience. We recommend calling in the pros to be sure your driveway doesn’t end up looking like a patchwork quilt.
4. Get your chimney cleaned
If you use anything that burns wood to keep you cozy during the chilliest time of the year, you should schedule to have it checked at the end of every season.
“Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves are beautiful additions to any home, but they need to be appropriately cleaned and maintained to function safely and correctly,” says Bennett. “A dirty fireplace can cause a dangerous creosote buildup, leading to a chimney fire.”
Buildup can also occur in wood-burning stoves and cause them to not function as efficiently. If you start to notice that there seems to be less oxygen flow within your stove, it might be time to call a chimney sweep.
Call in the pros: Unless you have the safety equipment to climb on your roof and clean the chimney safely, it’s best to leave this to the professionals.
5. Clear gutters and spouts
Neglecting all the organic material that built up in your gutters over the past few months could result in significant structural damage to your home—so it’s best to check them as soon as the snow’s gone.
“Maintaining rain gutters matters because they are the first and most important defense against water damage to homes,” says Kevin Leahy of The SpoutOff. “Gutters and downspouts must be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent clogging.”
Leahy recommends paying particular attention to the outlet (the hole in the gutter at the top of the downspout), where many clogs originate.
DIY route: If you can handle being on a ladder, you can tackle cleaning the gutters on a warm afternoon. Here’s how.
6. Spiff up the yard and garden
Spring is the time to clean up all the random bits and bobs that landed in your yard and garden from winter storms.
“Remove all debris from last year’s season: leaves, branches, and other yard waste,” says Bennett. “This will help prepare your yard and garden beds for healthy new growth.”
DIY route: Not sure where to start? Use this checklist to kick-start your spring gardening.
Read more at Realtor.com
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If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.
