SPRING HOUSE CARE:
A Seasonal Guide to Maintaining Your
Home
From summer vacations to winter holidays, it seems each season offers the perfect excuse to put off our to-do list. But be careful, homeowners: neglecting your home’s maintenance could put your personal safety—and one of your largest financial investments—at serious risk. In no time at all, small problems can lead to extensive and expensive repairs. And even if you avoid a catastrophe, those minor issues can still have a big impact. Properties that are not well maintained can lose 10 percent or more of their appraised value and even more market value. The good news is, by dedicating a few hours each season to properly maintaining your home, you can ensure a safe living environment for you and your family ... and increase the value of your home. You just need to know where and how to spend your time.
After a long, cold winter, many of us look forward to a fresh start in the spring. Wash away the winter grime, open the windows, and prepare your home for warmer weather and backyard barbecues.
Inside
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Conduct Annual Spring Cleaning
Be sure to tackle those areas that may have gone neglected—such as your blinds,
baseboards, and fan blades—as well as appliances, including your refrigerator,
dishwasher, oven and range hood. Clear out clutter and clothes you no longer
wear and toss old and expired food and medications.
❏
Shut Down Heating System
Depending on the type of heating system you have; you may need to shut your
system down when not in use. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for proper
procedures.
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Tune Up A/C
If your home has central air conditioning, schedule an annual tune-up with your
HVAC technician. If you have a portable or window unit, be sure to follow the
manufacturer's instructions for proper maintenance.
❏
Check Plumbing
It’s a good idea to periodically check your plumbing to spot any leaks or
maintenance issues. Look for evidence of leaks—such as water stains on the
ceiling—and check for dripping faucets or running toilets that need to be
addressed. Inspect your hot water heater for sediment build up. Check your sump
pump (if you have one) to ensure it’s working properly.
❏
Inspect Smoke Alarm and Carbon
Monoxide Detectors
Check that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly.
Batteries should be replaced every six months, so change them now and again in
the fall. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to test your individual
devices. And even properly functioning devices should be replaced at least
every 10 years, or per the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Outside
❏
Inspect Perimeter of Home
Walk around your house and look for any signs of damage or wear and tear that
should be addressed. Are there cracks in the foundation? Peeling paint? Loose
or missing roof shingles? Plan to make needed repairs yourself or hire a
contractor.
❏
Clean Home’s Exterior
Wash windows and clean and replace screens if they were removed during the
winter months. For the home’s facade, it’s generally advisable to use the
gentlest method that is effective. A simple garden hose will work in most
cases.
❏
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters and downspouts should be cleaned at least twice a year. Neglected
gutters can cause water damage to a home, so make sure yours are clean and free
of debris. If your gutters have screens, you may be able to decrease the
frequency of cleanings, but they should still be checked periodically.
❏
Rake Leaves
Gently rake your lawn to remove leaves and debris. Too many leaves can cause an
excessive layer of thatch, which can damage the roots of your lawn. They can
also harbor disease-causing organisms and insects. However, take care because
overly vigorous raking can damage new grass shoots.
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Seed or Sod Lawn
If you have bare spots, spring is a good time to seed or lay new sod so you can
enjoy a beautiful lawn throughout the remainder of the year. The peak summer
heat can be too harsh for a new lawn. If you miss this window, early fall is
another good time to plant.
❏
Apply a Pre-Emergent Herbicide
While a healthy lawn is the best deterrent for weeds, some homeowners choose to
use a pre-emergent herbicide in the spring to minimize weeds. When applied at
the right time, it can be effective in preventing weeds from germinating.
However, a pre-emergent herbicide will also prevent grass seeds from
germinating, so only use it if you don’t plan to seed or sod in the spring.
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Plant Flowers
After a long winter, planting annuals and spring perennials is a great way to
brighten up your garden. It’s also a good time to prune existing flowers and
shrubs and remove and compost any dead plants.
❏
Mulch Beds
A layer of fresh mulch helps to suppress weeds, retain moisture and moderate
soil temperature. However, be sure to strip away old mulch at least every three
years to prevent excessive buildup.
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Fertilize Lawn
Depending on your grass type, an application of fertilizer in the spring may
help promote new leaf and root growth, keep your lawn healthy, and reduce
weeds.
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Tune Up Lawn Mower
Send your lawn mower out for a professional tune-up and to have the blades
sharpened before the mowing season starts.
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Inspect Sprinkler System
If you have a sprinkler system, check that it’s working properly and make
repairs as needed.
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Check the Deck
If you have a deck or patio, inspect it for signs of damage or deterioration
that may have occurred over the winter. Then clean it thoroughly and apply a
fresh coat of stain if needed.
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Prepare Pool
If you own a pool, warmer weather signals the start of pool season. Be sure to
follow best practices for your pool to ensure proper maintenance and safety.
While this checklist should not be considered a complete list of your home’s maintenance needs, it can serve as a general seasonal guide. Systems, structures, and fixtures will need to be repaired and replaced from time-to-time, as well. The good news is the investment you make in maintaining your home now will pay off dividends over time.
Keep a record of all your maintenance, repairs, and upgrades for future reference, along with receipts. Not only will it help jog your memory, but it can also make a big impact on buyers when it comes time to sell your home … and potentially result in a higher selling price.
Are you looking for help with home maintenance or repairs? At Veterans First Realty, we have an extensive network of trusted contractors and service providers and are happy to put you in touch with them! Call or email us, and we can connect you with one of our outstanding, vetted vendors.