Home Maintenance
SPRING:
Remove accumulated debris from gutters and downspouts
Starting at the roofline, while being careful on your ladder, clean debris from your gutters and downspouts.
Clogged gutters can contribute to water damage in your home.
Remove debris from around the house
Leaves, trash bags and other debris tend to accumulate around the foundation that can trap moisture.
Excessive moisture attracts insects, animals and may cause wood rot.
Make sure the outdoor air conditioning unit is ready for Summer
Be sure to check for debris both inside the unit and outside. Leaves, trash and nesting material may cause damage to the unit once it is turned on. We recommend you have the A/C serviced by a qualified HVAC contractor before using it. In the meantime, change the filter in the inside unit.
Prepare your lawn
Clean up your lawn to make sure there are no twigs, rocks or other hard objects that the lawn mower can hit and throw. Flying debris could injure someone far from the mower. If you mow your own lawn, check the mower’s blade for sharpness. A dull blade is actually more dangerous than a sharp one. Put fresh fuel in a gas mower, check the oil and make sure the wheels are on securely.
Inside the house
If accessible, look in your attic, crawl space and basement for any signs of water damage.
Check smoke alarms and CO detectors. Change their batteries if necessary.
SUMMER:
1) Window Treatment
Investing in sun-blocking window covers and a new screen is energy efficient and hygienic, reducing costs while keeping out pesky bugs and dirt. Clean the exterior glass of debris and smudges while you’re out there.
2) Clean Sink Disposal
An unattended kitchen disposal can become a smelly, clogged mess. If your disposal has a baffle, clean-up is easy. Simply take it out and wash out the food buildup. Otherwise, try freezing vinegar ice cubes and running them down the disposal to keep things smelling fresh.
3) Test House Alarms
This easy (but life-saving) home maintenance step takes less than five minutes to complete. Simply push the test button on your smoke and carbon monoxide alarm and listen for the alarm. Don’t hear anything? Put in new batteries and repeat the test again.
4) Vacuum the Vents
Do you have an irritable bathroom fan? You know, the kind that sounds like it’s wheezing and spitting every time you turn it on? It’s probably just full of dust and debris. Remove the coverings on your vents and vacuum out the dust. The result will be a quieter and more efficient vent.
5) Check for Leaky Pipes
Leaky pipes are a bank breaker. They hike up your water bill, ruin your lawn, and cause mold and mildew in your house. Feel your walls for wetness, check your water pressure, and monitor your water bill. Any suspicious signs could mean a leak.
6) Inspect the Air Conditioners
There’s nothing worse than a 100-degree day without AC. If you have a window unit, be sure to remove and clean the filter every season. If you have central air, the rule of thumb is to have the AC unit inspected by a professional once a year to keep the frigid air blowing.
7) Check Your Roof
Weather, wind, and everyday wear and tear can hurt your roof. Check for missing shingles or mold or anything that might hurt your home’s head. Better to make small repairs every summer than spend thousands of dollars to replace the whole roof.
Tasks that take a day or longer to complete.
9) Restore the Deck and Patio
Decks and patios can take a beating with heavy snowfall in the winter and the thawing and refreezing of spring. Summer is the perfect time to restain the deck and check for loose floorboards or mold. Give the whole surface a good scrub, power wash, sealing, or even some sanding. A little elbow grease and you’ll be ready for that outdoor barbecue.
10) Landscaping
An overgrown lawn can lead to animal and bug infestations, choke out existing plants, and reduce curb appeal. Make the most of long summer hours by putting in time mowing, weeding, and caring for your yard.
11) Check Exterior Paint and Siding
Peeling paint and chipped siding can let in bugs and the weather. Algae and mildew can also show up if you live in a humid climate. Do a lap around your house and check for any problem areas. By painting, cleaning, and repairing issues now, you can avoid the vacation-killing expense of having to replace your home’s siding.
12) Clean Your Gutters
Standing water and leaf buildup is the ultimate no-no. In the short term, unclean gutters can attract mosquitoes and other pests.
Summer maintenance can be intimidating, especially to newer home owners who haven’t had to change out filters, manage a lawn, or check all the nooks and crannies of the house.
To view the sample inspection report, click on the picture.
If you have any question, please do not hesitate to give us a call.
We are happy to help. 360-459-1632