“That is one good thing about this world…there are always sure to be more springs.” ― L.M. Montgomery. The snow and ice have finally melted, and now we are welcoming in the next season — spring. As we get ready to spring clean or do our other seasonal activities, there is one thing we cannot forget: a house maintenance inspection. That is why we created this spring home maintenance checklist.
Clean Gutters
After a season full of snow and ice, cleaning out your gutters is a must. Leaves, branches, dirt and other items can build up if not cleaned. Not only can this cause a water backup and destroy your gutters, but also is the perfect shelter and breeding grounds for pests like termites or birds. You do not want any of this to happen, so the best thing to do is clean it at least once a season.
Check for Pests
As the weather starts to warm up, you may notice an influx of animals. We all love seeing the cute baby animals, but there are other creatures coming out as well — pests. These pests can cause serious damages to your home as well as your health. And if you do not remove them right away, they continue to breed and multiply, eventually leading to an infestation. We do not want that to happen to your home. Instead, call your local pest control service to inspect your house. If you want to stay ahead, check out our guide on how to keep pests from entering your property.
Inspect Your Roof
Just like your gutters, you need to inspect your roof. Snow and ice can cause serious issues to your roof. If you already up in that general area because you are cleaning the gutters, take a quick look to check for any loose or missing shingles. You will need to check for nail pops, cracks, shifts and missing pieces while you are up there. If you notice any issues, either resolve the problem yourself or call a local roofing contractor.
Pressure Wash
Help your house bring back its luster with a quick power wash. Winter storms can cause staining on your house’s exterior as well as driveways or sidewalks. Increase your home’s curb appeal by power washing it. If you need help with this task, then give us a call. We have been power washing homes for over a decade and have all the equipment needed to get the job done.
Inspect Exterior Wood
Most of us spent the winter as much inside as possible. And your home did an excellent job of keeping you safe and warm during the winter months. To keep you toasty warm, your house’s exterior took the brunt of the ice, wind, rain and snow. Just because it was able to handle it all season long does not mean it can keep going. That is why it is necessary to inspect your property’s exterior wood. You need to make sure that it did not incur any damages, such as water or wind damage as well as pest damage.
Clean Window & Door Screens
Let the fresh spring air radiate throughout your home all season long by cleaning your window and door screens. While cleaning these screens, you will need to check for any rips, tears or holes. Pests can enter your home through openings that are at least a quarter-sized or larger. If you see a hole, patch it up immediately. You will also want to tighten any loose screws, repair damaged frames and lubricate or tighten hinges. If the damage is too large, you will need to replace the entire screen.
Clean HVAC Filters
During the winter your heater worked hard, but now it is time to start turning you air conditioner. Before you even try to take this step, you must clean your HVAC filters. You will need to remove debris as well as change or clean the filter. If you do not clean your HVAC filters, it can potentially cause a fire or leave dust particles floating around in the air. Spring is the perfect time to get a full HVAC tune-up. Contact your local heating/cooling contractor to ensure that everything is good to go for warmer months.
Work on Landscaping
Since the sun is out and the weather is lightening up, spring is the perfect time to get your landscaping back in tip-top shape. Remove dead plants, debris and other lose items. Don’t forget to trim back trees, hedges, shrubs, bushes and other plants to keep everything looking uniformed. Many landscapers recommend placing compacted soil in the low areas of your yard to stop flooding and foundation issues. Spring is also the perfect time to plant any fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers.
By following the checklist above, your property will be ready to take on the season. If you live in Belleville, O’Fallon, Edwardsville or the surrounding areas and need help sprucing up your home for spring, then call your top local home service contractor, Valor Home Services. We even have a handyman planning guide where you will get a checklist of the interior and exterior of your home to make sure everything is in the best condition. For more information or to schedule your next appointment, give us a call today.
