It’s time to open the windows and let in the fresh air. Spring is officially here! How deep does your spring home maintenance checklist go? This time of year, it’s great to go beyond basic spring cleaning to get your house in excellent shape.
Maintenance isn’t the only thing your house needs to stay safe. Make sure you have adequate homeowners insurance in place, as well. Reach out today to the team of independent agents at Lake Region Insurance Agency for a free review.
Get Started On Your Spring Home Maintenance Checklist
No matter where you live, spring is a great time to give your home some love and attention. Whether you are emerging from a gloomy winter or just want to freshen up your place, now is the perfect opportunity. With indoor and outdoor projects, you’ll soon get everything ship-shape.
Exterior Maintenance
These projects on your spring home maintenance checklist are best to do before the summer heat arrives.
- Investigate the Roof – Safely and carefully assess your roof for any damage, leaks, or missing shingles. Or hire a professional to do the inspection for you. Address problem areas quickly so that your roof will last its proper lifespan.
- Clean the gutters – Clear the gutters of any leaves or debris. Check the downspouts to ensure nothing is clogging them, and caulk any holes to prevent leaking. If they are sagging or are detached, reattach the gutters and replace any old or broken hardware. And make sure that downspouts are draining away from the home’s foundation.
- Examine the Concrete – Take a walk around your property to check the concrete patios, driveways, and pool foundations. If there are small cracks, you might be able to fill them with a concrete filler or a water-resistant silicone. However, if the concrete has severe damage, reach out to an expert to talk about replacement.
- Inspect Faucets – Turn on outdoor faucets and check for any damage after the winter. Watch for leaks since they can strain your water bill. If your water pressure seems unusually low, you may have a cracked or broken pipe. Call a professional for help.
- Clean the Air Conditioning Unit – Spring is the perfect time to take care of your HVAC system. Vacuum and wipe the vent to get rid of dust, and replace the filters before use. Spring is also an excellent time to schedule an AC tuneup and servicing.
- Give Your Deck Some TLC – Check the deck for any loose or missing nails or fasteners. Test the railing and stairs to be sure everything is still attached correctly. Look for water damage and stains, and replace any boards that are loose or rotting. A powerwash can help with the overall appearance of your deck.
- Check Your Fence – The winter weather can be hard on wooden structures such as decks and fences. After you care for your deck, it’s time to take a look at your fencing to check for decay and damage. Unless you really love your neighbors, you probably want your fence to remain intact.
- Assess Windows and Doors – Now is the time to install screens if they aren’t already in place. Patch up tears or purchase a new screen if necessary. Check the seals on your windows to be sure they are ready to keep the summer heat out of your home.
- Test the Sprinklers – Turn on the sprinklers and check for leaks or broken sprinkler heads. Replace heads and hoses if needed. Adjust the sprinklers so that they spray toward the grass and away from the house, sidewalk, and patios. Make sure to set your timer the way you want it.
- Dress Up the Landscaping – Clear out the weeds and debris that collected during the winter and pack soil into any low areas in the ground. This step will help prevent flooding from spring rain. Cut back shrub overgrowth and add new plants, if desired. Small changes can make you feel like you have a whole new home with a boost to your curb appeal.
Interior Maintenance
Spring cleaning your home is an excellent way to feel happy in your space. But there are often interior projects that need your attention, too. Your spring home maintenance checklist is just as essential inside as it is outside.
- Open the Windows – It’s time to let the spring air in to freshen things up a bit. Clean the window frames of any dust, dirt, or mold that are lurking there.
- Pay Attention to the Attic and Basement – These two spots are prone to mold growth because they are often damp, dark spaces. Check around the baseboards and lower section of each wall for moisture build-up. Clean up and dry any water to prevent the formation of mold. If you see some suspicious areas, call a professional for help to protect your health and safety.
- Do Routine Safety Checks – Test all the smoke and carbon dioxide detectors within your home. If necessary, replace the batteries immediately. Ensure that all exhaust fans are clean and in working order. And if you have a fire extinguisher in your house, make sure it is accessible and that the needle is within the green zone. Don’t have one yet? It’s time to get one.
- Clean the Furnace – Your furnace has worked hard over the last few months to keep you warm. It now deserves a well-earned cleaning of the filter, motor, and blower. If you do not feel confident cleaning the furnace yourself, call in a professional. They will take care of this vital system so that it can continue to serve you.
- Plan Other Upgrades – Spring is the perfect time to install new lighting, appliances, or other necessary items for your home. When planning these updates, you should consider energy-efficient options to help reduce utility costs.
Enjoy a Safe Home This Season
Once you finish your checklist, you will be ready to enjoy the summer. And to be sure your house has the protection it needs, connect with a Lake Region agent today. We offer free insurance quotes and reviews for everything from home to life policies. Call or stop in at one of our Greater Minnesota offices today.