Skip to main content

Spring Home Maintenance Checklist!

The weather is getting warmer, and now is the time for spring home maintenance and repairs; below are some tips to help you prepare for the warmer weather.

  • Turn on hose bibs. Before you turn on your hose bibs, inspect pipes between the hose bib and shut-off valve for signs of frost damage or splits in the pipes. Also check for separated joints. Once you've checked that everything is in good shape, make sure your outside hose bib is turned off, and turn on the shut-off valve inside your home. Your outside hose bib is now ready for use.
  • Inspect your roof. Visually inspect your roof. Extensive damage can be caused when shingles become loose or fall off completely. Look for signs of age such as curling, shrinking, or broken or missing shingles. In order to avoid costly leaks, repair or replace damaged or missing shingles.
  • Inspect air conditioning system and change the filter. Now is the time to have your air conditioning system checked by a licensed HVAC mechanic. A yearly inspection by a professional is recommended.
  • Inspect your deck. Winter weather can be harsh on wood, so look for loose nails and boards. Also, check for rotted boards that need to be fixed or replaced.
  • Inspect window and door screens. Inspect screens for holes and tears. You can purchase a screen repair kit from your local hardware store. Remove storm doors (if removable) and inspect the caulking around the window frame.
  • Clean fireplaces and wood stoves. Remove as many ashes as possible and close your chimney flue. Consult the owner's manual for your wood stove for proper spring cleaning.
  • Inspect and clean gutters and downspouts. Ice that may have formed over the winter in gutters can cause them to pull away from the house as well as break seals in gutter joints and downspout connections. Loose or clogged gutters can allow rain to run over your fascia board, and collect near your foundation causing your basement to leak. Gutter cleaning and other roof maintenance generally require using an extension ladder which can present a potentially dangerous situation. If this is beyond your comfort zone be sure to contact a professional.
  • Check drainage system. Inspect the perimeter of your home looking for signs of settling or voids that would allow rain to run down into your foundation. A properly sloped yard has a minimum of a 5 inch fall from the house to 5 feet out in the yard. This should be true on all sides of your home. This is a minimum condition, the greater the slope, the better your chances of maintaining a dry basement.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

7 Ways to Make Your Home Cozier This Winter Without Spending

As the temperatures continue to drop, we'll all be spending more time indoors. There are countless ways to make your home feel cozier for the winter if you have extra money to spend, but if you're being mindful of your finances after the holidays, here are some ideas to help you do it without spending. Bring Out the Blankets As the temperatures drop, it’s time to bring out all of those extra throw blankets and quilts you have lying around in storage. Drape blankets over your couches, chairs, beds, and ottomans; fill a blanket ladder and display it in the corner of a room; or fold extra blankets and place them in the corner. Sticking to warm textures such as wool where possible will help to make the space feel cozy. Light Candles Lighting some candles around your home is one of the easiest ways to make your space feel cozy, and who doesn’t have a stash of candles sitting around somewhere in their home? Not only will the flickering light add a sense of warmth and charm, but your ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Bathroom Upgrade Options

Whether you're looking for easy, affordable changes or a major renovation, there are many ways to enhance a bathroom environment. Beyond the basics like decorative colour-coordinated accessories to match curtains, mats and towels, enhanced upgrades like a spa-inspired showerhead and a touchless faucet will add personal comfort and convenience. Depending on your budget, a total makeover might include new tiling. If so, consider a few hand-painted accent tiles to make your bathroom truly unique. More spacious projects might include the addition of a two-sink vanity or a soaker tub.  Bidets are also becoming more popular as they become more affordable. If you don't have the room to add a luxurious stand-alone bidet, some newer toiles are dual purposed, while others can be accessorized with an add-on set attachment for a comparable hygienic experience. No matter what your bathroom makeover budget may be, you can achieve a fresh transformation simply by making a creative paint selec...
Post a Comment
Read more

Apps That Make Selling & Moving Easier

You've probably heard the expression, "There's an app for that!" There does seem to be an app for every conceivable task, and real estate is no exception. If you're thinking of selling and moving this year, here is a list of app types to look for:  Maps - Google Maps is the most popular, but there are others. Mapping apps with satellite views are handy for checking out neighbourhoods.  Calendar - You probably use an online calendar. But, when you're moving, it makes sense to have a separate "moving calendar". There are many free calendar apps available.  Project management - There are some easy-to-use apps that help you stay organized during projects, such as getting your home ready for sale.  Mortgage calculator - Most bank websites feature online tools where you can test out scenarios and see how much you would pay each month.  Moving costs -  Most major moving companies, and a few home improvement centres, feature a moving cost calculator on t...
Post a Comment
Read more