Your home was a big investment — of your time, of your effort, and of your hard-earned cash. Take care of it, and that investment should be worth it. In many cases, it may even deliver profits down the line.
If you let that care slide, though? You could lose money in the process.
Want to prevent that and ensure your home’s in tip-top condition for the long haul? Then commit to seasonal maintenance. Here’s a spring maintenance checklist to get you started:
1. Clean out the gutters.
Gutters can easily get clogged in the colder months. Leaves build up, snow and water bog them down, and they can see all kinds of debris and damage in that time frame.
As soon as your last frost has passed, take time to clear your gutters of any remaining debris and leaves. You should also make any repairs that might be necessary — especially around the downspouts. You don’t want spring water building up and damaging your trim or siding.
2. Inspect your roof.
Harsh winter weather can be hard on your roof, causing damage to the shingles, soffits, pipes, and more. If you can, hop on a ladder and do a quick visual inspection from the top rung. You can also use binoculars if you’d prefer.
Look for things like loose or missing shingles or anything that seems damaged or out of place. If you spot something, schedule a professional roof inspection right away — before those April showers roll in.
3. Get an HVAC check-up.
Most of us use our HVAC systems pretty heavily in the winter. If you did too, you’ll want to schedule a check-up with a professional technician before your A/C needs rise. They’ll assess your HVAC unit, inspect the ductwork, and clean up the furnace and compressor, too. This can help your system work more efficiently (and affordably) and help it last longer as well.
4. Turn your sprinkler system back on.
If you had your sprinkler system off for winter, it’s time to turn it back on and schedule your weekly waterings. Before doing so, though, walk your yard and make sure none of the shower heads look broken. You should also test each zone to be sure each one is working properly, and adjust any heads that are spraying in the wrong direction.
5. Clean up the home’s exterior.
Winter weather can do a number of your home’s exterior — particularly any siding that’s visible. Use your garden hose to spray away the dirt and grime that’s visible, and once it’s dry, touch up any areas that have chipped or peeling paint. You can also put sealant on any wood areas (including your deck) to prevent future damage.
6. Check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
You should check these annually, at the very least. Run a test of each unit, and make sure they’re all functioning properly. You may need to replace the batteries if it’s been a while. ‘
If you’re feeling handy, you can also think about upgrading your alarms to smarter versions, many of which connect to your mobile.
Take care of your home, and it will take care of you
Want your home to retain its value and deliver solid profits when you’re ready to sell? Then proper maintenance is key. Need cash to cover a larger repair or upgrade? A cash-out refinance could help. Get in touch to learn more today.
Premier Nationwide Lending is an Equal Housing Opportunity lender. Sponsored by NTFN, Inc. 6201 West Plano Parkway, Suite 100, Plano, TX 75093 | NTFN NMLS 75333.
