Spring is here! Be sure to get out there and live it to the fullest, as it’ll be over before we know it.
Spring is among the most accessible seasons for your homeowner’s to-do list. And that includes completing your regular maintenance checks and balances to help prevent the most common – and also costly – problems from occurring. Take notes and snap pictures of anything you’d like to share with an expert for advice or to help monitor the situation moving forward.
Of course, if you don’t feel comfortable performing some of the summer home maintenance tasks listed below or you don’t have the equipment on hand to complete each section properly, you may want to call in a professional handyperson.
We recommend having an annual home maintenance inspection to ensure you remain informed of any issues that may creep up in your home. After all, addressing issues early is the key to avoiding hefty repair bills!
The following checklist will help you keep your home a safe and healthy place to live this summer and throughout the year.
Spring Checklist:
- Examine basement pipes for condensation or dripping, and take corrective action as necessary (e.g., reduce humidity and/or insulate cold water pipes)
- Check air conditioning systems.
- Inspect the basement floor drain to ensure the trap contains water. Refill with water if necessary.
- If you have a plumbing fixture that isn’t used frequently, such as a laundry tub, spare bathroom sink, tub, or shower stall, briefly run some water to ensure water remains in the trap.
- Deep clean area rugs and carpeting.
- Vacuum bathroom fan covers.
- Disconnect the clothes dryer duct and vacuum lint from the duct, areas surrounding your dryer and inside your dryer’s vent hood.
- Check the security of all guardrails and handrails.
- Test your windows’ ease of use by opening and closing them. Lubricate as required.
- Inspect window putty on the outside of glass panes and replace it if needed.
- Lubricate door hinges and tighten screws as necessary.
- Lubricate garage door hardware and ensure it’s operating correctly.
- Lubricate the automatic garage door opener motor, chain, etc., and adjust the auto-reverse mechanism correctly.
- Check and replace damaged caulking and weather stripping around windows and doorways, including the doorway between the garage and home.
- Inspect electrical service lines for secure attachment where they enter the home and ensure that water isn’t leaking into the house along the electrical conduit.
- Check the exterior wood siding and trim for signs of deterioration. Clean, replace or refinish as necessary.
- Check for and seal any holes in exterior cladding that could be an entry point for tiny pests such as bats, squirrels, and birds.
- Remove any plants that contact or roots that penetrate the siding or brick.
- Safely climb up on the roof or use binoculars to check its general condition, noting any sagging that could indicate structural problems requiring further investigation from the attic. Check the condition of shingles and replace/repair them as necessary. Examine all roof flashing, such as that located at the chimney and roof joints, for any signs of cracking or leaking.
- Sweep chimneys connected to any wood-burning appliance or fireplace and inspect them for problems.
- Check the chimney cap and caulking between the cap and the chimney.
- Repair driveway and walkways as needed.
- Replace or repair damaged steps that pose a safety risk.
Contact PineBreeze Inspections for Your Total Home Inspection in Colorado Springs
A total home inspection is an absolute must for both home buyers and home sellers. Contact PineBreeze Inspections today to book your inspection. We will get back to you right away. Our team is eager to help you through the home-buying journey in Colorado Springs.