Spring is a perfect time to get some home maintenance done. As the weather warms up, the break in winter weather will give you a chance to inspect the outside of your home, repair any damage, and prep for spring rains, new growth, and the heat of the summer months. Here is a quick checklist of tasks our real estate agents recommend doing to maintain your home and yard this spring.

Spring Maintenance for Your Home

• Inspect the Roof and Clean the Gutters
  As winter storms draw to a close, it's time to take a look at your roof and make sure several months of storms haven't damaged the shingles. If you find damage, it's much easier to replace a few shingles now than to try to repair worsening damage to the roof and possibly water damage to the house later on. While you're up there, clean out the gutters and make sure the downspouts aren't clogged. Safety first: If this is beyond your abilities, call in a technician to check everything out for you.
  
  
• Visit the Basement and Attic
  If you haven't been to your basement or attic in a while, now is the time to do so. Check for signs of moisture as that may indicate leaks that need to be addressed in order to protect your investment in your home. Mold or musty odors might also indicate leaks in the foundation or roof that have led to an accumulation of moisture. Also watch for cracks in the basement floor or walls, as well as in the foundation or brick on the outside of the house.
  
  
• Service the Furnace and AC
  Spring is a good time to have an HVAC technician out to service your furnace and AC if you lack the technical abilities to do so yourself. Typically the furnace should be dusted off and checked for proper operation. The AC should also be checked, which includes clearing vegetation and debris around the outdoor unit and thoroughly cleaning the fins inside the unit. Don't forget to replace the furnace filter while you're in there!
  
  
• Check Windows, Doors, and Screens
  Windows and doors can develop leaks as the wood expands and contracts with the seasons. Check inside and outside all windows and doors for signs of leaks. Fresh caulking will easily resolve any leaks and make your home better insulated for the hot months when you'll need to run the air conditioner to keep the interior comfortable. Also check exterior trim around the windows and doors for signs of rotting, which can happen when water gets into the gaps.
  
  
• Assess Exterior Paint
  Winter weather can do a number on the exterior of your house, so now is a good time to check the exterior paint. Check for cracking, peeling, and wear in the paint, as well as any soft spots that might indicate the wood is rotting underneath the paint. Make a list of any trim pieces that need to be replaced, and schedule a time to have the paint touched up or reapplied if you find it's needed.
  
  
• Reseal Your Deck and Other Woodwork
  Your deck and other woodwork, such as your railing and stairs, may need attention too. A wooden deck is a great feature when selling your home, but it does require maintenance and periodic resealing to keep the wood in good condition. Check the wood, look for signs of splintering or rotting, and plan to have it resealed if needed once the weather improves. Damaged pieces will need to be replaced.
  
  
• Run Outside Faucets and Sprinklers
  With spring looming, your landscaping is going to need attention soon. Check all of the outdoor faucets and your sprinkler system to make sure everything works and there aren't any broken lines or compromised pipes. While you're at it, check your hose for winter damage and dry rotting as well. If your irrigation system needs updating, now is a good time to assess how it can better meet your landscaping needs.
  
  
• Prep Your Garden for Spring
  Soon it'll be time to plant, so now is a great time to start prepping your garden. Clear any debris that has accumulated over the winter as well as any mulch or dead plants from last fall, clear space for any perennials you're expecting to come back, and make room for any new plants that will go in. If your landscaping needs sprucing up, for your own enjoyment or to boost your curb appeal before you sell your home, now is a good time to plan any improvements to your yard.

After months of dreary winter and bad weather, nothing is quite as welcome as the beginning of spring. Making sure all your spring maintenance is done frees you up for the fun stuff, such as planning and planting your garden, and helps boost your curb appeal if you're planning on selling your home this year. For more information on how to prep a home for sale, contact us today.