Spring home maintenance

As days get longer and nights get warmer, it's the time to start preparing your home for the spring months and melting snow.

Starting early can help you capture money saving benefits!

I suggest taking a lap around your home, this is something I typically do in the Fall and Spring. Checking for damage or places that need attention.

Exterior

Hook up a hose for your exterior sump pump discharge, getting water away from your home will help keep your foundation from cracking and shifting.

TIP: I know you're sick of shoveling, for as much snow as we got this winter removing thick snow close to your foundation will help further avoid cracking an shifting of the foundation.

This is the time of year bugs find their way back, spraying bug spray outside the windows and doors can be a good way to keep some spiders and boxelder bugs away.

Service air conditioning unit.

Inspect your yard for wet spots and install catch basins, channel drain or pop-up emitters.

Inspect window screens for hole, replace/patch if needed.

Now that all the ice dams have melted from your gutters, it's time to clean out all the debris! This will help prevent water buildup or other blockages that can cause leaks and damage to your home. Also, this is a good time to inspect your gutters for rust or wear spots that can cause moisture to enter your home.

Treat your roof for moss before it starts raining too much.

This is something have recently learned about and have never actually seen myself, but disconnect and empty your rain barrels first so you don’t get moss treatment in your collected water.

Wash your patio or deck before bringing furniture back out. I know my deck has a few uncovered dog toys and dog hair on it. Re-stain or seal your deck if needed, inspect for loose or warped boards, and for loose pavers.

Wash and inspect the exterior of your home and driveway. (Brick, siding, driveway, walkways)

Inspect fencing for any needed repairs.

Touch up exterior paint.

Inspect your sprinkler system, making sure any lines didn't burst during the winter.

Re-caulk windows and doors as needed.

Plants and landscaping.

• If your potted houseplants were stuck inside for the winter they might enjoy the fresh air as much as you!

• Assess your trees and decide if any need to be cut back after heavy snow hanging on them all winter (especially ones hanging over the house and power lines). TIP: If you have trees near power lines, your power company may cut them back for free.

• Remove plants that did not survive the winter and clean up your garden.

• Prune trees and bushes to grow healthy.

• Seed the lawn.

• Check for proper grading around house, add mulch or dirt where is needed.

Outdoor cleaning checklist before cold months hit.

• Clean the grill.

• Test start battery powered lawn care equipment and clean out the mower if you didn't get around to it before storing.

• Hose down air conditioner vents outside of the house.

• Cleaning up leaves from the yard. Remove any leaves and debris from the drains in front of your house, including any storm drains.

• Remove debris from basement window wells and re-cover them.

• Re-arrange and clean the garage. I always move the winter stuff towards the back for and spring necessities to the front for accessibility.

• If you have a hottub or pool you didn't use during the winter, clean and service it.

Interior

Test your sump pump and look for signs of moisture. I always suggest buying a backup sump pump and having them both hooked up in case one fails.

TIP: Check your basement for damp areas after rain)

Set up a battery backup for the sump pump.

Check for leaks around windows and doors. Many leaks can be fixed with weather stripping, caulk, foam strips or expanding foam spray. You can also use plastic on your windows. TIP: To check for leaks hold a lighter up close to doors and windows on a windy day to see if it flickers.

I also suggest re-caulking around your countertops and bathtubs as needed.

Flush and run water in unused bathrooms.

Change out your furnace filter.

TIP: This time of year could be a good time to flush your water heater.

If you didn't use your chimney all winter, I highly suggest cleaning it before using it this spring!

Check your detectors. ex. smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Spray a little powdered-graphite lubricant into each door lock (where the key goes), then turn the key in the lock. The powder (sold at hardware stores) lubricates the pins inside the lock to prevent sticking. Do this once a season. It helps prevent door locks from freezing.

Top off your fuel tank.

Reverse your ceiling fans.

If your septic hasn't been cleaned out in awhile, this is a good time of year to have it serviced and cleaned.

This time of year is known for Spring cleaning:

• Clean and dust the spots you've been avoiding or often forget about like me. (tall ceiling fans, tops of cabinets, inside cabinets, window frames, blinds, trim/molding, hand rails)

• Steam clean carpets and rugs.

• Deep clean your kitchen appliances including, stovetop, oven, microwave, and dishwasher.

• Switch fans to clockwise.

• Clean underneath major appliances.

• Clean your garbage disposal. (lemon, vinegar and baking soda work well!)

• This is a perfect time to clean out your closets and have a garage sale or donate!

• Freshen up your mattresses with baking soda and a vacuum cleaner.

• If you didn't this winter, wash your comforters and pillows.

• Clean drains in sinks, tubs, showers, and dishwashers.

Happy Spring!

It might seem like a long list, but I promise it's worth it! It will help in preventing future damage and help you save money!!