Spring is a fantastic time of year when days get longer, nights get warmer and the colors of everything seem to become inherently brighter. Unfortunately this is also the time of year when many problems can become evident around the home, and if you don’t perform these spring maintenance tips promptly, you may be in for a summer full of agony and distress as your house falls apart around you. Since nobody wants that scenario, use the following list to make sure that your house is ready to shield you from the elements for another year.
The first thing that you want to do is take a walk around your property and keep an eye out for the following things:
- Look for trees and tree branches around your house that look weak or diseased, as these could come down in a storm or sudden gust of wind and damage your house, car or a utility wire. Any trees that are too close to wires should be dealt with immediately, if you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself call professionals!
- Look for holes or cracks around your house that may allow rodents or other pests inside. Also stay on the look out for tell tale signs of termites, roaches, or problematic ants.
- Check fences, decks, railings, and even swimming pool or play structures for loose, rotten or unstable pieces (planks, tiles and even rocks). All of these things should be watched for throughout the rest of the year and fixed as noticed.
- Look for anything else that looks suspicious or out of place, if you are even slightly hesitant, call a professional to come and take a look.
Once your yard and exterior premises are safe, move to the indoors and start checking the inside of your house.
- The main areas of maintenance/inspection for the interior are major appliances such as ovens, refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers and even smaller appliances such as microwaves. They should be cleaned out and inspected thoroughly. Look for frayed cords, broken pieces and buttons or lights that don’t work on each appliance.
- Specifically clean dryer exhaust hose and vents, check/replace air filters, check fans (screens, outlets and such),the refrigerator and freezer coils (under or at the back of the appliance), and finally all areas where cords of any appliance attach to a plug head (often the first area to show bear wire, which is dangerous).
- Finally inspect all walls, and roofs for signs of water or mold, both are possible signs of larger problems that should be dealt with as soon as possible!
The maintenance of your house is important to keep you and your family safe. By following these steps, you can make sure that your house is in tip-top shape and as ready for summer as you are!
