Spring Home Maintenance…Is it really important for me to do specific tasks to maintain the function and condition of my home? The answer is yes! During the course of our busy everyday lives, we often overlook some very important things when it comes to general household maintenance. Aside from being a place to live and raise our families, a home is also an extremely valuable investment. Failure to properly maintain your home can cause damage and downgrade its value. Preventative maintenance not only offers homeowners peace of mind, but it can also point to areas that, if addressed sooner rather than later, can save you money.
Each season presents its own to-do list for homeowners. Following a regular home maintenance schedule is the easiest way to stay on top of this list and ensure you’re protecting your investment.
The following checklist will help guide you in keeping your home a safe and healthy place to live this spring and throughout the coming year.
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- Check and clean or replace furnace air filters each month during the heating season. Ventilation systems, such as heat recovery ventilator filters, should be checked every two months.
- Clean out your gutters. Make sure your gutters are free of debris, such as leaves, twigs and dirt, that can clog them and prevent them from properly draining away water from your roof and away from your home.
- Ensure the sump pump is operating properly before the spring thaw sets in. Be sure the discharge pipe is connected and allows water to drain away from the foundation.
- Check smoke, carbon monoxide and security alarms, and replace batteries.
- Turn OFF gas furnace and fireplace pilot lights where possible.
- Check air conditioning system, clean or replace filter and have it serviced every two to three years.
- Re-level any exterior steps or decking that moved due to frost or settling.
- Examine the foundation walls for cracks, leaks or signs of moisture, and repair as required.
- Clean windows, screens and hardware, and replace storm windows with screens. Check screens and repair or replace as needed.
- Check all fencing. Replace or repair and paint as necessary.
Whether you take care of a few tasks at a time or several all at once, it’s important to get into the habit of completing these checks annually leading up to each season. Reach out to us and we can get you in touch with a licensed home inspector who can come and do an annual home maintenance inspection and make sure all the systems in your home are in tip top shape.
Please do not hesitate to reach out; we are here and always happy to help!
Thank you to our friend and home Inspector Kyle Johnstone for providing some of the information found above!
Kyle Johnstone – Certified Home Inspector
A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections – Calgary & Surrounding Area
c: 403-850-1013
Kyle’s Website