As a homeowner, you’ll need to carry out maintenance whether you plan to sell your home or live in it for many years. This can preserve the property’s value and help you avoid large and costly repairs down the line.
Here are some year-round maintenance tips:
Spring
-
1. Inspect the home’s exterior
Check for peeling paint, holes in bricks, or damaged siding and make repairs as needed. If there are cracks in the foundation, silicone or caulk should do the trick.
Inspect your exterior drainage to see if rain water is moving away from the house or towards the foundation. In case of the latter, check the gutters for a loose connection or bad spout. They may also be due for cleaning. Conversely, you can grade the area around your home with dirt or get professionals to raise the pavement so it drains away from the property.
2. Check trees, shrubs, and dead plants
If your trees are interfering with electric lines, have them trimmed. Clear away dead plants and shrubs that you weren’t able to get rid of during the fall because they can find their way into the cracks and holes of the exterior. Likewise, if you have ornamental vines on your home’s exterior, prune them regularly.
Summer
-
1. Address insect problems
Moths, spiders, ants, and similar pests are common and fairly easy to take care of. Get rid of cobwebs and keep ant poison on hand. If termites are a problem in your area, have your home inspected immediately by a pest control expert. Eliminating termites early on will keep a full-blown infestation from taking place.
2. Re-grout kitchen and bathrooms, if needed
Grout keeps tiles locked in and prevents water from passing through. It also gives the walls and floors a finished look. But grout can get stained, cracked, or fall out, in which case you should have it renewed or replaced altogether.
Fall
-
1. Get your heating system ready for winter
Check windows and doors for leaks, and make sure that heating vents are open and unobstructed by furniture. You should also have your furnace inspected and serviced every year. As with air-conditioning units, this type of preventive maintenance helps you avoid larger costs.
2. Have your chimney cleaned
If you have a chimney, have it cleaned and inspected at least once a year. Some homeowners get this done during the spring, while others prefer the fall. Blockages, poor ventilation, smoke leaks, insufficient draw, and tar buildup are just some of the issues to look out for.
Winter
-
1. Check for ice dams and icicles
Be careful not to let icicles grow. They pose a real danger to people who stand or pass underneath them. They can also get heavy, causing damage to your home. When they melt, they can cause water damage to the foundation.
2. Inspect all your locks and deadbolts
Changes in temperature can affect locks and deadbolt. During the winter, homeowners often find it difficult to turn their keys in deadbolt locks. Door frames also tend to contract when temperatures drop, and the poor fit between the door and the lock can cause issues.
These are just some of the things you can do to keep your home in excellent shape throughout the year. Nipping problems in the bud will prevent large-scale damage and help you avoid expensive repairs.