Home maintenance follows the seasons. Spring and fall are when you should get familiar with the condition of your house before harsher seasons begin. Use this abbreviated checklist to help you complete common warm-weather inspections and preparations.
Yard
- Rake up any leaves.
- Reseed your lawn.
- Plant your perennials.
- Schedule routine professional lawn care if you don't plan to do it yourself.
- If you'll do your own lawn care, have a small-engine repair company perform a tune-up on your lawnmower.
- Get rid of standing water to prevent mosquitoes.
- Check your outside faucets, plus the sprinkler and irrigation systems.
- Check your driveway and walkway for cracks in the concrete or asphalt.
- Clean and repair screen doors and windows.
- Hire a pest control inspector.
- Hire a certified arborist to inspect trees for signs of illness and to point out potential future problems.
Exterior
- Examine the roof for loose or broken shingles or general damage from winter storms.
- Clean the gutters and downspouts.
- Lubricate the garage door, garage-door opener, chain, and hinges.
- Wash the windows and siding.
Interior
- Check the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Check sinks, showers, and bathtubs for deteriorating caulking.
- Look for leaks around toilets, plus bathroom and kitchen cabinets.
- Have air-conditioning service performed.
- Drain or flush the water heater.
- Clean the fireplace (and inspect the chimney).
Just like routine doctor's visits keep us healthy, keeping tabs on your home can prolong its life and save you money in the long run. For recommendations on home maintenance professionals, contact your Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers agent.
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