Ahhhh.. Spring. We’ve endured another long winter in Bruce County and now spring is finally here. The snow is melting, the robins have returned and we are starting to spend some time outdoors. Spring is also a great time to complete necessary home maintenance. Let’s face it, we enjoy summer in Bruce County too much to be busy completing home repairs. Get busy on the following spring maintenance items now so you can relax this summer!
Exterior:
- Get the ladder out and clean out your eaves trough. Leaves, dirt and debris tend to accumulate over the winter months in your gutters which will block the downspouts once the spring rains arrive. You want your gutters running freely to take water away from your house. Make sure all your downspouts are still attached and pointing away from your house and water runs through them freely.
- While you’re on your ladder, take a walk on your roof. Make sure the winter winds have not damaged your shingles or blown them off. If you find missing shingles replace them right away.
- If you have a chimney, check for any damage.
- Don’t put the ladder away yet: inspect the caulking around your windows to make sure none of it has peeled off and all is intact, also check that there is no peeling paint on your trim.
- Look at all your siding, brick or hardboard exterior to ensure that there is no cracks or damage.
- If you have trees close to the house, inspect them to make sure there are no large overhanging limbs that have started to break off and could potentially fall on your home.
- Walk around your home and inspect your foundation. Look for cracks, mortar falling out or any other obvious damage.
- Spring cleaning! If you have a dog, chances are you have neglected to clean up the lawn during the winter months. Now is the best time to tackle that task (not too cold – not warm enough to melt it). You should also clean your driveway, decks, stairs etc of the salt residues.
- Test all your ground fault circuit interrupters (GFI Outlets) to make sure they are in working condition.
- Take down the Christmas lights. No, you shouldn’t leave them up all year – not just because your neighbours will make fun of you, but because the casing on the lights cannot withstand the harsh UV rays of the summer sun. The plastic will eventually break down, leaving you with non-working lights in the fall – which you will have to take down and replace anyway.
- Check your laundry lines. You may need to tighten them up.
Interior:
- It’s always a good idea to let the changing seasons dictate certain maintenance tasks such as replacing batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, checking fire extinguishers, replacing furnace filters, and cleaning out dryer vents. Do this with every changing season and keep your family safe.
- Look for any water penetration in your basement. If you detect a mildew smell, you may have a water leak. Fix it immediately before you end up with a mold issue.
- Check your attic for water damage and make sure there is no local wildlife taking up residence.
Air out the house, let the sunshine in and enjoy this time of the year. You earned it!
Looking for more tips for Spring? You may in interested in one of these articles: Tips to Sell your Home in the Spring, When does the Spring Market Start?
Looking to chat with the Saugeen Team, Century 21 In-Studio Realty Inc? Contact Us!