CLEAN GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS
Poor or improper drainage can cause water damage to your home. Check for loose and leaky gutters and ensure downspouts are positioned to drain away from your home's foundation. Clear debris from all gutters and downspouts. [1]
REPLACE FURNACE FILTER
I recommend changing your filter every 90 days. If the air filter is dirty, your indoor air is dirty. A dirty air filter also makes it hard for your AC to do its job. [2]
CLEAN AND REPAIR YOUR SCREENS
Trying to reduce your electric bills this summer? In many parts of the country, you can keep your house cool (at least at night) by opening the windows. Gently scrub on a flat surface with soapy water. Also, patch small holes as needed. [3]
REPAIR CHIPPED AND PEELING PAINT
Over time the paint around the exterior of your home tends to flake and peel away. When that happens, it leaves bare wood exposed. Typically, you see this around the exterior trim of windows and doors. Prepping the surface correctly and repainting the areas can help protect the woods from being exposed to the outside elements and save it from being damaged or rotting. By repairing and or repainting these areas this spring you can also brighten these areas up by making them look new again. Repairing chipping and peeling paint also can help eliminate bank appraisal issues. One of the most common bank appraisal issues is chipped and peeled paint. [4]
CHECK OUTSIDE FAUCETS
Check outside hose faucets for freeze damage. Turn the water on and place your thumb or finger over the opening. If you can stop the flow of water, it is likely the pipe inside the home is damaged and will need to be replaced. While you're at it, check the garden hose for dry rot. [5]
[1] American Home Shield Editorial Team. "6 Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Home Humming This Spring." American Home Shield, 5 January 2021, www.ahs.com/home-matters/repair-maintenance/six-maintenance-tips-to-keep-your-home-humming-this-spring/
[2] Holmes, Mike. "Spring Home Maintenance Checklist." Make It Right, 5 January 2021, www.makeitright.ca/holmes-advice/home-safety-maintenance/spring-home-maintenance-checklist/
[3] Foreman, Gary. "15 Spring Home Maintenance Tips." US News, 5 January 2021, www.money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/slideshows/15-spring-home-maintenance-tips?slide=7
[4] Hiscock, Kyle. "16 Spring Home Maintenance Tips for Your Home." Rochester Real Estate, 5 January 2021, www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/16-spring-home-maintenance-tips/
[5] Home and Garden TV Editorial Team. "15 Home Maintenance Tips for Spring." Home and Garden TV, 5 January 2021, www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/clean-and-organize/10-home-maintenance-tips-for-spring-pictures