Easy Things to Do That Pay Off BigWhen it comes to home maintenance, you’re not the  Energizer bunny. Sound like you?  Zipping off the mortgage check on time isn’t enough. The health of your home depends on routine check-ups – simple, must-do chores to keep your house running like a fine-tuned machine and holding its value. So muster up the motivation and get moving with this basic guide.

    OUTDOORS
     

    Divert water.Gutters do their job best when clean. Check yours for foliage build-up, particularly if trees hover over the roof. The rainy season is a prime time to ensure all drainage areas remain unblocked by leaves and/or debris. Trapped moisture can leave a house susceptible to moss and mildew and cause major damage to your roof and walls. While you’re at it, make sure the downspout is clean and pointing 2-2 ½ feet away from foundation walls.Maintain the roof.

    It’s easy to take for granted the one thing that shields you from the elements. But doing so could cost you unnecessary repair costs. Be diligent about roof maintenance. After the next rainy day, inspect your ceiling for wet spots. Ask a licensed professional to inspect your roof for wear and tear. If the shingles are curling, buckling, or crackling, it’s time to replace the roof.

    Check your paint job.

    Look for chipped, cracked paint along the exterior of your home. The worse thing you can do is leave wood exposed, because that’s when it will begin to rot. Scrape off any failing paint. Sand it down so there are no rough edges, prime the bare wood surface and paint it with a high quality paint product. Don’t wait until siding accumulates too much dirt. Brighten up the house with a good power washing.

    Cut shrubs and trees.

    Trim overgrown trees and hedges away from your home to discourage the growth of mildew and moisture. Branches should be at least 7 feet away from the exterior of your house to prolong the life of your siding and roof. Get rid of out-of-control vines, as they can help crack siding and allow moisture and pests entry into your home.

    Love your lawn.

    Rake up the excess leaves you didn’t get around to last fall. Too many can suffocate your grass and stop it from growing. Pull up weeds, and remove foilage from the lawn, shrubs and any plants. Pull up dead flowers, and replace them with a low-maintenance variety such as pansies, begonias or mums.
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    INDOORS

    Keep the air fresh.

    With warm, sticky days ahead, do yourself a favor and give your air conditioning unit a little TLC. Not only does it cool you down, but an efficient air conditioner removes moisture and humidity from your home, which in excess, can damage its foundation. So if you aren’t changing air filters monthly, start now. A unit free of dust and dirt runs more efficiently, saving you money on your energy bill. While you’re there, check duct connections for leaks. Make sure the condensate and drain pans are draining freely. If you suspect a problem, contact a certified technician.

    Watch windows and doors.

    Investigate all doors and windows for leaks and drafts, particularly near the corners. Look for peeling and chipping paint, which can signal water intrusion. Seal any open areas between the frame and the wall to keep out water, which can deteriorate building materials. Neglecting these tasks can open up potential for environmental hazards like mold growth, experts say.

    Control pests.

    Keep garbage and debris under control around the exterior of your home. Do what you would do inside, and get rid of junk. Check the house for entrances and gaps where mice and insects may be tempted to come through. Seal up cracks, even if you just did so in the winter. Mulching the yard this spring? Use a liner underneath. “It’s good to keep a barrier between your mulch and your home.

    Take a peek at the plumbing.

    Except for a coffee maker, anything dripping in your house is a bad sign. Check for leaking faucets or “sweating” pipes, clogged drains, and faulty water drainage systems. On laundry day, look at the washing machine hoses for bulges, cracks or dampness. Check under the kitchen sink for leaks, and make note of wetness around the dishwasher. Inspect your water heater for leaks and corrosion.

    Tackle the tiles. While you’re in spring-cleaning mode, pay attention to worn grout between floor tiles in the bathroom or kitchen. A small crack in the grout or caulk can lead to an expensive repair later. If necessary, re-seal as soon as possible. For the bath, get into the habit of wiping down shower walls and tub after each use to eliminate soap and scum build-up.

    The bottom line is a message you hear about your automobile time and time again: Preventive maintenance is crucial. Keep your home happy and in tip-top shape with regular check-ups to save you the headache of emergency repairs from season to season.
    Take care of your home and it will take care of you.



    Spring inspection discount
      

    10% off any regular home inspection for    the month of April & May. Let us prepare your urgent spring maintenance list. Just go to our website or click and print this coupon to save a bundle.